Changing a Genesis Model 1 Region

[link1110]

Ok, I have am extra genesis and I can't solder, so I'd like to know if it's easier to just completely change the region altogether than installing a switch. How easy is it?

[MarioMania]

Nope, You still need to solder

[Lanzo]

Model 1's are very easy to mod. You could just change the region by cutting one trace and soldering two points together but you might as well just do a switch. For English and Japanese and 50/60 hz you really just need six wires and two switches. I suck at soldering too but this mod is very easy.

[InsaneDavid]

For English and Japanese and 50/60 hz you really just need six wires and two switches.

And you'll need to widen the cartridge slot to accommodate Japanese Mega Drive cartridges.

[recorderdude]

or you can just buy a game genie and copy down some region-opener codes, though you would have to do that EVERY time you boot an other-region game, and there's not codes on the net for every single one (though there are for most popular imports)

[Steve W]

Can't you just use a cartridge converter to use Japanese carts on a US machine? That's what I do.

[Gameguy]

Can't you just use a cartridge converter to use Japanese carts on a US machine? That's what I do.
Usually this is the most expensive way to do it, I would use a converter cart myself if I could find one for a good price(I have a Game Genie). Unless you're using one of those basic HoneyBee converters, these only work if the games don't have any region locking.

[Steve W]

Usually this is the most expensive way to do it, I would use a converter cart myself if I could find one for a good price(I have a Game Genie).

Really? I've had a couple of them over the years, never paid more than a dollar for one. The first one I bought in a thrift for 65¢, the second one I picked up from a $1 box at the Oklahoma Video Game Expo. I kind of assumed that they were a little more common than they turn out to be. Turns out I've just been lucky.