Master Gear

The Master Gear,[4] Master Gear Converter,[1] or Master Gear Adaptor[5] is a handheld game console peripheral invented by King-Ho So for Kalplus Limited[6] with the purpose of allowing 50-pin Master System cartridges to fit into and function on a Game Gear.[2][7]

Master Gear
Also known as•Master Gear Converter
•Master Gear Adaptor
DeveloperKalplus Limited
Manufacturer•N.E.S.I.NA
•Sega of America
•Sega Europe
•Tec ToyBR
•FreetronHK
•WKK Far EastHK
•Sega OzisoftAUS
TypeAccessory
GenerationFourth generation
Release dateN.E.S.I.
Sega of America
Introductory priceSega of America
USD19.95[2]
MediaFifty-pin Master System cartridge
Controller inputOne external control pad via EXT. port adapter.
Related articles•Gear Master
•Master Gear Converter 2
•Nuby Converter
•Power Base Converter

Design And Features
A Master Gear with its plastic enclosure removed.

Utilizing 36 wires, two PCBs, and a 50-pin cartridge connector, the Master Gear maps most, but not all of the data lines of a Master System to their Game Gear equivalents. All of the previously described components are retained within a four-part plastic enclosure by eight screws and double-sided adhesive tape, along with a single, spring-loaded mounting screw.

Effect on the Host Console

Once the converter is in use, the Game Gear's EXT. port acts as control port 2 and the start button is digitally remapped in order to allow Master System software to be paused. Monaural audio is output exclusively through either the internal speaker or headphone jack, since the Master System did not have stereo sound capabilities. The digital video output becomes compressed in order to reduce image cropping.

Incompatibilities

Due to the lack of a 44-pin cartridge connector or 35-pin card connector, all My Card/Sega Card titles, in addition to Japanese and Korean cartridge releases, do not natively work. Games that require the Sports Pad, Paddle Control, Light Phaser, or SegaScope 3-D glasses cannot be fully utilized. While the Master Gear is attached to the host console, additional peripherals that require use of the mounting bracket or battery compartments cannot be attached.

USPTO
Patent[6]
NumberD333,325
InventorKing-Ho So
AssigneeKalplus Limited
Filing dateDecember 19, 1991
Registration dateFebruary 16, 1993
Expiration dateFebruary 16, 2007
Trademarks[1][4]
Serial Numbers•Master Gear
74210743
•Master Gear Converter
74213343
Applicants•Master Gear
Kalplus Limited
•Master Gear Converter
New England Services Inc.
Filing dates•Master Gear
October 8, 1991
•Master Gear Converter
October 18, 1991
Abandonment dates•Master Gear
November 10, 1994
•Master Gear Converter
October 22, 1995
Intellectual Property Office
Design
Number2016589
ProprietorKalplus Limited
Filing dateAugust 9, 1991
Registration dateJanuary 31, 1992
Expiration dateAugust 9, 1996

See also
  • List of Sega Master System games

References
  1. "MASTER GEAR CONVERTER". United States Patent and Trademark Office. Retrieved October 29, 2012.
  2. "SEGA". Economic World. Economic Salon. 24: 51. 1992. Retrieved October 29, 2012.
  3. D'Auria, David (February 9, 1992). "Master Gear converter". Google Groups. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
  4. "MASTER GEAR". United States Patent and Trademark Office. Retrieved October 29, 2012.
  5. Caveira, Henrique (June 6, 2010). "MASTER GEAR ADAPTOR – o acessório que veio do Céu". Cemetery Games. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
  6. US D333,325, So, King-Ho, "Electronic game converter", issued February 16, 1993
  7. "GameSpot Presents: The History of Compatibility". Retrieved August 6, 2008.
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