Sega Master System facts for kids
The Sega Master System is a classic video game console that first came out in 1986. It was made by a Japanese company called Sega. While it wasn't super popular in places like North America and Japan, it became a huge hit in Brazil! Many kids and families there loved playing games on it. One of the most famous games for the Master System was Sonic the Hedgehog, which later became a worldwide superstar.
Contents
What is the Master System?
The Sega Master System is a home video game console. This means you connect it to your TV to play games. It was part of the "third generation" of video game consoles. This generation also included other famous consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The Master System was designed to be a fun way for people to play video games at home.
How it Looked and Changed
When the Master System first came out, it had a cool, sleek design. Sega wanted it to look modern and appealing, especially in Western countries. They even changed the look of the game boxes to have a clean, white grid design. This was a bit like how Apple designed their products.
Later, Sega released a new version called the Master System II in 1990. This version was made to be cheaper to produce. It had a simpler design and was often sold with a game built right into the console, like Alex Kidd in Miracle World. This made it a great option for families looking for an affordable gaming system.
Games and Fun
The Master System had many different games for players to enjoy. These included adventure games, sports games, and puzzle games. While Sonic the Hedgehog is very well-known, other games were also popular. For example, Phantasy Star was an exciting role-playing game that became a big success for Sega. It was one of the first games to have a female main character, which was quite unique at the time!
Many games on the Master System had bright colors and fun characters. They offered hours of entertainment for kids and teens.
Master System Around the World
The Master System had different levels of success in various parts of the world.
Popularity in Brazil
Even though it wasn't the top seller everywhere, the Master System found a huge fan base in Brazil. A company called Tectoy helped Sega sell and even make Master System consoles and games in Brazil. They kept the console popular there for many years, even after it was no longer sold in other countries. This is why many people in Brazil have fond memories of playing the Master System.
Other Regions
In North America and Japan, the Master System faced tough competition from other consoles. However, it still had dedicated fans and sold many units. In Europe, it also did quite well, especially in countries like the United Kingdom and France.
What Came Next?
The Master System was an important step for Sega in the world of video games. It helped them learn a lot about making consoles and games.
The Game Gear
Sega later released a handheld game console called the Game Gear. This portable system was actually based on the same basic technology as the Master System. This meant that some games could be easily moved from the Master System to the Game Gear, allowing players to enjoy their favorite titles on the go.
The Master System might be an older console, but it holds a special place in video game history. It brought joy to many players and helped shape the future of gaming.
Images for kids
-
Mark III rear view
-
The Master System was redesigned to appeal to Western tastes. The packaging of the console and the games were given a grid design on white, inspired by products by Apple.
-
The Master System II, a cost-reduced version of the Master System released in 1990
-
Zilog Z80A manufactured by NEC
-
The Game Gear was based on the Master System's architecture.
-
Phantasy Star for the Master System became one of Sega's successful franchises.
.jpg)
See also
In Spanish: Master System para niños
