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
■ Sega Saturn Games Console
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