Play Wonder Boy in Monsterland in Japanese code

[Raccoon Lad]

While creating a Sega Master System codes database, I noticed many websites and even the DP guide list that Wonder Boy in Monster Land has a code that lets you play the game in Japanese. I am almost CERTAIN that this code does not work.
The code is as follows:
"To play the Japanese version of the game, before you turn on the power, hold buttons 1+2 and the little black button in the middle of the D pad and turn on the power. If done correctly, when the game comes on, you should see the words "Sega Mark III" and the game will be in Japanese."

First off, neither of the 2 styles of SMS controllers I own have a "little black button on them. I've tried this code many times, and even disassembled a controll pad so I could make certain I was holding down all 4 directional buttons at the same time.

My copy of the game is the "super Wonder Boy, Super Monster World" misprint copy. I don't know, maybe it just dosent work on that version?
There's lots of fake, or badly written SMS codes online. Is this one of them?

Has ANYONE ever gotten this code to work?

[rbudrick]

I think you're right about many sms codes being false. There's a hidden level for Quartet that is all over the code sites, but it never works.

-Rob

[Tempest]

Nope that's a false code. The little black button in the middle of your pad that they're talking about is just a plug that was put into a hole where the optional screw in joysticks used to go. They took those out after the initial SMS run (something about retarded children choaking on them), and put plugs in the remaining pads until they ran out and made new ones minus the holes.

There is a way to get some SMS games to play in Japanese, but I think it involves "frying" the system like a 2600. I saw a FAQ on this somewhere, I'll try and dig it up for you. I think you can also make a switch of some type.

Tempest

[CrazyImpmon]

Actually it's easier to get SMS to boot up in japanese mode. The console checks $3E (I think) for country code, and $3E also happens to be the controller port. Specifically the pin used for light gun trigger. If you tie that pin to ground it should boot up as Sega Mark III (USA has no connection and the pin floats at 5v)

I'll have to check that but it can be done via controller port.

[Lady Jaye]

Another way, but one that doesn't involve modifying your SMS is through emulation. I once accidently switched my SMS emulator to Japan and ended up playing the Japanese version of Wonderboy (harder than the US version: there are wasps in the very first level). Since it's within the same rom, I concluded that both the Mark III and SMS versions of the game were contained within the same cart.

[Raccoon Lad]

Yeah, most SMS games do have the Japanese and US/UK versions inside them, here's a page that lists most of the ones that are like this: http://www.oriole.net/~rworne/sms/sms_oddities.txt
For a thread that started about a simple code, this is starting to get interesting.

[Raccoon Lad]

*BUMP*

Anyone else ever tried this code, or have knowledge of switching the system to Mark III mode?