last version: 04/04/2024
00. Readme
Game console forms
The game console has come in many forms, each with its own specific features:
- Sega Master System (with the FM chip only for Japan).
- Sega Master System 2.
- Add-on Sega Power Base Converter for the Genesis.
- Sega Game Gear (with a better VDP chip but a lower screen resolution).
In these articles, I will mainly focus on the Sega Master System 2, because it's the only model I have. Game development for other models is no different, there are just a few specifics that won't be covered here.
Tutorials
Like everyone else, I also had to learn how to develop for this console.
The first tutorial I used to read is from Maxim's blog.
A plethora of schematics that make it easy to understand how the console works.
Definitely something to read first.
Websites
The most useful website, about the Sega Master System, is SMS POWER. It contains all official and community-created documentations, tutorials, tips, and an active forum. It can be a good source for inspiration too with homebrews and open-source code.
Other links that I mainly use:
- Link about wla-dx compilater for Z80.
- Z80 ASM Optimization.
- Z80 instructions.
- Sonic1-Z80-ASM decompilation.
Youtube channels
Not related to the Sega Master System especially, but many of the techniques shown in these videos are also applicable.
There are many videos about how games were made in the 8bit era and these two are really excellent as an introduction:
- Game Development in Eight Bits by Kevin Zurawel.
- How we fit an NES game into 40 Kilobytes.
Also, these channels have excellent content: