Sega Genesis

Region mod

Region Mod

A region mod requires opening the console and soldering on the mainboard. A slip can bridge traces or lift a pad. If you are not confident with fine soldering, practice on scrap first or have an experienced modder help.

A region mod lets a console run games from other regions and, importantly, switch between 50 Hz and 60 Hz. This is what allows a PAL machine to play NTSC games at full speed without borders.

Identify the board
Open the console and confirm the model and VA revision so you use the correct wiring.
Locate the signals
Find the region and refresh-rate points on the board per a revision-matched guide.
Wire the switch
Solder the region and 50/60 Hz lines to a switch or jumper.
Test settings
Power on and verify each position changes region and refresh as expected.
Reassemble
Tidy wiring, close the shell, and confirm everything still works.

Switch or switchless?

This page covers a basic switched mod. For a cleaner result with no external switch, see the Switchless mod page, which uses MegaDrivePlusPlus firmware controlled by your gamepad.

Remember that region and refresh are separate signals; a complete mod handles both so imports run correctly and at the right speed.