The Sega Master System was Sega's 8-bit answer to the NES, launched as the Mark III in Japan in October 1985. The rear panel carries an RF antenna output for connection to a TV's coaxial input via the supplied RF switch box, alongside the proprietary 8-pin DIN A/V port that doubles as composite and raw RGB output (same physical connector later reused on the Genesis Model 1). Two DE-9 controller ports — the same de-facto Atari standard used on the 2600 and Genesis — sit on the front. Hooking a modern TV up today usually means an aftermarket SCART or composite cable into the 8-pin DIN, or RF via a coax-to-IEC adapter.
Device Information
- Manufacturer
- Sega
- Release Year
- 1985
- Model Number
- Master System (Model 1); Japanese predecessor: Sega Mark III (SG-1000M3)
- Category
- Gaming Console
Source: manufacturer product page · Last updated: · How we verify port data →
Available Ports
| Connector | Quantity | Power (PD) | Capabilities | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sega 8-pin DIN A/V (Master System / Genesis Model 1) | 1 | — | — | AV OUT (rear) | Carries composite video and raw RGB via the 8-pin DIN. Modern hookup typically uses a third-party SCART or composite cable. |
| RF Antenna Input (Coaxial) | 1 | — | — | RF OUT (rear) | Connects to a TV's antenna input via the supplied RF switch box (NTSC ch 3/4 or PAL UHF, depending on region). |
| DE-9 (Atari / Sega Joystick Port) | 2 | — | — | Controller 1 / 2 (front) | Standard Atari-style 9-pin D-sub controller ports — compatible with Master System pads, Mega Drive 3-button pads (with caveats), and most Atari 2600-era joysticks. |
Notes & Compatibility
Year reflects the October 1985 Mark III launch in Japan; the Master System followed in North America in September 1986. Rear: 8-pin DIN A/V (composite + raw RGB), RF antenna out, DC barrel power inlet (not modeled). Top: Sega Card slot for credit-card-sized Sega Card games (not modeled — proprietary cartridge edge connector, not a user-cable port). RGB on the Master System 1’s 8-pin DIN is already amplified, so a standard Genesis Model 1 / Master System RGB cable works with no mod (CSYNC cables need the usual sync-line resistor and capacitor). Only the Japanese Mark III’s RGB is unamplified and needs an amp in the cable. The Japanese Master System (MK-2000) already buffers RGB on its board, so it needs a straight-through RGB cable, not a standard SMS/Genesis one. Audio on the 8-pin DIN is a single mono line, not stereo.
Common questions
How many ports does the Sega Master System (1985) have?
The Sega Master System (1985) has 4 ports in total: 1 × Sega 8-pin DIN A/V (Master System / Genesis Model 1), 1 × RF Antenna Input (Coaxial) and 2 × DE-9 (Atari / Sega Joystick Port).
What kinds of ports does the Sega Master System (1985) have?
By connector family, the Sega Master System (1985) has 3 Proprietary and 1 Video (Legacy).
What video connections does the Sega Master System (1985) have?
The Sega Master System (1985) has 2 ports that can carry video: 1 × Sega 8-pin DIN A/V (Master System / Genesis Model 1) and 1 × RF Antenna Input (Coaxial).
Does the Sega Master System (1985) have HDMI?
No. The Sega Master System (1985) has no HDMI port. It does carry video over 1 × Sega 8-pin DIN A/V (Master System / Genesis Model 1) and 1 × RF Antenna Input (Coaxial).
Does the Sega Master System (1985) have a headphone jack?
No. The Sega Master System (1985) has no 3.5 mm headphone jack. Its audio connections are 1 × Sega 8-pin DIN A/V (Master System / Genesis Model 1) and 1 × RF Antenna Input (Coaxial).