SG-1000 games, US SMS

[369WIERDO369]

So, I searched around on the forums here, and on the web, but I can't seem to find a clear answer. Or maybe I'm just an idiot. Who knows?
In any case..
I've pretty much figured out you can't play Japanese cartridge games on an American SMS.
But what about Japanese card-based games?
SG-1000 games?

All help is appreciated, and sorry if this has been answered a dozen times already.

[Greg2600]

Nope, different slots. Most SG-1000 roms work on a US SMS though, as well as Game Gear, with slightly off colors, on something like the Master Everdrive or the Game Gear Everdrive.

[theclaw]

I think those flash carts get around some kind of BIOS difference. I'd heard Genesis with a converter doesn't do that. Making Japanese card-based games with the compatible VDP mode run there.

If you're curious, yes. It is true even CDX retains SMS support. Despite being less than half the total physical size of an SMS2. A modded Nomad will too but that's horribly unwieldy...

[369WIERDO369]

Nope, different slots. Most SG-1000 roms work on a US SMS though, as well as Game Gear, with slightly off colors, on something like the Master Everdrive or the Game Gear Everdrive.


Would the Master Everdrive work on the Game Gear through the Mastergear Converter, as well?

[SparTonberry]

It's because the BIOS in US and PAL Master Systems checks for a valid header in the ROM when deciding whether to run a cart or card. Without a valid header, the console will think the slot is empty.
Japanese games (both SG-1000 and Mark III) don't have that requirement (and thus won't have a valid header), so most/all games will fail that check on western consoles.

[Greg2600]

Would the Master Everdrive work on the Game Gear through the Mastergear Converter, as well?
Yes, although most people's GG's (including mine) have terrible screens. SG-1000 will never work on any Genesis/MD because they all lack the Video mode needed. Several SMS games don't either. However, some SMS roms will work on a Genesis that wouldn't work on a NTSC SMS, because they are really PAL roms. As for bios, yes, there is a bios header that is applied for SG-1000 so they will work outside Japan. But again, that's only possible on a SMS not a Genesis.

One thing to realize about SG-1000 is the library is very small, and really hardly any of the games are so good as to warrant going crazy to get a flash card or a Japanese SMS for. I bought the Master Everdrive merely because I wanted to play more of the SMS games on my SMS than I could realistically buy. Several games are very rare and/or expensive, like say OutRun 3D, and I have the glasses.

[theclaw]

It's because the BIOS in US and PAL Master Systems checks for a valid header in the ROM when deciding whether to run a cart or card. Without a valid header, the console will think the slot is empty.
Japanese games (both SG-1000 and Mark III) don't have that requirement (and thus won't have a valid header), so most/all games will fail that check on western consoles.

Lack of interest is another factor. We already know about a BIOS disable mod. So the main barrier for carts is an SG-1000 pin adapter. Which I've myself never seen attempted in any way or form, successful or otherwise. Only idle discussion. Nothing that's lead to the key step of soldering components to a PCB. Most people understandably suggest labor-free alternatives like buying the JP SMS.

Not me. I haven't given up yet. I'd like to find out in practice whether the pin adapter idea will work. Best way will be to actually do it. I'm in the process of ordering parts, sorting out base schematics (someone more skilled may have to finalize them), trying to convince modders to take my money... Today bought a 44-pin slot (346-044-520-202 EDAC) to get started. Likely also need a test JP game, and donor US board/shell.

[blue lander]

I built an sg-1000 to sms adapter, but I didn't get it to work. I barely tested it before I lost interest, though, so you might have better luck than I did. I might have miswired it, the sms and sg-1000 pinouts don't match up exactly. I had just finished adding a multibios and fm sound chip, so I didn't feel like messing with the stupid thing anymore. Good luck!

[theclaw]

I built an sg-1000 to sms adapter, but I didn't get it to work. I barely tested it before I lost interest, though, so you might have better luck than I did. I might have miswired it, the sms and sg-1000 pinouts don't match up exactly. I had just finished adding a multibios and fm sound chip, so I didn't feel like messing with the stupid thing anymore. Good luck!

oh? as far as I could tell there's only been discussion, not an actual prototype built. i'm not technically inclined enough to benefit much myself from research notes or anything though...

[buzz_n64]

Master System / MarkIII Converter for Genesis / MegaDrive
http://www.tototek.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=74

I bought this Genesis to SMS/Mark III adapter, tried it on a Genesis clone system (even though I have official ones) and it worked on a couple Mark III games I had, and on one it didn't. Might also work on Mark I games.

[theclaw]

Master System / MarkIII Converter for Genesis / MegaDrive
http://www.tototek.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=74

I bought this Genesis to SMS/Mark III adapter, tried it on a Genesis clone system (even though I have official ones) and it worked on a couple Mark III games I had, and on one it didn't. Might also work on Mark I games.

Well that doesn't work for SG-1000. Genesis lacks the video hardware and wouldn't display anything.

[blue lander]

oh? as far as I could tell there's only been discussion, not an actual prototype built. i'm not technically inclined enough to benefit much myself from research notes or anything though...

I think some Brazilians have made adapters successfully, there's no technical reason why it shouldn't work. It's just a matter of doing it. I might just get that SG-1000 to Genesis adapter though and call it a day. I wonder if it plays the FM music on games like Phantasy Star...

[theclaw]

No. Genesis has a different sound chip than Mark III's FM add on

[Koa Zo]

I might just get that SG-1000 to Genesis adapter

no such thing exists

[theclaw]

no such thing exists

Hence why my prototyping an sg-1000 to master system adapter is more important than people give credit. :)