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I am considering getting a PAL SMS1 console to replace my SMS2 , mainly because of the issues I face with the smsfm board that does not work for me OK on my sms2 consoles...

Are there any compatibility issues? I vaguely remember that the SMS2 console is better when running various region games (I also have a master everdrive) or am I remembering things wrong?
Does Codemaster's Micro Machines run on SMS1 consoles?

Thanks in advance for any info and advice :)

edit: I realize that sms2 consoles only come with RF output, I already modded mine successfully with composite rgb and a 50/60hz switch :)

keropi wrote

Does Codemaster's Micro Machines run on SMS1 consoles?

Micro Machines and a few other games use an unusual (extra-height 224-line) video mode. This is the main (only?) reason it runs on some Master System consoles and not others. Whether the 224-line mode is supported depends which VDP chip the console has: the mode is not supported by the earlier 315-5124 VDP, only by the later 315-5246.

I believe all SMS2s contain the later chip and will all run Micro Machines. As for SMS1 consoles, some contain the earlier chip and some contain the later.

If you can get hold of an SMS1 containing the later chip, similar to those on this page, I believe Micro Machines will work. Perhaps someone could confirm this?

While I can't recommend it, these games do run on a regular SMS with graphical and timing glitches. Same story with running them on a Sega Genesis with a Power Base Converter. I'd describe the games as being more functional than playable though. :D

My VA2/PAL 18 APR 1989 has a square hole in the shell between RF Out and A/V Out for adjusting the RF unit, however my PAL VA3 17 JUL 1990 doesn't have this.

Is this typical? It may be a simple way to find a VA3 unit if only those do not have the RF adjustment hole.

Author	Message
keropi Joined: 01 May 2012 Posts: 21	Regarding PAL SMS consoles, is there an advantage of having a SMS2 console over the original? Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2012 6:31 pm
keropi Joined: 01 May 2012 Posts: 21	I am considering getting a PAL SMS1 console to replace my SMS2 , mainly because of the issues I face with the smsfm board that does not work for me OK on my sms2 consoles... Are there any compatibility issues? I vaguely remember that the SMS2 console is better when running various region games (I also have a master everdrive) or am I remembering things wrong? Does Codemaster's Micro Machines run on SMS1 consoles? Thanks in advance for any info and advice :) edit: I realize that sms2 consoles only come with RF output, I already modded mine successfully with composite rgb and a 50/60hz switch :)

RetroSpark Joined: 08 Dec 2005 Posts: 488 Location: Melbourne, Australia	Posted: Sat Sep 08, 2012 11:05 am
	keropi wrote Does Codemaster's Micro Machines run on SMS1 consoles? Micro Machines and a few other games use an unusual (extra-height 224-line) video mode. This is the main (only?) reason it runs on some Master System consoles and not others. Whether the 224-line mode is supported depends which VDP chip the console has: the mode is not supported by the earlier 315-5124 VDP, only by the later 315-5246. I believe all SMS2s contain the later chip and will all run Micro Machines. As for SMS1 consoles, some contain the earlier chip and some contain the later. If you can get hold of an SMS1 containing the later chip, similar to those on this page, I believe Micro Machines will work. Perhaps someone could confirm this?

Charles MacDonald Joined: 28 Sep 1999 Posts: 1197	Posted: Sat Sep 08, 2012 3:24 pm
Charles MacDonald Joined: 28 Sep 1999 Posts: 1197	While I can't recommend it, these games do run on a regular SMS with graphical and timing glitches. Same story with running them on a Sega Genesis with a Power Base Converter. I'd describe the games as being more functional than playable though. :D

BKK Joined: 01 May 2011 Posts: 469	Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2012 8:10 am
BKK Joined: 01 May 2011 Posts: 469	My VA2/PAL 18 APR 1989 has a square hole in the shell between RF Out and A/V Out for adjusting the RF unit, however my PAL VA3 17 JUL 1990 doesn't have this. Is this typical? It may be a simple way to find a VA3 unit if only those do not have the RF adjustment hole.

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