The Sega Master System was Sega's answer to Nintendo's 8-bit NES. Technically superior, the system never gained much in the way of a large user base. It didn't have enough third party game developers like Nintendo had. The Sega Master System did have quite a few games during its short life, however, such as the renowned RPG Phantasy Star and a few of the Alex Kid Series games.The system wars are perennial. Don't believe us? Then you must not have been around for the great Nintendo vs. Sega Master System debate of the late '80s. Sega's system could handle more sprites and colors, but Nintendo had Mario and Zelda. One secret weapon in Sega's arsenal was the secret game built directly into their console. It was a dumb little game where you had to guide a snail through a maze within a given period of time. But it was free, and Nintendo didn't have it. Small consolation for the Sega faithful left high and dry by their system's demise.
The Sega Master System is an 8-bit cartridge-based video game console that was manufactured by Sega and was first released in 1986. Its original Japanese incarnation was the Sega Mark III
(although the "Master System" name has also been used in Japan). In the
European market, this console launched Sega onto a competitive level
comparable to Nintendo,
due to its wider availability, but failed to put a dent in the North
American and Japanese markets. The Master System was released as a
direct competitor to the NES/Famicom
in the third videogame generation. Despite its shaky performance in the
major territories, it enjoyed over a decade of life in smaller markets.
The later Sega Game Gear is effectively a hand-held Master System, with a few enhancements.
