Sega Master System

The Sega Master System was Sega's second home console released and developed by the company. Alex Kidd was the company's mascot, appearing in a majority of the Master System's best-selling games. The Sega Master System was first released in Japan on October 20, 1985, under the name Sega Mark III. It was later sold under the name the Sega Master System in North America and Europe, and Japan followed suit, releasing another version of the Sega Mark III under the name the Sega Master System. The Master System wasn't very successful compared to the Nintendo Entertainment System--even though they were both from the third generation and the 8-bit era, the Master System was over-shadowed by the Nintendo Entertainment System, the NES selling more units in the long-run. The Sega Master System was the next step in Sega's console-making period, and Sega went on to make a more successful console, the Sega Genesis. Later on, Sega made a floppy-disk expansion port for the Master System. It was developed, but never released. The Master System was popular for being able to read cards and cartridges as well. Following this, Sega released a second Sega Master System with larger hardware capabilities, a light gun, and a better look. Overall, Sega reeled in millions with the Master System, a wireless Master System even being released in two colors, black and pink.