Sega Genesis Multitaps information

Introduction

There is not much information on the different types of multi-taps available for the Sega Genesis. This page aims to correct this.


Sega MK-1647

mk1647 bottom mk1647 top mk1647 box Name: Team Player, Multi-Player Adaptor, For Sega Genesis and Sega CD.
Manufactured by: Sega
Model #: MK-1647
UPC code:0-10086-01647-5

Sega's MK-1647 multitap has two cables going to the console and a 6 position mode selection button. The different modes are:
  • A: Multitap port A mapped to first controller cable. Second controller cable unused.
  • B: Multitap port B mapped to first controller cable. Second controller cable unused.
  • C: Multitap port C mapped to first controller cable. Second controller cable unused.
  • D: Multitap port D mapped to first controller cable. Second controller cable unused.
  • EXTRA: Multitap port A and B repectively mapped to Genesis port 1 and 2.
  • MULTI: The 4 Multitap ports are used in 4 player mode thru the first controller cable. Second controller cable unused.
Support:
  • Any combination of 3 and 6 button controllers can be used.
  • Works with my DB9 to USB adapter.
  • Uses the Sega multi-tap protocol, as described in genesis_multitap.txt.
  • Works with Sega's multi-tap IO example ROM (Multitap - IO Sample Program) (Not on this site, please don't ask for it).


Sega MK-1654

mk1654 internals mk1654 bottom mk1654 top mk1654 box Name: Team Player, Multi-Player Adaptor, For Sega Genesis and Sega CD.
Manufactured by: Sega
Model #: MK-1654
UPC code:0-10086-01654-3

Sega's MK-1654 multitap has one cable going to the console and a 5 position mode selection button. The different modes are:
  • MULTI: The 4 Multitap ports are used in 4 player mode.
  • A: Multitap port A mapped to Genesis port 1.
  • B: Multitap port B mapped to Genesis port 1.
  • C: Multitap port C mapped to Genesis port 1.
  • D: Multitap port D mapped to Genesis port 1.
Support:
  • Any combination of 3 and 6 button controllers can be used.
  • Works with my DB9 to USB adapter.
  • Uses the Sega multi-tap protocol, as described in genesis_multitap.txt.
  • Works with Sega's multi-tap IO example ROM (Multitap - IO Sample Program) (Not on this site, please don't ask for it).


Performance P-450

p450 bottom p450 top p450 box Name: Super Multi-play
Manufactured by: Performance
Model #: P-450
UPC code:?

Performance's P-450 multitap has a two position mode switch and two sets of cables going to the console (1 cable for MODE 1, 2 cables for MODE 2). In mode 1, it works like Sega's MK-1654 multi-tap. I don't have much information about mode 2, but I suspect it is for Electronic Arts games which needed a different type of multi-tap.
Support:
  • Any combination of 3 and 6 button controllers can be used. But see problems below.
  • Works with my DB9 to USB adapter.
  • Uses the Sega multi-tap protocol, (almost) as described in genesis_multitap.txt.
  • Works with Sega's multi-tap IO example ROM (Multitap - IO Sample Program) (Not on this site, please don't ask for it).
Problems:
  • This multi-tap does not detect Sega's MK-1470 6 button controllers (They work as 3 button controllers instead). I have not tried other controllers yet.
  • This multi-tap reports the presence of 3 button controllers in all ports, even when nothing is connected. This is not really a problem, but it is not what Sega's multi-tap do.