Hi, I’m looking for info on the compatibility of the “Gold Cartridge” with regards to the Master System. I was looking at one of these and it says on the box that it’s made for the Mark III and Master System. However, the form factor is different than other Master System cartridges, and it’s also nothing like a Sega Card. I’ve been looking for information online, but to my surprise I’m not coming up with any answers.
Are the Gold Cartridges compatible with (EU) Master System consoles? Do they fit in the cartridge slot?
It’s a Japanese game compatible with the Japanese Master System or Mark III, which uses a different sized cartridge than the overseas SMS. The Japanese Sega SG-1000 used this same size cartridge, and the Japanese SMS/MKIII were backwards compatible with them.
The Samsung Gam-Boy (South Korean version of the Master System) also used the Japanese-style cartridges.
In Japan, they used the “Gold Cartridge” branding for first-party releases and “Silver Cartridge” for third-party releases.
Thanks, I looked up the difference and this made things clear.
The Japanese master system and mark III use a different size cart. You need an adapter (not sure if they are available).
Thanks, I looked up some pictures of the Japanese SMS and the slot is clearly different. Many thanks!
Were you looking at one of them online, or offline in a shop? If the former, do you have a link that might help ensure one’s on the same page?
Here is an example: