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.
Sega’s 8-bit console with a proprietary 8-pin DIN A/V port, RF antenna out, and two DE-9 controller ports — original 1985 Japanese Mark III hardware.
Device Information
- Manufacturer
- Sega
- Release Year
- 1985
- Model Number
- MK-2000 (JP Mark III) / Master System (US)
- Category
- Gaming Console
Available Ports
| Connector | Quantity | 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
Rear: 8-pin DIN A/V (composite + raw RGB), RF antenna out, DC barrel power inlet (not modeled). Front: two DE-9 controller ports. Top: Sega Card slot for credit-card-sized Sega Card games (not modeled — proprietary cartridge edge connector, not a user-cable port). Raw RGB on the 8-pin DIN needs amplification for most displays.
