Genesis / Mega Drive model numbers: which one do you have?
Where the model number is
The Genesis models are easiest to tell apart by shape and ports: look at the back and front of the console.
How to read it
Type the model as Genesis Model 1, Genesis Model 2 or Genesis 3. A Model 1 has a round 8-pin AV port and a headphone jack on the front; a Model 2 has a smaller 9-pin AV port and no headphone jack.
Not sure? Type the number into the finder.
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Model 1
Label: Genesis Model 1, Mega Drive Model 1
What's different: The original: RF output and an 8-pin DIN AV port on the back (mono sound), plus a front headphone jack with a volume slider for stereo. Early units also have an extension port.
Parts and cables: AV cables for the Model 1 have the round 8-pin plug and don't fit a Model 2; search for listings that name Model 1.
Checked against Wikipedia: Sega Genesis (cites Sega's Genesis Model 2 manual and service manual) (secondary source, Oct 18, 2026).
Model 2
Label: Genesis Model 2, Mega Drive II, Mega Drive 2
What's different: The smaller second model (Mega Drive II outside North America): one 9-pin mini-DIN AV port with stereo sound, no headphone jack, and a simpler board that needs less power.
Parts and cables: AV cables for the Model 2 have the 9-pin mini-DIN plug; search for listings that name Model 2.
Checked against Wikipedia: Sega Genesis (cites Sega's Genesis Model 2 manual and service manual) (secondary source, Oct 18, 2026).
Genesis 3
Label: Genesis 3, Genesis Model 3 · Made 1998
What's different: A budget version released by Majesco in 1998. It plays standard cartridges only: it doesn't support the Sega CD, the 32X or the Power Base Converter.
Parts and cables: Search for listings that name your model number, and check the photos match your console.
Checked against Wikipedia: Sega Genesis (cites Sega's Genesis Model 2 manual and service manual) (secondary source, Oct 18, 2026).
Before you buy, check that the listing names your exact model number and that its photos match your console. The notes here are general guidance written by us, not a promise that a part fits.