Master System - Technical Specifications

Technical Specifications

CPU

• The Master System's CPU is an 8-bit Zilog Z80. The maximum addressable memory is 64 kB.

Video

• Graphics: VDP (Video Display Processor) derived from Texas Instruments TMS9918A
  • Up to 32 simultaneous colors available (one 16-color palette for sprites or background, an additional 16-color palette for background only) from a palette of 64 (can also show 64 simultaneous colors using programming tricks)
  • Screen resolutions 256×192 and 256×224. PAL/SECAM also supports 256×240
  • 8×8 pixel characters, max 463 (due to VRAM space limitation)
  • 8×8 or 8×16 pixel sprites, max 64
  • Horizontal, vertical, and partial screen scrolling

Audio

• Sound (PSG): Texas Instruments SN76489 (note that the Master System, Game Gear, and Mega Drive used a slightly altered clone of the newer SN76489A, while the older SG-series used the original SN76489)
  • 4 channel mono sound (3 Square Waves, 1 White noise)
  • 3 tone generators, 10 octaves each, 1 white noise generator
• Sound (FM): Yamaha YM2413
  • Mono FM synthesis
  • Switchable between 9 tone channels or 6 tone channels + 5 percussion channels
  • Included as a built-in "accessory" with the Japanese Master System (1987)
  • Supported by certain games only

Onboard RAM

• Boot ROM: 64 kbit (8 KB) to 2048 kbit (256 KB), depending on built-in game
• Main RAM: 64 kbit (8 KB), can be supplemented by game cartridges
• Video RAM: 128 kbit (16 KB)
• Game Card slot (not available in the Master System II)
• Game Cartridge slot (not included on newer Brazilian models, as these have built-in games)
  • Japanese and South Korean consoles used 44-pin cartridges, the same shape as SG-1000 cartridges
  • All other consoles use 50-pin cartridges with a wider shape
  • The difference in cartridge style is a form of regional lockout
• Expansion slot
  • Unused, pinout compatible with 50-pin cartridges (but opposite gender) in all regions

Dimensions

• Width: 365 mm
• Depth: 170 mm
• Height: 69 mm: