Facts about Master System
- 09
Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap on Master System in 1992 featured a transforming protagonist system allowing the player to switch between five different animal forms with unique abilities.
- 08
Master System's Game Gear handheld spinoff, released in 1990, featured a full-color backlit LCD screen but suffered from severe battery drain lasting only 3 to 5 hours per four AA batteries.
- 07
Sega Master System's Japanese release in 1985 included a keyboard peripheral and floppy disk drive adapter called the FM-PAC, enabling computer-like functionality unavailable on Western versions.
- 06
In 1989, Sega released the Master System II in North America with the built-in game Sonic the Hedgehog, eliminating the need for a separate cartridge purchase.
- 05
Phantasy Star, released for the Master System in 1987, was one of the first console RPGs to feature a female protagonist as the main playable character.
- 04
Between 1983 and 1992, approximately 13.5 million Master System units sold worldwide, making it the second best-selling console of the third generation behind the Nintendo Entertainment System.
- 03
Alex Kidd in Miracle World, bundled with Master System consoles in North America starting 1986, became one of the system's most recognizable mascot games alongside Sonic the Hedgehog.
- 02
Sega's Master System outsold the Nintendo Entertainment System in Europe and Brazil during the late 1980s, capturing significant market share against Nintendo's dominant console.
- 01
The 1985 Master System featured 3D glasses support through specially designed games like Missile Defense 3D and Arctic Zone 3D.