Developer Kalplus Limited Generation Fourth generation | Type Accessory | |
 | ||
Also known as •Master Gear Converter
•Master Gear Adaptor Manufacturer •N.E.S.I.
•Sega of America
•Sega Europe
•Tec Toy
•Freetron
•WKK Far East
•Sega Ozisoft Release date N.E.S.I.
NA: August 18, 1991
Sega of America
NA: Q1, 1992 | ||
The Master Gear, Master Gear Converter, or Master Gear Adaptor is a handheld game console peripheral invented by King-Ho So for Kalplus Limited with the purpose of allowing 50-pin Master System cartridges to fit into and function on a Game Gear.
Contents
Design And Features
Utilizing 36 wires, two PCBs, and a 50-pin cartridge connector, the Master Gear maps most, but not all of the data lines of a Master System to their Game Gear equivalents. All of the previously described components are retained within a four-part plastic enclosure by eight screws and double-sided adhesive tape, along with a single, spring-loaded mounting screw.
Effect on the Host Console
Once the converter is in use, the Game Gear's EXT. port acts as control port 2 and the start button is digitally remapped in order to allow Master System software to be paused. Monaural audio is output exclusively through either the internal speaker or headphone jack, since the Master System did not have stereo sound capabilities. The digital video output becomes compressed in order to reduce image cropping.
Incompatibilities
Due to the lack of a 44-pin cartridge connector or 35-pin card connector, all My Card/Sega Card titles, in addition to Japanese and Korean cartridge releases, do not natively work. Games that require the Sports Pad, Paddle Control, Light Phaser, or SegaScope 3-D glasses cannot be fully utilized. While the Master Gear is attached to the host console, additional peripherals that require use of the mounting bracket or battery compartments cannot be attached.