*Click to enlarge*
Hello friends! again I’ll analyze another of Krikzz’s (ukranian manufacturer) flashcarts, this time I will speak about a cart created for the old system of Sega, the popular Sega Master System, let’s have in mind that it was a console that competed against NES to rate number one in the 80's. It was quite popular, especially in Europe and Asia, but its success was somewhat discreet in America. Furthermore, this console had several versions that, primarily different in size and shape.
Introduction
The SMS is a cart that will allow you to play the Sega Master System roms that you usually play on emulators in the very console, as if it were the original cartridge; in addition, it can play the SMS games on a Game Gear console if you have the corresponding adapter.
About the reviewer
My nickname is usually Aleomark, in some webpages of CR I am also known as Sousuke, but internationally and officially I prefer Aleomark, and I want to add in this section that I have already done several reviews in the past, both in English and in Spanish, about flashcarts for different companies and retro scene accessories, so you can take for sure that in my analysis you will find a broad perspective about comparison and, most importantly, neutrality when it comes to analyzing and writing my reviews, I thank those who sponsored my reviews sending me samples, but when doing the analysis I am as objective as possible, so that you, the readers, can make sure you are reading a good review which you may use to base a decision of acquiring the product.
SMS Master Everdrive… what’s that?
As I said before, it is a flash-cart which can load the SMS roms through the menu that will show in the screen once the console is powered on with the cart already inserted, then just play! Quite simple, you only have to previously set the roms on an SD card or RS-MMC (not included), the SD Card or RS-MMC must be placed in the cart slot and that is it. Game On!
How does it look like?
What you get when the postman leaves the package is something like what you see in the picture below:
*Click to enlarge*
When opened, you will find a small square package carefully wrapped in bubble wrap and cardboard, just open and you’ll see: the bare PCB in green, the chip and the SD card or rs-mmc slots, some come with a USB port (if you bought this version) useful for homebrew programmers, if you're not a programmer, you won’t miss this function. Something that you should take into account when ordering is which version of the cart is more appealing to you, with or without USB, because they have different prices.
*Click to enlarge*
*Click to enlarge*
At the time you get the cart, it comes bare, without case, so you should find an old game to open it, remove the original PCB and place the Master EverDrive, as follows:
1- As the PCB is standard size, we can take any game for Sega Master System so that we donate his case. After the game we decided to sacrifice, we open with a screwdriver with a cross current. I recommend having previously removed the label and any label or glue residue that remain, so that our cartridge looks like this:
*Click to enlarge*
*Click to enlarge*
2- The open and we score more or less where we make the holes for the SD, once marked, cut with a cutter, I recommend it with calm and patience for you is a pleasing result at a glance:
*Click to enlarge*
3- We put the PCB and refit, we can finally create a label, or get off one from the official support forum for free, print-I use glossy sticker paper, and paste it into the box. Here's the result I got using the label and insert user Sheath, all credit to him.
*Click to enlarge*
This may be annoying, but it could also encourage some of you to strive for a good customized result; nevertheless, this process is important if you want to protect your flashcart.
*There are re-sellers who offer the cart with the case and label, but the price is expensive.
*You can use a rs-mmc so there is no need to make a hole in the case; however, you have to take into account that if you want to use the SD for other purposes, you will have to open the case again and take the card out.
Final result:
*Click to enlarge*
*Click to enlarge*
What does it include?
There is not much to say in this section, what’s included is just what’s needed to play: the SMS Master Everdrive PCB and that’s it. You just need to “dress” the cart, to have a formatted SD or rs-mmc and add the roms. The case is very important because it protects the PCB, but it’s not mandatory, the console won’t stop working if the PCB does not have a case. The SD or rs-mmc needs to be 2GB or less (higher capacities are not read), enough capacity to save all SMS roms. No written manual.
Manufacturer Specifications
Flash cart for Sega Master System
+ max supported ROM size up to 8mbit (1mbyte)
+ 32kb FRAM for game saves keep.
+SMS and SG-1000 games are supported
+Supported standard sega mapper and codemasters mapper
+Cart can be used on GameGear via Gear Master adapter
+USB port for homebrew development*
+OS can be updated from SD or USB
+ save ram data can be stored or loaded from SD card
+ SD/MMC cards support.
+ FAT16 support. 2GB max partition size
+Supported SD/MMC size 2GB max
+ flashed game will stay in memory after power off. so no need to choice and reflash game after each reset or power off
cart comes without a shell, but standard shell can be used
*USB port available only on "Master Everdrive +USB" cart version
* homebrew software could communicate with PC via virtual serial port interface. All USB port operations controlled by SMS Z80 CPU, so USB port can not be used if cart not attached to console.
Updates and support
The current firmware version and OS are version #1 factory default, which, by now, seem to be very stable though it is possible that new versions may come out in the future. The OS is easily updated (just upload a file as if you were uploading a game), but the firmware can be a bit more complicated because you’d need a JTAG cable and an interpreter suite in the PC.
Regarding support, I have witnessed in different forums that if you have a hardware problem with the SMS Master Everdrive or Super Everdrive, Krikzz takes it back to check it up or repair with no additional cost.
Menu
The menu is simple, it is black background with white letters. Though it’s not a very attractive menu, it is free from errors and fast browsing, what is very positive. The menu when initializing shows the OS version in the left corner at the bottom and the options:
Start Game: for playing the flashed game that you have on the memory.
Select Game: for browsing in the SD card and to load a different game from the one you flashed in the memory.
Toolbox: takes you to sub-menu with more options:
-------------------->SAVE/LOAD SRAM: for saving or loading the progresses in the games that required battery to/from the card.
-------------------->Device Info: shows information about regarding the flashcart.
-------------------->Update OS: for updating the OS of the cart. (NOT firmware)
-------------------->About: shows flashcart credits.
There is not cheat manager included yet.
Compatibility
Compatibility is high, it is assumed that 100%, no one has reported any game unable to be loaded with the Master EverDrive yet. This section is always the most important for a Flashcart along with ease of use, so if I were rating this section, it will get 5 stars.
Some screenshots using the Master Everdrive:
*Click to enlarge*
This is how it looks inserted in the console:
*Click to enlarge*
Conclusions:
The SMS Master EverDrive is a flashcart that came to bridge the gap between this kind of devices and the SMS console because the only existing flashcart for this console is the tototek, which is rather archaic and its use is complicated. In the future another company (Neoflash) is going to launch a flashcart, but with the typical problems to which they are associated. So, nowadays this is the best available option for the Sega Master System and it’ll probably be for long. The manufacturer of this device is experienced enough in the flashcarts business and gives good support in the official forum. The price is quite acceptable, so if you are a lover of this great console I recommend you to get one.
Pros
• high compatibility.
• SG-1000 games can be played in a Game Gear with respective adapter.
• SD o rs-mmc memory.
• Support and Free Region
• Rom keeps on the flash memory even after turning off.
• No need inserted cart to booting up.
Cons
• No case.
• Unattractive menu.
• No Cheat Manager.
where can I get one?
retrogate.com
warnersretrocorner.co.uk
store.kitsch-bent.com
tototek.com
Interesting Links:
support forum
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illustrative video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoZJE...layer_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR05A...layer_embedded
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UPDATE
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Clarifications
-sega master system roms functioned in a sega master system
-sg-1000 roms will work in a sega master system
-sega master system roms will work in a game gear with the appropriate adapter (master gear)
-sg-1000 roms will work in a sega game gear with the appropriate adapter (master gear)
-sega game gear will not work on a Sega Master System
-sega game gear roms will work in a sega game gear using modified master gear
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Pics using SMS MASTER EVERDRIVE in a Sega Game Gear trought Master gear:
*click to enlarge*
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Links were it was posted:
http://www.underground-gamer.com/for...p575329#575329
http://www.bitgamer.su/forums.php?ac...p264818#264818
http://www.elotrolado.net/hilo_revie...rdrive_1582337
http://www.bo-anime.com/Foro/index.p...1.html#msg5751
http://www.imperioanime.com/foro/ind...6128#msg296128
http://wackoon.com/foro/index.php?sh...t=0#entry90275
http://cosplaypartycr.com/foro/index...9491#msg269491
http://www.mcanime.net/foro/viewtopi...805430#6805430
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Originally Posted by aleomark
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