What's the "best" version of the Genesis?

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I'm about to pick one up for the first time, and I'm wondering which version is the best. There are 3 of them, right? I'd like to have SegaCD/32X compatitbility if that means anything.
 
There are the three main one and a few others.
Model 1 - has the volume control on the front
Model 2 - a little smaller.
Model 3 - very small one
JVC X'EYE
Sega CDX

I think there's a few others, but those are really hard to find. Both the x'eye and cdx are genesis/CD integrated units. I would say to look for a model 2, but if you every see the cdx or x'eye at a garage sale to pick them up. Those two can also be a little harder to find. Check out the wiki on the sega genesis.
 
In my opinion, the Genesis 2 is the better one. As far as 32X support is concened, you just need to use the metal clips if you want to use it while the system is connected to the Sega CD, or else its gonna distort the picture (I believe in another thread that dafoome said he uses tin foil or something to that effect),; that and the spacer so it sits in the slot correctly.

Though, to be honest, I've always wanted a Genesis 1 and an original Sega CD, with the Genesis 1 sitting on top (yeah, I'm a nerd like that)
 
Sega CD model 1 units had a problem of the CD drives going bad.

If you're looking for a Genesis, I'd go with a model 2. They took out some chips to reduce the cost on the model 3 which made it incompatible with the Sega CD, 32X, Power Base converter, and Virutua Racing. The model 1 has a headphone jack with volume slider for stereo output and you can get composite video out of it, but the model 2's AV cables are much easier to find and it's smaller to boot.
 
[quote name='radjago']Sega CD model 1 units had a problem of the CD drives going bad.

If you're looking for a Genesis, I'd go with a model 2. They took out some chips to reduce the cost on the model 3 which made it incompatible with the Sega CD, 32X, Power Base converter, and Virutua Racing. The model 1 has a headphone jack with volume slider for stereo output and you can get composite video out of it, but the model 2's AV cables are much easier to find and it's smaller to boot.[/QUOTE]

My Genesis 3 works fine with my 32x.
 
[quote name='HumanSnatcher']In my opinion, the Genesis 2 is the better one. As far as 32X support is concened, you just need to use the metal clips if you want to use it while the system is connected to the Sega CD, or else its gonna distort the picture (I believe in another thread that dafoome said he uses tin foil or something to that effect),; that and the spacer so it sits in the slot correctly.

Though, to be honest, I've always wanted a Genesis 1 and an original Sega CD, with the Genesis 1 sitting on top (yeah, I'm a nerd like that)[/QUOTE]
The foil didn't work too well, apparently Aluminum is not a very good RF shield. I ended up taking the metal tabs off of 2 floppy disks and using one on each side. They ended up being the correct size to hold the 32x high enough up as well, I don't have the spacer either.

I've got the Model 2 Genesis and Model 2 SegaCD with a 32x. Its good, its probably what you want. Personally, I'd love to find a model 1 Genesis and a model 1 Sega CD, I'd replace my model 2's with that in a second. I like the way they look a lot more. You'd probably be better off with model 2 for both, since the model 2 Sega CD is more reliable and more common. You really shouldn't mix and match a model 1 with a model 2, it'll work, but it won't look good, and good luck finding the correct spacers.

The CDX and X-Eye are great too, but they're very expensive and very hard to find. Just don't buy a Genesis 3, its not even made by Sega. Its not compatible with Sega CD, and shouldn't work with 32x, even though it might.

Does anyone know if the Power Base Converter is compatible with the Genesis 2? I've been looking for one forever.
 
[quote name='gizmogc']My Genesis 3 works fine with my 32x.[/quote]
Wtf?
How did that happen?
Mine doesn't work with the 32x, so my 32x is just sitting in the closet collecting dust.
 
I prefer the model 1 Genny with my 32x and model 2 CD. The 32x sits better on the model 1. The only drawback is that you need a special AV adaptor that may be a little hard to find at this point.
 
As long as everyone is saying what they have , I might as well jump in here .
I have 2 model 1's , a CDx , & a Nomad .

I like the model 1's .
I was the first of my friends to own a Genesis back in the day , so that is what a Genesis is to me .
 
I'm almost positive Ive had my Genesis 3 and 32x 'do it'. It was a REALLY tight fit, but it worked. Maybe I'm just crazy?
 
Thanks for clearing that up dafoomie. I couldn't remember what threrad it was. All I remember was reading it. I actually have that tiny 2 or 3 inch cable thats needed kicken around somewhere in one of those old plastic colored NES cases...
 
If you're just going to play Genesis games then I'd say the original model 1 is your best bet; However, if you're looking to hook a Sega CD or 32X up to the unit, then I'd say go with the model 2 Genesis.


Oh, and stay away from the Genesis 3.. it's pretty much a piece of crap.
 
[quote name='dafoomie']
Does anyone know if the Power Base Converter is compatible with the Genesis 2? I've been looking for one forever.[/QUOTE]

it should, but i can't remember. my power base converter lives in my cdx so i can have my 32x in the genesis 2. i know the 32x works in a cdx, even though it's "not compatible".
 
I prefer the model 1 Genny with my 32x and model 2 CD. The 32x sits better on the model 1.
Click to expand...
This is what I went with as well. I like the Gen 1 since it allows the Power Base Convertor without any modification, and it is easy to mod for S-video (which mine is) and that is just about impossible on the Gen 2. 32X works fine as well.

And as mentioned, I like the model 2 CD for better reliability over the model 1 CD system.
 
I'm all about the model 1 genesis and make sure it is one with high definition graphics written on it (there were 2 version of the first model genesis) or else you will need to use a passthrough cart for zany golf, ishido, budoken and a few other games that only work on the earliest genesis models
 
[quote name='gizmogc']I'm almost positive Ive had my Genesis 3 and 32x 'do it'. It was a REALLY tight fit, but it worked. Maybe I'm just crazy?[/QUOTE]

The Genny 3 should be a bit loose with the 32x because the cart slot was molded bigger to be used in all regions worldwide with different sized carts. If you are looking to do import playing it would be the best as the region and 50/60 mods are super easy and it can also be modded very easy with a few parts for s-video and great RGB if you have a monitor or converter to use it with. Not so great with combatablity but nice for a modder type system. The first version even had stereo output though the AV jack. The later models did not.

THe first Genny version is nice if you can get the first of the 2 revisions. It has the full 68000 CPU that can be made to be overclocked or what i did is replace it totally with the faster 68010 CPU. No need for the overclock mod then and games like Sonic will have little or no slowdown after wards. It COULD maybe limit some games working on it but find one with a low Mhz like 8 or 10 if you have to and it should be ok. Check the forums over at gamesx.com for more info on it. I would love to try it with the CD drive but i have never found one that would stiil work:cry: . But I hope to find one some day.
Andrew J
 
I have a CDX and I love it. It's so tiny. But I think you need to buy something extra to add on a 32X. Plus normally they'll cost ya over $60. Not a CAG choice.

But I got lucky and bought mine of eBay for $35. The guy selling it said the CDX wasn't tested cause he didn't have a power cord. But I took a risk and bought it anyways and it worked perfectly.
 
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