PAL Compatibility on NTSC Systems

[Stan]

I just started my SMS collection with a horde of different items, so I thought I'd ask this before I start to branch out in the Euro market, if I decide to. I know from NES collecting that most PAL games will work fine if you have the newer model or modify your old one. What is the case with the Master System? Lockout chip? Incompatibility?

[RaccoonLad]

Euro games work fine on a US system, with few exeptions.

The Codemasters games (micro machines, dizzy, spacehead) will only work on a SMS2. New zealand Story will only work right on a Power Base Converter. Some Brazillian games like Streetfighter 2 or Virtua Fighter Animation need a SMS2 to work right as well (Maybe a PBC too, I've never tested)
I believe Bact to the Future 3 won't work at ALL on a US system, and all others are fine exept for a few that will sometimes glitch a bit.

[Stan]

Awesome, thanks a bunch. I'm not really interested in those particular games anyway. I expected a few glitches considering my PAL NES games, but nothing substantial.

[The Insomniac]

Some Sonic The Hedgehog games don't work that well on a US SMS 1. Sonic Chaos runs a little slow and the Brazilian-only Sonic Blast won't work on a US SMS 1 probably because it is 8 megs.

Also I heard Prince of Persia won't work with an NTSC system either.

[Phil]

I've noticed a few graphic glitches on some other games when played at 60hz:

Lion King
Sonic 2
Trivial Pursuit
Techmo World Cup 93

[dezanuebe]

I know that sometec toy games only work in sms2 and 3!!!

[RaccoonLad]

Prince of Persia works fine on my US SMS1, as well as the Sonic games.

[The Insomniac]

What year and model is your SMS1 (it should say it when it loads without a cart), mines a 1986 1.3 model.

Those games worked fine on my 1988 SMS1 though, I think it's just the earlier ones.

[dezanuebe]

humm...