Differences between Genesis models: Which one is the best?

[Retro Pro]

I currently have the Genesis 3, which is said to have numerous incompatibilities and from firsthand experience definitely doesn't work with the Power Base Converter that lets you play SMS games on the Genesis.

I will eventually take the plunge and get either a Genesis 1 or 2. What are the pros and cons of each, and which model is ultimately the best?

[Dire 51]

I'd say if you want to use a PBC, go with a Model 1. The PBC doesn't work with a Model 2 if I remember correctly - plus the Model 1 has that nifty little headphone jack.

[ubersaurus]

I like the cdx, if you can get it. Barring that, model 1 is nice. Both have headphone jacks and can use the power base convertor.

[FABombjoy]

I'll take the original-original version 1 console, the one without the license screen. Plays everything, and looks the best with s-video. Not as easy to find, tho (out of the 10,000 Genesis units that I have, only 2 are that version).

[eolsen]

Yeah the first is the best, but if you buy a CD adapter make sure the extra piece comes with it or the model 1 won't mount correctly

[Ed Oscuro]

I've heard there's a Power Base Converter 2, which is what you should get if you're using a Genesis 2. I've got an original Power Base Converter, myself - no Genesis though :o

[Retro Pro]

The Genesis 1 without the license screen would be great to have (since that's what I originally had and grew up with), but how can I guarantee that I'll be getting one of those and not one of the later Gen 1 models w/ the screen?

[Pantechnicon]

I've got all three, and I have to give my nod to the Model I. It gives you the most versatility with respect to all the Genny hardware peripherals PBC to 32X. I never really paid attention to whether mine's got a license screen or not (probably does), but I can't imagine where a license screen makes that much difference.

One caveat I would offer is that if you find a model I - license screen or no - make sure it comes with the correct power supply. While using the same voltage os the II or III, the power connector for the I is slightly smaller than its successors. Make sure it fits before you run off with it.

Lastly, don't trade away your III. They're pretty popular in my neck of the woods and rather handy when you want to take some plain Genesis goodness on the road with you. You can even power it off the original battery pack for Game Gear. Now how cool is that? :D

[Jasoco]

That's a good question.

I bought my Genesis 1 in June and it has the screen.

What model numbers have no screen?

[Pantechnicon]

I've got all three, and I have to give my nod to the Model I. It gives you the most versatility with respect to all the Genny hardware peripherals PBC to 32X. I never really paid attention to whether mine's got a license screen or not (probably does), but I can't imagine where a license screen makes that much difference.

One caveat I would offer is that if you find a model I - license screen or no - make sure it comes with the correct power supply. While using the same voltage os the II or III, the power connector for the I is slightly smaller than its successors. Make sure it fits before you run off with it.

Lastly, don't trade away your III. They're pretty popular in my neck of the woods and rather handy when you want to take some plain Genesis goodness on the road with you. You can even power it off the original battery pack for Game Gear. Now how cool is that? :D

[Jasoco]

You double posted and surrounded my post!

Now no one will see my question! :( ;)

How do you tell License Screen Genny 1's from Non License Screen Genny 1's?

[SoulBlazer]

I think it depends if you plan to have a CD drive or 32X hooked up with your Genesis. When I got my bundle last year, I wanted all three, so I got the Model 2 with the Model 2 CD and 32X. Now, if I did'nt want the 32X I would have gone either Model 2/Model 2 or Model 1/Model 1. I guess the CDX and the JVC X-Eye is the best to get, if you're REALLY serious, but those are quite expensive. And I never had any problems with my Gen 2 (shrug)

[goatdan]

The Genesis 1 without the license screen would be great to have (since that's what I originally had and grew up with), but how can I guarantee that I'll be getting one of those and not one of the later Gen 1 models w/ the screen?

Buy it from a place that tests them first... like the GOAT Store, LLC ;)

PM me and I'll hook you up with a deal!

[goatdan]

You double posted and surrounded my post!

Now no one will see my question! :( ;)

How do you tell License Screen Genny 1's from Non License Screen Genny 1's?

The best way (honestly) is to power it up and see what the first thing that pops on screen is. If there is no message about the software being licensed by Sega, it's the first version.

[Jasoco]

You double posted and surrounded my post!

Now no one will see my question! :( ;)

How do you tell License Screen Genny 1's from Non License Screen Genny 1's?

The best way (honestly) is to power it up and see what the first thing that pops on screen is. If there is no message about the software being licensed by Sega, it's the first version.What about Model Number? Mine's a "1601". And it does have the screen.

[Ze_ro]

I saw in another thread, people talking about different models of video chips in certain Genesis' that produced different quality outputs. Can anyone elaborate on this? Aside from doing an RGB mod, Is the difference noticable? I don't suppose there would be any way to tell which chip you're getting without opening the system.

--Zero

[Jasoco]

I saw in another thread, people talking about different models of video chips in certain Genesis' that produced different quality outputs. Can anyone elaborate on this? Aside from doing an RGB mod, Is the difference noticable? I don't suppose there would be any way to tell which chip you're getting without opening the system.

--ZeroHmm. Weird. I would have thought they'd do different model numbers. Whatever. I have no imports to play or mods to do so it doesn't phase me. Except for the 3 seconds of my life I lose every time it starts up. ;)

[goatdan]

I saw in another thread, people talking about different models of video chips in certain Genesis' that produced different quality outputs. Can anyone elaborate on this? Aside from doing an RGB mod, Is the difference noticable? I don't suppose there would be any way to tell which chip you're getting without opening the system.

--ZeroHmm. Weird. I would have thought they'd do different model numbers. Whatever. I have no imports to play or mods to do so it doesn't phase me. Except for the 3 seconds of my life I lose every time it starts up. ;)

And if you ever want to play some of the original Accolade and EA (I think?) games. Some are incompatible. There was a huge court case about this actually, that Sega lost to Accolade. Wrote a huge report on it for a final.

[NEOFREAK9189]

I have the JVC X-Eye and 32x combo 8-) also the JVC X-Eye play cdr copy

[FABombjoy]

The best way to tell the difference between lockout/non-lockout is to power them up. The only candidate Genesis units will be the ones that say "16 Bit Graphics" at the top and have the D9 connector on the back. We'd have to create a serial number registry if we want to make this a more exact science.


And if you ever want to play some of the original Accolade and EA (I think?) games. Some are incompatible.

I remember that after the changeover, people complained that Budokan and a few other EA games didn't work. Myself, I don't have enough early EA games to test this.


Can anyone elaborate on this? Aside from doing an RGB mod, Is the difference noticable?

The Genesis natively outputs RGB, no mod necessary. You'll have to make your own cable to use it (if anybody can find a non-SCART RGB cable, please post).

The original model seems to produce better output when modded for s-video.


While using the same voltage os the II or III, the power connector for the I is slightly smaller than its successors.

Slightly larger, actually. The significant difference is that the v1 supply is opposite polarity of the others. The correct P/S# for the v1 is 1602 (also used with both versions of Sega CD). P/S for Gen v2/3/32x/Nomad/Game Gear is MK-2103. Actually, the Genesis 3 came with it's own tiny little supply, the MK-1479, a 300mA version of the 2103 which should only be used with the Gen 3.

[MarkM2112]

And if you ever want to play some of the original Accolade and EA (I think?) games. Some are incompatible.

I remember that after the changeover, people complained that Budokan and a few other EA games didn't work. Myself, I don't have enough early EA games to test this.


Actually, you CAN get around this by hooking up the game through a Game Genie... I have tried this, and it works fine...