View Full Version : SMS Console or PBC? Or does it matter?
Alex Kidd
03-19-2003, 10:54 AM
I just read that the Power Base Converter when connected to the Genesis gives a clearer image than using just a standard SMS Power Base. Is this true?
I would think not because either way the data is being sent thru the same A/V or RF unit (exact same!!!). But then maybe a little processing power from the Genesis DOES help beef it up...
I don't know... which is why I asked!
Alex Kidd
Achika
03-19-2003, 11:01 AM
Ask someone for a list, but I believe certain cartridge and card games don't work on it.
Alex Kidd
03-19-2003, 11:11 AM
I know that a few games don't work on it (F-16 Fighter jumps to mind).
I already have a standard Power Base and a Genny 1, so I saw no need to get a PBC, but if this IS true, then maybe I will look for one...
One other off note about SMS/Genny compatibility: (hey this is MY thread I'll hijack it if want!)
Alien Syndrome can NOT be played with a Genesis controller. It just won't work. Why??? anyone know?
AND one other even ODDER note: The Genny 6 Button pad had a Mode button for some "older" games that are "incompatiable" with it... aside from from Alien Syndrome it works fine on all SMS titles I've tried... and they're even OLDER... so it's not age, just actaul game programming. So what is it with some games needing the mode button?
Alex Kidd
wberdan
03-19-2003, 12:10 PM
penguin land doesnt work as i remember... perhaps its just the genesis controller...
i dont think the picture or sound quality is any better playing through the PBC
willie
Bratwurst
03-19-2003, 12:15 PM
It is just the Genesis controller. The programming in certain SMS games (Wonder Boy II, etc) doesn't expect the excess information the extra buttons are sending, so it goes haywire. The solution is as easy as using a regular SMS pad.
Alex Kidd
03-19-2003, 12:24 PM
Yeah, but I HATE the SMS control pad, I've gotten rusty with the Control Stick, tho it IS what I use for Alien Syndrome.
It's weird, I can use an NES control pad, which is damn near Identical to the SMS one, but I just can't use the SMS one. I'm always pushing the diagonals.
Actually, even to use a 3 Button Genesis controller I have trouble with the digaonals a bit after getting used to the slickness of the 6 Button pad.
Alex Kidd
Arqueologia_Digital
03-19-2003, 12:42 PM
Yeah, but I HATE the SMS control pad, I've gotten rusty with the Control Stick, tho it IS what I use for Alien Syndrome.
It's weird, I can use an NES control pad, which is damn near Identical to the SMS one, but I just can't use the SMS one. I'm always pushing the diagonals.
Actually, even to use a 3 Button Genesis controller I have trouble with the digaonals a bit after getting used to the slickness of the 6 Button pad.
Alex Kidd
Well, i really prefer the SMS pad instead of NES pad...the first itīs more confortable...
Raccoon Lad
03-19-2003, 01:12 PM
Greetings true believers, Raccoon Lad - the Master System maniac is in the house.
There is no difference in the video quality between the SMS and the PBC. Whoever stated there was a difference was probably playing their Genesis with the A/V connector, and using the SMS with the RF cord.
All SMS games (exept f-16) work on a power base converter, but some only with a SMS pad.
As for the handfull of games that don't work with the Genesis controlers, here's what I did to solve that problem: I took a Genesis Arcade Power Stick (my favorite joystick) and I cut the wire that goes to pin 7 on the controller plug(grey wire if I remember correctly). This solves the genesis/SMS controller incompatibility issues. I then connected a wire between 2 jumpers in the controller (jumpers 14, or 15, and another one, which i forget, but it's easy enough to figure out) which allowed me to use button A as a secondary button 2. Which is great for games that you think would play better if the buttons were switched. I've been thinking about adding a switch to switch between SMS and Genesis mode for the stick, but i can't find any switches small enough, and my radio shack carrys NOTHING anymore, but I digress.
CrazyImpmon
03-19-2003, 04:47 PM
There is a manual that came with PBC that listed a few games that requires regular Sega pad to work. I can't remember where i left the manual (probably still in the PBC box) but Shanghai is one more game that absolutely need SMS pad.
F-16 is the only game that won't work at all because it required legacy video support that Genesis doesn't have. PBC doesn't do anything with the video, it's just a pass through adapter port with a pause button added.
Alex Kidd
03-19-2003, 06:21 PM
Cool idea there raccon, about the switching system. All you need to then is hot wire the pause button to the stick!
I always wanted an arcade power stick, even when I Onlyl had my Master System, I thought the Genesis one looked so cool.
Did they make one with 6 buttons?
I could just do an eBay search for one, but m'eh.
Alex Kidd
HaggarCodyGuy123
03-20-2003, 03:31 AM
If you want to play all SMS games with a 3 or 6 button Genesis controller without modifying the controller there is another way. Either hook up the Power Base Converter to a Japanese Mega Drive or modify a Genesis console with a Japanese language mod and then hook up a Power Base Converter. This will allow you to play those uncontrollable games with a standard Genesis 3 or 6 button controller. The one drawback is that some games will be harder to play because it will be Japanese (like Wonder Boy in Monster Land).
ManekiNeko
03-20-2003, 06:12 PM
Of course, we can't forget about another major determining factor in this purchase... Snail Maze! I don't think Snail Maze is on the Power Base Convertor, although feel free to correct me if I'm wrong about that.
JR
POST 37!
Raccoon Lad
03-20-2003, 07:45 PM
Nope, no Snail Maze or Sega Master System startup screen on the PBC.
anagrama
03-21-2003, 08:31 AM
I always wanted an arcade power stick, even when I Onlyl had my Master System, I thought the Genesis one looked so cool.
Did they make one with 6 buttons?
They did, but they're pretty hard to find. (I'd love a pair of them)
The Unknown Gamer
03-21-2003, 07:08 PM
I've played both...The games on the Genesis are clearer...as in Playstation
games are clearer on a Dreamcast. But that still doesn't mean all games
work...Have you ever tried some SMS roms on a Genesis emulator?...
I got one for all of you...Since I literarily found my SMS I have no SMS
controllers. Therefore I must use made one for the Genesis. But I found
this doesn't work for 1 SMS game where I found I must use a 2600
controller...That game is: Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego?
Explain that one...
Raccoon Lad
03-21-2003, 08:10 PM
What's to explain? Carmen Sandiego's one of the games incompatible with Genesis controllers. As for the Atari 2600 controller, I used one of those to play (and beat) Sonic 1 on the genesis just for the hell of it.