When did SEGA start making Master System controllers with wires coming from the top?

I just bought a Master System controller that looks like this with the wire coming from the side-

http://www.rfgeneration.com/PHP/wate...00%3Bsizex=200

(not a picture of mine; just a stock image from Google)


But then I've noticed images of them looking more like an NES controller with the cable coming from the top-

http://images.shopgoodwill.com/118/6...7470616-ck.jpg


Which came first? I'm currently using it for my Genesis's Power Base Converter because I have a couple of incompatible games that I'd like to play.

The cord from the side is the original style.

Thanks, but do you know the year they started doing it the other way?

SMS Power! might know...

The original ones also had a little nub you could take out of the dpad and then screw in a little joystick type thing, similar to the original PC Gravis Gamepads like this:

http://di1.shopping.com/images1/pi/2...00x100-0-0.jpg

My system has the little nubs but I've rarily used them.

Oh shit! It didn't come with a nub. Should I be pissed?


EDIT: Wait, that's false because I just saw this-

http://www.cedmagic.com/tech-info/re...master-pad.jpg

It's not a big deal

http://i730.photobucket.com/albums/w...picture002.jpg

It's like they figured out that the chord should come from the top, and then by the time they made the Dreamcast they forgot again. Oh Sega....

^ I had this one too, I like WTF when it comes to Sega Master System designs and others.

I bought my Master System new in 1988 and I never owned a controller with the wire coming out of the side. As for the D-Pad nubs, it's either that or a screw hole. Enjoy!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sheath

As for the D-Pad nubs, it's either that or a screw hole. Enjoy!

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Not true. You can see in the picture synbiosfan posted that there is a cap that covers the screw hole.
The cord from the side is the original Japanese Mark III design. The knobs were extras that were included in a baggie.


PS,
this thread is in the wrong forum - should be in Insert Coin. this forum is for discussion of Genesis/Mega Drive.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Zz Badnusty

Not true. You can see in the picture synbiosfan posted that there is a cap that covers the screw hole.
The cord from the side is the original Japanese Mark III design. The knobs were extras that were included in a baggie.


PS,
this thread is in the wrong forum - should be in Insert Coin. this forum is for discussion of Genesis/Mega Drive.

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That's what I was failing to be funny about. The screw hole is there for a joystick. I can't be certain, memory being what it is, but I could swear that my original Master System control pads from '88 had no such ports of expansion. But they, I always did prefer the Control Stick.