Sega Genesis

[nintendodork]

Talk about it here!

I'm thinking about buying one.  Are there any major differences between the model 1 and model 2 that I should know about?  I know about the sound being slightly better in the first one, but it's really big, and if the sound isn't that noticeable, I'm leaning towards a model 2 unless someone has something to say against it.

[133MHz]

From the top of my head...

* Both of them have non-standard video outputs. The Genesis 1 uses a standard DIN connector which is easily obtainable from any respectable electronics dealer. The Genesis 2 uses a Mini-DIN 9 connector which is completely non standard and you won't find it anywhere.

If you get a Genesis 1 without an AV cable, you can make it yourself.
If you get a Genesis 2 without an AV cable and you can't find one, you're SOL (unless you mod the console).

* It's easier to get a CD unit for the Model 2 Genesis.

[son_ov_hades]

Model 1 looks so much better.

[nintendodork]

If you get a Genesis 2 without an AV cable and you can't find one, you're SOL (unless you mod the console).

3rd party ones are pretty easy to find.  This one says it'll work with model 2 or 3.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Standard-AV-Cable-for-Sega-Genesis-2-3_W0QQitemZ220441820408QQcmdZViewItemQQptZVideo_Games_Accessories?hash=item33535b3cf8&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12

I hate using RF, so if this will work, I'll get a model 2

[nurd]

Model 1 has headphone jack.

[manuel]

Model 1 looks so much better.

I already have 2 Model 1 Japanese Mega Drives.

[TanookiSuitSam]

Model 1 > Model 2

Honestly, the model 1 had better feature on it, despite it being a tad bit bigger. IMO, the Sega CD addon for the Model 1 looked better.

[Christine]

Also, the "power base converter" only works with the first Genesis... I'm not sure if playing Master System games is a benefit or not, but there you have it!

[Rogles]

Model 1 doesn't look like crap, even if it's a bit bulkier.

[Rob64]

Go with model 1.

However if you want to play a 32x game, model 2 is easier to use with it from what I understand.

[Rogles]

Go with model 1.

However if you want to play a 32x game, model 2 is easier to use with it from what I understand.

IF is the key word there.

Well... Metal Head for the 32X was pretty good.

[nintendodork]

Also, the "power base converter" only works with the first Genesis... I'm not sure if playing Master System games is a benefit or not, but there you have it!

What stops the model 2 from this? 

EDIT* From Googling, I've seen that it's only because of the shape.  Could I use a Game Genie to fix that?

[milkmanv1]

you might be able to but I'd go with a model 1 if I wanted to use the power base.

Ok so pros and cons

Model 1 Pros

Power base converter

More standardized connections.

Better sound output

it looks sexy with the model 1 cd

CONS

Bulkier

32x needs clips to work on this.

harder to find the model 1 (not ALOT but just a bit!)

mono sound output

Model 2 pros

Less bulky and a little more streamlined

works well with the(slightly)easier to find sega cd 2

Look kinda funny/kinda cool when its all set up with the 32x and cd model 2

Stereo sound output

Model 2 cons

No power base converter

Less standardized connection types

sound quality isn't as good.


Ok so theres those two, but if you dont intend to use the 32x or sega cd you can do what I did and get a genesis 3, tiny, and plays genesis games, thats all I need.

[nintendodork]

Well, if you look in the finds thread, you'll see that I already bought a model 2 So, with that in mind, I go back to my first question.  Couldn't I just use a Game Genie without any codes to make it work?  If it's just the shape, then I could use the same approach as people do with Japanese MegaDrive games on a North American Genesis.

[son_ov_hades]

I don't think the power base converter works with a Game Genie, because it essentially turns the 68000 off and the system runs on the Z80.