About the Game Master Handheld Game Console by Hartung

The 90s was a time of rapid innovation in the world of handheld gaming, with various companies eager to make their mark. Amidst this bustling scene, Hartung’s Game Master emerged as a contender, hoping to capture the hearts of gamers everywhere.

While it might not have achieved legendary status, the Game Master is a fascinating chapter in gaming history.

Release Date

The Game Master was released in 1990 by Hartung, a German electronics company. It was introduced to the market at a time when Nintendo’s Game Boy was dominating the scene and everyone else was looking for a piece of the portable gaming pie.

Overall Popularity

In terms of popularity, the Game Master was more of an unsung hero. It didn’t enjoy the same widespread acclaim or massive sales numbers as the Game Boy or even the Sega Game Gear. However, it found its niche, particularly in Europe, and managed to gather a small, dedicated following. Today, it’s more of a collector’s curiosity than a gaming legend.

Technical Details

Let’s get technical and delve into the specs that made the Game Master tick:

• Display: The Game Master featured a 2.7-inch monochrome LCD screen. It wasn’t backlit, which means you needed decent lighting to play, just like with the original Game Boy.
• Processor: The console was powered by an 8-bit NEC CPU, running at around 4 MHz. This provided enough horsepower for the types of games it ran.
• Memory: It had 2 KB of RAM, which was modest but sufficient for the relatively simple games in its library.
• Power: The Game Master required four AA batteries, which offered about 10-12 hours of gameplay. This was pretty efficient compared to some of its power-hungry competitors.
• Sound: The sound capabilities were basic, featuring a simple speaker that produced monophonic beeps and boops. It wasn’t going to win any audio awards, but it did the job.

The Company Behind the Magic: Hartung

Hartung was a German electronics manufacturer known for producing a variety of consumer electronics, including calculators and digital watches. In the late ’80s and early ’90s, they decided to venture into the burgeoning market of handheld gaming. The Game Master was their flagship product in this endeavor, aimed at providing a more affordable alternative to the Game Boy.

Other Noteworthy Tidbits

• Game Library: The Game Master had a library of about 20-30 games. While this was relatively small compared to its competitors, it included a mix of genres like action, puzzle, and sports games. Some notable titles included “Cosmic Hunter,” “Soccer Pro,” and “Magic Maze.”
• Design: The Game Master had a simple, utilitarian design. It was rectangular with a D-pad on the left and two action buttons on the right, along with a small speaker grill. It was built to be durable, making it a good choice for younger gamers.
• Interchangeable Cartridges: The Game Master used interchangeable cartridges, similar to the Game Boy, allowing players to swap out games easily. However, the cartridges were smaller and less robust in design.

Fun Facts

• Name Variations: In some regions, the Game Master was marketed under different names, such as the “Systema 2000” in the UK. This was part of Hartung’s strategy to appeal to various international markets.
• Budget-Friendly: One of the Game Master’s main selling points was its affordability. It was priced lower than the Game Boy, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
• Collector’s Item: Today, the Game Master is a niche collector’s item. Finding a working unit, along with its cartridges, can be a delightful challenge for retro gaming enthusiasts.

Wrapping It Up

The Game Master by Hartung was an ambitious effort to carve out a space in the competitive world of handheld gaming. While it may not have reached the commercial heights of its more famous contemporaries, it provided a unique and affordable gaming experience.

Its technical specs, modest game library, and utilitarian design make it a fascinating piece of retro gaming history. So, if you ever stumble upon a Game Master at a flea market or in a vintage electronics shop, take a moment to appreciate this underdog console.

In the grand saga of handheld gaming, the Game Master stands as a testament to the era’s spirit of innovation and competition.