The Sega Mega Drive II / Genesis 2, 32X, and Nomad use a proprietary 9-pin mini-DIN AV output connector, replacing the 8-pin DIN D-type connector of the original Mega Drive / Genesis Model 1. Introduced in the early 1990s, it carries analogue RGB (red, green, blue), composite video, composite sync, stereo audio, and a +5 V supply across a single cable. The connector shell serves as signal ground. Sega service documentation references AV cables for this family with designations distinguishing the 9-pin mini-DIN plug at the console end from either an 8-pin or 9-pin connector at the peripheral end, reflecting compatibility across the Model 1/2 transition.
9 pin mini-DIN female special connector at the console
9 pin mini-DIN male special connector at the video cable
| Pin | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | blue |
| 2 | +5VDC |
| 3 | green |
| 4 | Composite Video |
| 5 | Sync |
| 6 | Audio Mono |
| 7 | red |
| 8 | Stereo L |
| 9 | Stereo R |
Notes
The connector at the console is a 9-pin mini-DIN female socket; the cable carries a 9-pin mini-DIN male plug. The shell of the connector is connected to ground. Pin 6 carries audio mono or ground depending on the cable type; stereo cables use pins 8 and 9 for left and right audio channels respectively. The same connector and pinout is used across the Mega Drive II, Genesis 2, 32X, and Nomad, as well as the CDX. AV cables for the Model 1 (8-pin DIN) are not physically compatible with this 9-pin mini-DIN socket.
Signals
- Blue — analogue RGB blue channel output
- +5VDC — +5 V supply on pin 2
- Green — analogue RGB green channel output
- Composite Video — baseband CVBS composite video output
- Sync — composite sync signal
- Audio Mono — mono audio output or ground reference (pin 6)
- Red — analogue RGB red channel output
- Stereo L — left stereo audio channel output
- Stereo R — right stereo audio channel output