What you'll need

What You'll Need

Your tool list depends on which mods you tackle. Plug-in upgrades need almost nothing; internal mods call for soldering gear. Gather everything before you start so you are not stuck mid-job.

For no-solder upgrades

• A flashcart (Mega EverDrive Pro or Mega SD)
• A quality SD card, ideally a known-good brand
• A card reader for your computer
• The latest firmware and a clean ROM set you own

For opening the console

• A security bit (Sega used proprietary screws on many units, often a Gamebit type)
• A standard Phillips screwdriver for inner screws
• A plastic spudger or pry tool to avoid scratching the shell

For soldering mods

• A temperature-controlled soldering iron with a fine tip
• Quality solder, flux, and desoldering braid
• Thin gauge wire for jumpers and signal taps
• A multimeter to verify connections and continuity
• For RGB cables: a 75-ohm resistor and a coupling capacitor per channel