Barrel Power Supplies
Power Adapter Barrel Connector Compatibility
| System | Voltage | Current | Barrel Size | Polarity | Official PSU Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1 – 9V DC, 5.5mm × 2.1mm, Centre Negative | |||||
| ZX Spectrum +2 / +2A / +3 | 9V DC | 2.1A | 5.5 × 2.1mm |  |
Sinclair PSU (various OEM) |
| Sega Saturn | 9V DC | 1.5A | 5.5 × 2.1mm | |
MK-2103 |
| Super Nintendo (PAL) | 9V DC | 1.3A | 5.5 × 2.1mm | |
SNSP-002E(FRG) |
| NES (PAL) | 9V DC | 1.3A | 5.5 × 2.1mm | |
NES-002E |
| Atari Jaguar / Jaguar CD | 9V DC | 1.2A | 5.5 × 2.1mm | |
PA-1400 / MK-4120 |
| Sega Mega Drive / Genesis (Model 1) | 9V DC | 1.2A | 5.5 × 2.1mm | |
MK-1602-05 |
| Sega Master System | 9V DC | 1.2A | 5.5 × 2.1mm | |
MK-3025 |
| Group 2 – 9V DC, 3.5mm × 1.35mm, Centre Negative | |||||
| ZX Spectrum (16/48K) | 9V DC | 1.4A | 3.5 × 1.35mm | |
Sinclair PSU |
| Atari 7800 | 9V DC | 1.0A | 3.5 × 1.35mm | |
C018187 |
| Atari 2600 (VCS) | 9V DC | 0.5A | 3.5 × 1.35mm | |
C017945 |
| Group 3 – 9V DC, 4.75mm × 1.7mm, Centre Negative | |||||
| Sega Game Gear | 9V DC | 1.2A | 4.75 × 1.7mm | |
MK-2103 (shared PSU with Saturn in some regions) |
| Group 4 – 6V DC, 4.75mm × 1.7mm, Centre Negative | |||||
| Game Boy (DMG-01) | 6V DC | 0.7A | 4.75 × 1.7mm | |
DMG-03 / MGB-005 |
| Group 5 – 9–10V DC, 4.75mm × 1.7mm, Centre Positive | |||||
| Atari Lynx (Model 1) | 9V DC | 1.0A | 4.75 × 1.7mm |  |
PA-1400 |
| Atari Lynx (Model 2) | 9V DC | 1.0A | 4.75 × 1.7mm | |
PA-1400 |
| Sega Mega Drive / Genesis (Model 2) | 10V DC | 0.85A | 4.75 × 1.7mm | |
MK-1633 |
| Group 6 – 7.5V DC, 4.0mm × 1.7mm, Centre Negative | |||||
| Sony PlayStation (PS1) | 7.5V DC | 2.0A | 4.0 × 1.7mm | |
SCPH-113 |
Notes
Notes & Warnings
- Sega Mega Drive / Genesis Model 1 vs Model 2 – Model 1 is centre-negative, Model 2 is centre-positive. Swapping these power supplies will damage the console.
- Sega Saturn – uses the same barrel as Model 1 Mega Drive but requires more current (1.5A). A weaker PSU may boot the system but cause crashes.
- Sega Master System – compatible with Mega Drive Model 1 PSU (same voltage, current, and polarity).
- Sega Game Gear – draws a high current; cheap adapters often cause humming in the audio and unstable video.
- Super Nintendo (PAL) – uses 9V DC centre-negative. NTSC models often shipped with AC adapters instead of DC, making them incompatible with the PAL PSU group.
- Nintendo Entertainment System (PAL) – same as PAL SNES, but NTSC NES (US/Japan) typically shipped with a 9V AC PSU. Do not interchange with PAL systems.
- ZX Spectrum (16K/48K) – requires a regulated 9V DC centre-negative supply. Original Sinclair PSUs were unregulated and can output up to 14V off-load, risking damage to modern peripherals.
- ZX Spectrum +2 / +2A / +3 – higher current draw (2.1A). A weaker Spectrum 48K PSU is not sufficient.
- Atari 2600 (VCS) – early units use a simple 9V DC centre-negative PSU at low current. Many modern replacements are compatible, but original adapters are prone to failure with age.
- Atari 7800 – same barrel size and polarity as Atari 2600 but requires more current (1.0A). A 2600 PSU may power it but risk instability.
- Atari Lynx (Model 1 and Model 2) – both require 9V DC centre-positive. Using a centre-negative adapter (e.g. Spectrum, Master System, Mega Drive Model 1) will damage the system.
- Game Boy (DMG-01) – uses a 6V DC PSU, centre-negative. Do not use 9V adapters intended for other Nintendo or Sega consoles.
- Sony PlayStation (PS1) – requires 7.5V DC at 2.0A. Using 9V adapters directly can overheat or damage the console. The barrel plug (4.0 × 1.7mm) is smaller than most Sega/Nintendo connectors and not interchangeable.
- General note on amperage – it is safe to use a PSU rated at a higher current (A) than required, but never lower. Voltage and polarity must always match.