I see a lot of Megadrives on sale at eBay as console only without PSU. Does the PSU have a standard shaped/sized socket? i.e. Can I buy a generic PSU to use this console, or will I need an official PSU?
What PSU do I need for a Sega Megadrive/Genesis
sega-genesis
Related Solutions
I found Sega Genesis / Mega Drive 101: A beginners guide on Racketboy a great resource.
Is the Genesis exactly the same as the Mega Drive?
The name is just a trademark issue, it was originally the Mega Drive, but was marketed as Genesis in North America since the name had already been registered.
What's the difference between the 1, 2, and 3 versions?
Model 1 - Only version to include a volume control slide switch for the stereo sound output. Supposedly, this model is the easiest to perform modifications on for regional bypasses, overclocking, LED change and S-Video output.
Model 2 - Smaller, simplified design. Stereo output is included in the A/V outputs and there is no volume control for the sound.
Model 3 - Even smaller, harder to hack, not compatible with Sega CD or 32X.
There's a forum thread discussing which of the three is the best model. There's even more information on the different Mega Drive systems on Wikipedia:
During its lifespan, the Sega Mega Drive quite possibly received more officially licensed variations than any other console. While only one major design revision of the console was created during its lifespan, each region has its own peculiarities and unique items, while other variations were exercises in reducing costs (such as the removal of the little-used 9-pin EXT. port) or expanding the capabilities of the Mega Drive.
Variations of the Sega Mega Drive
The article covers all of these variations.
Can I buy a Genesis, and then buy cartridges either for the Mega Drive or the Genesis?
The games are locked per region, but there's a good point on this:
System modifications such as adding region switches and SCART outputs can be readily accomplished on most model 1 and model 2 hardware.
Coincidentally I was considering buying a Model 2, which is also the one with the most votes on the mentioned forum thread, so I guess this pretty much answers my question.
EA originally reverse-engineered the Genesis and made their own carts.
When EA inquired about publishing its games on the Genesis, the executives felt their proposal would be met with open arms.
Instead of embracing the logic in EA’s proposal, Sega of America president Mike Katz had other ideas. Sega wanted to emulate the Nintendo licensing agreement system, leaving little to no negotiation room for third-party publishers.
The discussion went back and forth for nearly a year, until a Sega executive boldly told Bing Gordon, “If you want a different deal you’re going to have to reverse engineer the system, aren’t you?”
Sega had thrown down the gauntlet, and EA gladly picked it up. Under the guidance of its legal counsel, the company gave two of its most talented engineers the green light to attempt a clean room reverse engineering job on the Genesis.
...EA’s hardware group built several reverse engineered development systems. Unbeknownst to Sega, EA ramped up production on several Genesis games.
Sega was caught in an uncomfortable position. If EA went ahead with its licensing program, the console manufacturer would be losing a significant portion of the profit that traditionally comes with the territory. EA could essentially reach out to other publishers and offer better returns and cheaper manufacturing costs than Sega was willing to do.
In exchange for agreeing to join Sega’s licensing program, EA would be allowed to manufacture its own Genesis cartridges, could make as many games as it wanted, and received a more favorable royalty rate.
Best Answer
The power supply depends on the model.
Wikipedia gives the connector types for two of these models:
So, going back to the chart:
As mentioned on the GameTrog page, be sure to match the voltage if you decide to go with a 3rd party PSU and be sure it can deliver at least the amount of current specified for your model. An incorrect power supply can damage your system and potentially yourself. Overall, I recommend finding an official PSU.