So, now that I've decided I'm going to get a Megasis to run through RGB my next question is Which one? What I'm not sure about is how the region lock works on all the systems. I know some Mega Drive carts are wider than Genesis carts, I know some games are region locked at a software level. I don't know what has the best compatibility. Do I get a Japanese Mega Drive? Do I get a Genesis? Model 1 or Model 2? If it's as simple as an adapter which one do I get? I've only found the Mega Key and I know there are a TON of converters, and I have no idea how well they work. So What's the best route to take here?
The region lock has 3 common modes (plus a useless 4th) roughly amounting to: America / Brazil / etc Europe / etc Japan / Korea / etc Mega Drive Asian PAL games are an anomaly, English versions in Japanese shells. Anyhow I'd call American systems your best bet. They'll play the widest slice of the library. Most Sega CD BIOS versions are also region locked BTW. There's several kinds of adapter. Some only change the shape, others add features like cheat codes. I don't remember off hand what games are picky about it. Model 1 or Model 2 mostly affects sound quality, and a few early titles have issues with TMSS. Less important is Sega's Model 1 power base converter won't fit Model 2. The card slot wasn't officially available to Model 2 (it just fits Sega CDX by using a right-angle power plug adapter). Model 2 didn't get the Mark III slot either, but 3rd party adapters can do that.
I'm thinking the earliest Model 1 there are a few already modded with region switches, and rather than do sound through the TV I'll hook up a pair of PC Speakers to the head phone slot. I know that Mega CD/Sega CD can be circumvented with an Everdrive, but most Sega CD Games are expensive, Might to the emulator route. the 32X DOES interest me for Tempo and After Burner. But then there's the power suppily thing, and Mega Trios aren't being made any more.
Mega drive model 1 has the better quality video, model 2 suffers with jail bars. There's an RGB bypass amp which solves this or attaching a 32x also solves it. There's 3(4) region combinations as already stated. PAL (50hz), NTSE (60hz) Eng, and NTSE (60hz) Jpn. All region consoles can be modded to play other regions so it doesn't matter what model u have. I would recommend model 1 with 32x, everdrive (for games and mega cd bios switching) and a switch less mod for region changing.
I was shocked at how inexpensive the basic Everdrive is actually even more shocked by how low genesis prices are. Very few cart only games are over $50. I am quite pleased with this decision. So I'm pretty much set if say, I got a Mega Key? Or is there a more reliable converter out there for imports?
Worst case you can use a Game Genie to play imports. Generally a single patch can bypass a software regional lockout. Although I don't know a source of such codes, you could always use UCON64 to patch a ROM file and then note the changes and use a Game Genie code converter to be able to apply the same patch to a real cartridge with the Game Genie.
Just install a switch less region mod, or switched if u are more comfortable with it. Then just take the top off and sand the edges of the cart slot a little, wouldn't take a lot, to make room for Japanese carts. I did this to my model 1 back when I was a kiddy and had a random Japanese Bare Knuckle cart.
A custom chip in the Genesis model 1 (315-5309) and model 2 (315-5660) is responsible for many tasks but it also contains 2 pins which control JAP/ENG and PAL/NTSE. Putting 5V on the pins puts the console in JAP/NTSE mode and 0V puts it in English/PAL mode respectively. This can be achieved with simple SPDT switches or by using a pic chip (PIC16f630). Bad_Ad84 has these chips pre flashed for sale if u are interested. The method is available on mmmonkey's website http://www.mmmonkey.co.uk/console/sega/md1switches.htm
With converters being so simple for most games, the main reason to switch language is if you want to see effects like Japanese title screens and dialogue text. 50hz fixes issues in a handful of PAL exclusives. USA and Europe games are the same size. If it runs you're good. Genesis owners don't have to do anything to play Snake Rattle N Roll, Zero Wing, Super Fantasy Zone, to name some.
So if I can't locate a switch modded or Switchless modded system, will a mega key do the job? Assuming I can find one by the Time I get my system I guess another option is the mini Gen clone or the Retro Gen along side the real deal. Or in a well duh... Japanese system
Yeah I won't be importing anything from Europe, Just Japan if I can mod/get a converter w/dip siwtches
