The Master System is an 8-bit home video game console developed by Sega, released in 1985. It was designed to compete with other consoles of the time, such as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The Master System featured improved graphics and sound capabilities, allowing for a variety of games across different genres. The console came with a library of popular titles, including Sonic the Hedgehog and Alex Kidd in Miracle World. Although it struggled to gain a significant market share in North America, it found success in Europe and Brazil, where it maintained a loyal fan base for many years.