Sega Genesis 1, 2, 3?

[Zombiezilla]

Simple question for all of you:

My wife wants to get a Sega Genesis now. Years ago we used to hang out with some friends and play their Genesis all night. Now since I have my Intellivision going, she wants a Sega for her own. Searching on eBay I find different versions. What is the difference, and can they all play the same games? Or can a 3 play all the games, but a 1 can only play the games from the time it's games were created?

Again, thanks in advance and sorry about the ultra-newbie question!

[Perkar]

so, i think this is pretty accurate, someone please correct me if i've made a dumbass of myself..


but as i recall, here's the deal with the different models.

model 1 - depends if you have an early or late run model (have to check serial). early model will run anything, later model will run only officially licensed games. sega didn't like unlicesed games coming out... sega cd and 32x will work in either.

model 2 is the same the later model 1. sega cd and 32x will work in this.

model 3 is the same as later model 1 / model 2, but also has the capability to play japanese megadrive games with no modification. the 32x and sega cd will not work on this however.

[Nez]

Another diference with the model one system is that it was only mono I do belive and the av cables are not easy to find. But it is the only gen that can use the master system adapter.

[Scoots]

Model 1 has the volume slider and headphone jack too.

[-^Cro§Bow^-]

Not sure if any of this really matters. But the Game Genie will only work on the model 1 and model 2 Genny systems as well. I also heard that several games will not work on the model 3 because the model 3 has the Z80 removed from it as well. This is part of the reason for why the SegaCD and 32x wouldn't have worked on the model 3 besides the fact it is missing the needed connections.

Personally, I love my original first run Model 1 Genesis. And while it is true that the only way to get stereo sound from it is to run a seperate audio cable from the headphone jack, it doesn't bother me...and I still love my Genesis.

[Push Upstairs]

I'd avoid a Model 3...for the previously mentioned reasons and also the fact that its mono only AND it doesnt play region locked games.

If you are going to buy a Genesis you might as well get one that you could use any of the add-ons should you choose to get them in the future.

Get a Model 1 or a Model 2

[AB Positive]

Can't find anything wrong with the above posts but I'll set it up as a pro/con list:

Model 1:

Pros: can use all forms of addons (Power Base Convertor to play Master System games, Sega CD model 1 or 2, 32X), early run models can use all games no matter what. Only model with it's own headphone jack.

Cons: Mono sound w/o headphones, it's sorta big.



Model 2:


Pros: Smaller size than model 1, can use all peripherals EXCEPT for the power base convertor unless you disfigure the PBC. Has pirate lockout (but really, how many games out there would you want that aren't official licensed?) but stereo sound.

Cons: Can't use the PBC



Model 3:

Pros: VERY small in size. Can play japanese/unlicensed/pirate games without issue.

Cons: NO peripheral support, made by Majesco and therefore have Majesco's issues (bad soldier jobs, etc...)




My personal favorite type:


Sega CDX:

Pros: compact, it's a genny/SCD in one. Takes up only a bit more space than a model 3, Can use ALL peripherals (except a sega CD, but it's built in so the point is moot).

Cons: need a game genie/Import convertor to play imports. Meh.



If you got the cash and are serious about collecting Genesis/Sega CD, get the CDX.

-AG

[Daria]

There's also the Sega Nomad which is a handheld genesis that can hook up to your tv as well. (:

It also uses the GameGear battery pack and AC adaptor. Pretty useful if you like portable systems.

[Jasoco]

Of course, the Nomad will not play Sega CD or 32X games. (I actually tried the 32X thing. Got a really weird picture.. maybe with some work, I can waste my time doing something really useless.)

I'd take the Model 2. It's narrower than the 1, Stereo sound through the output, completely compatible with the CD and 32X. Unless you need to play a ton of really early unlicensed games.

UNLESS you can find a CDX as someone said. Mucho cool, compact. And is compatible with the 32X with some work.

[-hellvin-]

Don't go with a model 3. Harder to track down, usually cost more on ebay from what I've seen and has no expandibility. Get the model 2. It looks nice with a sega cd model 2 and even sweeter with the attached 32x. I never liked the front loading model 1 cd. But I like to stay away from motorized parts as much as possible on old systems.

[Gamereviewgod]

Model 1 can be modded for S-video if that's soemthing you need. Looks great too. I don't believe the later models can be.

[Ed Oscuro]

Erm, I guess somebody did mention that the Genesis 3 has mono sound and pretty awful composite A/V.

The Nomad, on the other hand, looks really good hooked up to a TV and has really nice stereo sound.

[Gast]

Also the RF-Signal on the v1 is the best of the three... Which is pretty important considering how scarce decent Composite or RGB-Cables for the Genesis are.