Sega Megadrive - which version to get?
 

I own some sorry excuse for a megadrive clone, and I want the real deal.

So, v1 or v2? I hear v1 has stereo, but v2 can be modded to a better stereooutput than the v1?

What about video output? I know there is a 3rd too, but that doesn't support neither the 32x or the cd addon (not that they were that good, but nice to be compatible)

I've owned both, the first version is far better in my opinion. Looks better, sounds better, and many don't have TMSS.

First version has stereo only from phono jack in the front. Audio filters are better in first version.
First version can be modified much easier than second.

I have always preferred the look of megadrive one and mega-cd

Thanks, apparently no reason to buy the second version. :)

Me too, check out my sig. ;)

The second version is smaller, so if space is an issue its more compact.

First version looks timeless elegant. Get a Japanese MD1 and do the 50/60Hz & region free mods. If you get a PAL or US version you have to broaden the cartridge slot since Japanese modules are bigger.

Out of all the Megadrives, the Jap version 1 was my fav. The colours were better than the white of the UK/PAL version.

I have a Mega Drive 2 and Mega cd 2. The combo looks nice and the Mega CD 2 has less chance of breaking down on you. But given the chance I would buy a Mega Drive 1 because the look is nicer. However there is still nothing really wrong with the model 2. It still plays the same except for some very slight sound issues.

The v3 Mega Drive (and the others based on that revision, such as the MultiMega) can't play Virtua Racing. Something to do with reducing costs and leaving bits out.

But if you can get your hands on a Multi Mega then it would be an extremely nice piece to add to you collection. While on the subject of odd revisions then how about the Nomad.

The mega drive goes for next to nothing, the multi mega goes for three digits. I think I choose the former. :)

The MultiMega's pretty cool - Mega CD and Mega Drive in one portable CD player-sized box. The Nomad's trickier. The screen technology, by modern standards, is crap. Poor resolution, blurring, etc. Plus, second-hand units (which are the only ones around now) will have wear and tear that doesn't really affect the non-portable versions. If a MultiMega pad is worn out it's easy to get a replacement. Replacing worn out buttons in a Nomad is much harder.

If you want a portable Mega Drive (and something like the GP2x Wiz or PSP is out because you want real hardware/don't want to give filthy Sony any money, even if you're hacking their console to run homebrew), you could consider one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/Genesis-Retrog...ef=pd_sim_vg_2

http://www.amazon.com/Officially-Lic.../dp/B002SLZRWA

Both have cartridge slots and are lighter, smaller and more battery-friendly than the Nomad. However, both have mixed reviews due to compatibility issues and build quality.