The SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive remains a fan favorite 16-bit game console thanks to its expansive library. However, importing titles across regions can be tricky due to eachGenesis model having hardware lockout chips that prevent playing out-of-region cartridges. Thankfully, console modding methods exist to disable region checking and achieve region free gaming.
This guide will cover multiple techniques for modifying your Genesis/Mega Drive to remove regional restrictions. We’ll explore methods from simple cartridge slot trimming on earlier models to more advanced internal Genesis mods for globally compatible gaming.
Table of Contents
Why Region Modding is Useful
Here are some of the major benefits to region free gaming on your modded Genesis:
- Play exclusive titles from any territory like Japanese shooters.
- Avoid expensive import shipping costs by running all regions.
- Convenience of a single global video game library.
- Experience genre favorites that didn’t see worldwide release.
- Preserve ability to play any cartridge on future hardware.
While the region mod requires opening up and tinkering with your console, therewards of cross-region compatibility often make the effort well worth it for retroenthusiasts seeking the ultimate Genesis.
Model 1 Cartridge Slot Mod
The original Genesis Model 1 utilizes a relatively simple cartridge slot tab to enforce region checking. By modifying the cart connector’s physical tabs, the lockout can be bypassed.
You’ll need:
- Phillips screwdriver
- Snips/Cutters
Steps:
- Open Genesis case and locate cartridge slot and tabs.
- Carefully snip off the thin rectangular plastic tabs on both sides of the cart connector. Avoid snipping any attached cables or wires.
- Clean up any leftover debris, reassemble the system and you now have region free capability!
This straightforward trim mod works well on early Genesis 1 units. But later models integrated the region check into security chipsets requiring more advanced modifications.
Genesis 2 and 3 Region Mod
The Genesis Models 2 and 3 introduced additional lockout chipsets that require some soldering work to disable region checking properly. We’ll need to locate and disconnect specific detection pins.
You’ll need:
- Soldering iron and solder
- Small Phillips screwdriver
- Diagonal cutters
Steps:
- Open up the case and locate the small security chip, usually labeled 315-5881.
- Using a multimeter or lookup pinout diagram, find the detection pins corresponding to regions ABC.
- Heat and remove the solder connecting these labeled pins to disable detection.
- Optional: Jump remaining pins to fool check and allow mixed region games.
- Carefully reassemble the system and power on to test with mixed cartridges inserted.
With practice, the soldering and pin removal process takes just a few quick minutes. This unlocks the ultimate region free Genesis capable of playing any game released worldwide.
##Genesis Model 3 VA1 Security Bypass
The VA1 Genesis Model 3 contains a proprietary security chip that requires an additional workaround. We need to tap into the system’s built-in region bypass functionality.
You’ll need:
- Soldering iron and solder
- Jumper wires
- Phillips screwdriver
Steps:
- Open case and locate pin B22 on the small VA1 security chip.
- Solder a thin jumper wire from B22 to any clean ground point.
- When powered on, hold A+B+C on controller to activate hidden bypass menu.
- Select option to disable region check and make default. System is now region free!
This clever hack taps into SEGA’s own bypass mode functionality to permanently enable region free support. A quick wire mod unlocks import gaming.
Genesis Region Xtender Mod
For a plug and play region free solution, the Region Xtender cartridge mod acts as a slot pass-through that disables checking before passing insertion info to the console.
You’ll need:
- Compatible game cartridge
- Soldering iron and solder
- Genesis Region Xtender PCB
Steps:
- Solder side pins of Region Xtender board to matching locations on your cartridge edge connector.
- Insert completed pass-through cartridge into Genesis slot whenever you want to play import titles.
While not as seamless as an internal mod, the Xtender cart lets you easily swap imported games without permananently altering the console.
Software Emulation as Alternative
If you don’t wish to open up and modify the Genesis hardware itself, software emulation provides an alternative method to experience games from any region.
Options include:
- Playing ROMs via Genesis emulators on PC and other platforms.
- Utilizing compilation releases like Genesis Mini or plug-and-play consoles.
- Burning game images onto reproduced cartridges that run on unmodified hardware.
For casual retro fans, software emulation gives most of the benefits without requiring console mods. But hardware purists still prefer playing on original systems.
Sourcing Region Exclusive Titles
Once your console is region modded, it’s time to start importing those exotic exclusives! Here are some sources:
- Japanese auction sites and specialty import retailers
- Local game swaps and conventions
- Joining retro gaming trade groups
- Collections from other region enthusiasts
- Owning game compilation discs/cartridges
Part of the fun is curating a global library of favorites tailored to your tastes. Genesis/Mega Drive RPGs, shooters and oddities gain new appeal when region locks vanish.
Conclusion
Modifying your SEGA Genesis or Mega Drive console to achieve region free support unlocks the ability to easily experience the best titles from worldwide releases. This guide covered multiple techniques from simple case mods to more advanced chip pin desoldering.
While the specific modding approach varies across hardware versions, the end result delivers a Genesis capable of importing Japanese, European and North American cartridges with no restrictions. Some methods like the Xtender even allow toggling region lock back on.
Owning a truly global Genesis opens up libraries of great games that didn’t see release in your native territory. And it preserves future compatibility and playability for your growing collection. For retro enthusiasts, a universal region free Genesis remains a cherished and recommended upgrade.
Region Mod FAQs
What are the benefits of a region free Genesis?
You can build a complete worldwide game library and avoid expensive import shipping costs. Also preserves playability on future hardware.
What risks are there toGenesis region modding?
If not careful, you can damage plastic tabs or lifted pads when desoldering. And some methods permanently alter security chips. So go slow and be cautious.
Do I need to mod both Genesis and 32X?
If you want to play Japanese 32X titles, both systems will need region mods. Luckily the methods are the same for achieving compatibility.
Can I just use a Game Genie to bypassregion?
No, Game Genie only temporarily patches games not system. You would need to use a Genie disc every time you wanted to load import games.
What are good sources for import Genesisgames?
eBay, local retro stores, game swaps, importers, joining Genesis collector groups, and following Japanese auctions are great ways to find rare titles.
