Sega Saturn

Released in November 1994 and discontinued in 1998, the Sega Saturn is a powerful 32-bit game console, and the successor to the legendary Sega Mega Drive. The system offered a dual-CPU architecture with eight processors and a CD-ROM drive.

• Initially sold for $399 in the US (1995)
• It is estimated that 9.26 million units were sold worldwide

THE SEGA SATURN AT A GLANCE

The Sega Saturn was built on a Hitachi CPU, but later a 3D video display processor was added to compete with the Sony PlayStation

• There were 3 separate versions of the system (US, European, and Japanese)
• The Sega Saturn is region-locked
• The hardware is very powerful in processing 2D graphics, but not as strong in 3D graphics

Tech Specs

• 2× CPUs (Hitachi SH-2 running at 28.6 MHz
• Sega SCU DSP running at 14.3 MHz
• Yamaha VDP2 running at 57.2 MHz (video display processor)
• CD-ROM drive (Compatible with Video CD, Mini CD, and Photo CD)
• 2 MB RAM
• Internal RAM storage and cartridge port

Graphics

• 16.78 million colors (24-bit)
• Resolutions from 320×224 to 704×224 pixels
• VDP1 & VDP2 video display processors
• 1.5 MB VRAM
• Used 2D sprites to generate polygons by simulating 3D space

Sound Capabilities

• Yamaha YMF292 multi-function sound chip developed by Yamaha (was also used in some of Sega's arcade machines)
• 32 sound generators that can be used either for FM synthesis or PCM digital audio
• 128-step sound effects Digital Signal Processor with 16 sound effect presets
• Audio-mixing
• 512 KB sound RAM

Expansions

• Extended RAM cartridges (simple RAM expansion cards)
• All-in-one cards (which offer extra RAM and several other functions)
• Modems (Online with Sega NetLink)
• Video CD Cards

Add-ons

• Arcade Joysticks, Light Guns, and Steering Wheels
• Sega Saturn 6-Player Adapter
• Sega Saturn Direct Link
• Saturn Karaoke Unit (Hitachi Karaoke MKU-1)

I/O Ports

• 2 joystick ports (on the front)
• Cartridge port (on the top)
• Video-out (supporting S-Video, RGB SCART, and Composite Video)
• Communication Connector (used with the SEGA Netlink Modem)

Game Titles

• It is estimated that about 1,100 titles were officially released for the Sega Saturn until 2000
• The Sega Saturn is region-locked
• The Japanese consoles can play most American CD-ROMs, but most Japanese CD-ROMs are locked for American and European consoles
• New games for the console are still released today, by homebrew game creators

Shops

• GamePads, Mods, and more
• Several accessories for the Saturn
• wolfsoft.de

■ Sega Saturn Games Console

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