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Thread: Region Code and Sega Master System

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    Insert Coin (Level 0) ByronLW's Avatar
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    Default Region Code and Sega Master System

    Hi there,

    I want to order from North America "Alex Kidd: High-Tech World", but I have an Australian (PAL) Master system. Are they incompatible? And if so, are there ways around it?

    Thanks,
    Byron.

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    Pac-Man (Level 10) Rickstilwell1's Avatar
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    It should work. Whenever I import PAL games they work on my USA system. I actually have a boxed copy of USA Alex Kidd in High Tech world that I am trying to sell too. I don't think it has the instruction manual though. I would have to check.

    I was just never a fan of the series and only liked Alex Kidd: The Lost Stars.

    If you want mine PM me with an offer.
    [quote name='Shidou Mariya' date='Nov 17 2010, 10:05 PM' post='4889940']
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    Not as extreme as Rickstilwell though.[/quote]


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    Pac-Man (Level 10) theclaw's Avatar
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    Most games work. Some don't like 60hz or Genesis controllers.

    It seems a few SMS titles never released in Japan even have FM soundtracks, despite only Japanese systems containing that hardware.
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    Insert Coin (Level 0) ByronLW's Avatar
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    Cool, well hopefully it works. I have actually already ordered the game from ebay. I haven't played much Alex Kidd before, but I was drawn to this game by reports of its ludicrously terrible gameplay, so a friend and myself decided we just had to buy this game.

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    Pac-Man (Level 10) theclaw's Avatar
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    Heh. I've got a worse yet opposite problem right now. PAL system with no compatible TV. >_< I really need to PM one of the modders about upgrading it.
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    Pac-Man (Level 10) Emperor Megas's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Rickstilwell1 View Post
    I was just never a fan of the series and only liked Alex Kidd: The Lost Stars.
    Interesting. The Lost Stars is probably the least favored among the people I hear talk about the series.

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    Cherry (Level 1) Suikoman444's Avatar
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    And I take it the opposite is true too right? I'd be able to get cheaper copies of games like Sonic and Golden Axe Warrior from PAL regions and play them on my American SMS?

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    Pac-Man (Level 10) theclaw's Avatar
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    Yes. You have to be careful with Sonic if looking for a US copy. Beside paying hundreds for nothing more than a UPC sticker. Once the factory seal is opened, it immediately and forever becomes IMPOSSIBLE to verify as fully authentic US any longer. Since even complete the cartridge inside could have been swapped with an identical PAL one.
    Last edited by theclaw; 07-11-2011 at 01:01 PM.
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    Strawberry (Level 2) ManciGames's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by theclaw View Post
    Yes. You have to be careful with Sonic if looking for a US copy. Beside paying hundreds for nothing more than a UPC sticker. Once the factory seal is opened, it immediately and forever becomes IMPOSSIBLE to verify as fully authentic US any longer. Since even complete the cartridge inside could have been swapped with an identical PAL one.
    I'm glad I stumbled upon this because I've been trying to find a copy for the last week or so and have discovered this very issue for myself. So, is there *any* way to tell what is US and what is outside?

    Also, I can't verify whether or not Sonic 2 was ever released on the SMS. Some sources say yes, some say no. Any idea?
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    Pac-Man (Level 10) Rickstilwell1's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ManciGames View Post
    I'm glad I stumbled upon this because I've been trying to find a copy for the last week or so and have discovered this very issue for myself. So, is there *any* way to tell what is US and what is outside?

    Also, I can't verify whether or not Sonic 2 was ever released on the SMS. Some sources say yes, some say no. Any idea?
    Really in my opinion its ok to swap the insides to make another game complete. If the only thing you need for it to be a US copy is the sticker, then just go find that sticker. If everything inside is the same, then its all the same. If a US copy is identical to a UK release, then it doesn't really matter what cart is in there. They're identical.
    [quote name='Shidou Mariya' date='Nov 17 2010, 10:05 PM' post='4889940']
    I'm a collector, but only to a certain extent.
    Not as extreme as Rickstilwell though.[/quote]


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    Pac-Man (Level 10) theclaw's Avatar
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    Nope. If I'm not mistaken, the only means with 100% accuracy is factory sealed with the additional US-exclusive UPC sticker intact underneath the seal. But I've never seen pictures of a new copy to say for sure.

    AFAIK Sonic 2 didn't reach US.

    Well true. Just things like that bug game collectors so much. How lame.
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    Strawberry (Level 2) ManciGames's Avatar
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    I see what you're saying, and I'm fine with that, too...just as long as there is truly no difference in the cart, both external and internal. I have no idea if the UK version of Sonic is *exactly* the same as the US version, etc. This is one example of where I actually appreciate lockouts.
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    Strawberry (Level 2) ManciGames's Avatar
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    Thanks, theclaw.
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    Apple (Level 5) Emuaust's Avatar
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    PAL sms games will work on an NTSC console without too many problems, although a few of the later released games are programmed with PAL's 50hz in mind so some play a little funny and I think if IIRC some codemasters titles don't work well/at all at 60hz.

    As for NTSC games on a PAL unit, you'll be fine, there will be no issues.

    Also, why people pay stupid amounts for what is pretty much PAL Sonic with a US sticker seems, well, retarded...

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