The Sega Master System (SMS), released in 1986 only months after the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), was an 8-bit 'fourth-generation' home video game console, designed to compete with the NES. And compete with the NES it did, very successfully, in fact, right here in Australia, as well as in Europe, New Zealand and Brazil (where it is still in production!). But in the US, things were not quite the same... There did not seem to be any reason why the SMS should not succeed- it boasted built-in games, a range of quality peripherals (including the highly-acclaimed SegaScope 3-D glasses) and class-leading technology superior to that of the NES. And Nintendo knew it. You see, the two systems were released at a time when both were exactly what the video game industry needed- a means to be reborn. The last thing Nintendo needed was a superior system to steal its sales, so it made all 3rd-party NES game developers sign a special contract. Basically, the contract stated, "You develop NES games, and NES games only. Smart move, Nintendo. Bad luck, Sega.

None at this time.

Last Revised: January 27, 2000