This is a switchless region mod for the SEGA Mega Drive, and a bluetooth controller host and adapter, based on the Raspberry Pi Pico W.

TODO: review all of this

For now it is quite simple, allowing to change the region of the console via a reset button bypass. Hold reset for half a second and release, to change desired region. The power LED will blink once for US, twice for EU, and three times for JP. Then do a quick press of the reset button to apply the setting and reset the console. Easy peasy.

Since this mod maintains the original power LED and communicates the region setting via quick blinking, there's no need to change anything about the external appearance of the console. It should look exactly the same after its done.

WIP WIP WIP :: Wireless controller functionality is planned for the future, when using a Pico W. I'm looking at Bluepad32 as the joystick host solution, that seems to support a wide variety of controllers and just recently added support for the Pico W. OTA via wireless is already implemented but is subject to change. That's mostly why the board was installed atop the RF shielding, with velcro strips.

For more info on this mod, and the thought process, check out TODO, and maybe also this post for the first version.

Install dependencies for pico-sdk. They were cmake gcc-arm-none-eabi libnewlib-arm-none-eabi build-essential at time of writing.

$ git submodule update --init --recursive   # pico-sdk pulls in a lot of submodules, it's ok though
$ mkdir build && cd build
$ cmake ..
$ make

megapaladin.uf2 is in the build folder

use uf2 file for initial installation

plug usb cable in computer keeping BOOTSEL button held

copy uf2 file into the disk device that appears

umount disk

An installation diagram is provided here. It is for VA 6.5, check out other switchless mod install guides for other revisions/models.

TODO: add wiring for controllers when done with that