And the best version of the Sega Genesis is...

[Triaxis]

I have a Mega Everdrive on the way and need to pick up a Genesis. What version would you recommend?




PS: Money is no object

[shmuppyLove]

PS: Money is no object

BLING BLING

[Triaxis]

Now you're talking! I like it.

[hermit crab]

Early (non-TMSS) Model 1 with Sega-CD and 32X and RGB-cable is the best!

Some of the rarer models are more expensive though if you wanna be all baller about it.

[Triaxis]

Thanks for your reply hermit crab!

[Pretas]

The reason for the early Model 1 being superior is that Sega hadn't yet switched to using cheaper, lower-quality Yamaha sound chips. They can be identified (at least with US systems) by the "High Definition Graphics" text around the cartridge slot, which was removed after the downgrade.

Note that you'll need an extra cable to hook up a 32X to a Model 1. Since it's not needed with the Model 2, many people who originally bought the kit threw this away, meaning it's pricey and difficult to find.

[Triaxis]

That is good information to know. Thanks!

[Fudoh]

definitely a model 1 unit and don't save on the mods. You need a fix for the Sony encoder (added capacitor to allow raw sync on the RGB cable), one for disabling the NTSC clock signal on the video chip (to get rid of the jailbars) and a internal stereo mod with a secondary added OP-amp (instead of tapping the audio from the headphone jack).

[PC Engine Fan X!]

By picking up a Japanese region Mega Drive Virtua Racing bundled cart set (not to mention the cool CG generated artwork in the instruction manual is superb), it has built-in support for both NTSC & PAL/Secam signals from the get-go...for some strange reason, if played in PAL mode on a single player setup with no CPU racers on the track, the framerate gets a really nice overall boost. The CPU is overclocked at 12mHz and tends to get a bit warm to the touch if playing a marathon session of MD VR -- Sega added a heatsink to remedy that particular known issue.

The NTSC-based 32X port of Virtua Racing has an overall 30fps presentation & was impressive for it's time (considering it was developed by Sega's own AM2 division dept). Tis a shame that more software wasn't coded/developed for it during it's limited lifespan/heyday (to unlock it's true potential).

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Zapf]

I have a model 2 va3 that I prefer, mostly because of the exponentially less amount of work required to make it up to snuff. Clean rgb out without jailbars or modifications necessary, and the audio is similar to the revisions of the model 1 people like. The va4 is supposed to be better, but that is mostly in reference to composite / s-video image quality, as the video encoders on the va3 range from lame to terrible. But who cares about composite quality?

I had a va2.3 prior, but was having major image issues with a combination of segacd + 32x + genesis + mega everdrive - thought it might have been a power draw issue or ground loop or something.

tldr: The early revision of Model 1 potentially better after the necessary video and audio modifications. But the TMSS stuff is irrelevant (especially if you're using a flash cart), and the out of the box experience of late revision model 2's is much better.

[Triaxis]

Shmups forum has the best hardware forum in existances. You guys never disapoint! Thanks for all the input Fudoh, PC Engine Fan X!, and Zapf.

[Triaxis]

How about this...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sega-Genesis-Mo ... 3cd5940d14

[Lord of Pirates]

Shmups forum has the best hardware forum in existances. You guys never disapoint! Thanks for all the input Fudoh, PC Engine Fan X!, and Zapf.

Very true .

There's a very long post about the differences between Genesis models here:
http://www.sega-16.com/forum/showthread ... m-bad-ones

[SuperDeadite]

If money is no object, get a LaserActive and RGB mod it.

[stockspyder]

I don't think the laseractive outputs rgb for games yet, that I know of. I thought it was just for movies

My favorite genesis is the wondermega m1. I've never used rgb with mine yet. I like the sound but overall know nothing about the hardware.

[SuperDeadite]

I don't think the laseractive outputs rgb for games yet, that I know of. I thought it was just for movies

My favorite genesis is the wondermega m1. I've never used rgb with mine yet. I like the sound but overall know nothing about the hardware.

Incorrect.

LaserActive is very easy to tap RGB from. I and at least one other have done so. The catch though is that it only works for "normal" games. To play LD games you are stuck with Composite. There is an S-Video mod for LD video, but it's useless for games, so no point imo. LA is a games machine, if you want LD videos get a better player.