Is the Sega Saturn Worth it?

[o.pwuaioc]

The problems with the Game Shark come from repeated insertion and removal. If you keep it in there all the time, then no problems will arise, especially if you don't put anything else in there.

Personally, I say go with the 4MB Action Replay.

[roflmao]

Yeah.. my Gameshark has been in and out of my Saturn like a crooked politician at a cathouse.

But the internet knows all, so I must be a fluke. :p

[o.pwuaioc]

Yeah.. my Gameshark has been in and out of my Saturn like a crooked politician at a cathouse.

But the internet knows all, so I must be a fluke. :p

Like with most things, YMMV. 

[PukeSter]

Got my first Saturn game! 

Street Fighter Alpha 1 CIB.

God that box-art is ugly.

Still need a controller to play though. 

You should have bought the PSX version instead, it has BLUE SHADOWS. Since the Saturn hardware cannot handle transparency effects, the shadows in its version are normal sprites with a blue transparency layer over top. The PSX version has arcade-authentic non-translucency blue gradient shadows because it can do hardware transparencies.

The Saturn version also sucks because it has scratchy arcade-authentic voice samples. Hardcore gamers who will accept nothing short of arcade-perfection must have arcade-imperfect improved sound samples.

Worst of all, the Saturn version plays better and loads faster.

I liked that article on your site.

[Digi.k]

Got my first Saturn game! 

Street Fighter Alpha 1 CIB.

God that box-art is ugly.

Still need a controller to play though. 

You should have bought the PSX version instead, it has BLUE SHADOWS. Since the Saturn hardware cannot handle transparency effects, the shadows in its version are normal sprites with a blue transparency layer over top. The PSX version has arcade-authentic non-translucency blue gradient shadows because it can do hardware transparencies.

Worst of all, the Saturn version plays better and loads faster.

The samples in the saturn versions are quite scorchy. I think to get the original shadows you select "original" on the music option screen.

Vampire hunter and Alpha 2 on the other hand.... while samples still not as clear as the psx version, everything else.....

[PukeSter]

Finally was able to play my Saturn!

Have only played Sega Rally Championship. Seems fun, but odd. You respond to prompts on the screen.

Also, the d-pad may not be the best fit for the job. I need a 3D controller soon.

Haven't tried Street Fighter Alpha and Madden 97 yet.

[Arkhan Asylum]

Lukester, I saw an AR cart for Sega Saturn at a gameshop over here by 20$.

Do you need one for all the imports?  20$ is cheeps.

[PukeSter]

Arkhan, is it a 4 in 1? I would be interested.

Played street fighter alpha. Is fun, but seems very easy. Not much better than super street fighter ii, but power level aging super bar is cool.

[KnightWarrior]

I just keep my Action Replay in my Saturn

Is there a way you could bent the pin in the Saturn cart slot?

[Xak]

Let me know how Madden 97 compares to Gameday 97.

Gameday 96 and 97 are still fun and playable today in 2013. Gameday 97 INVENTED "total control passing"

[Arkhan Asylum]

Arkhan, is it a 4 in 1? I would be interested.

Played street fighter alpha. Is fun, but seems very easy. Not much better than super street fighter ii, but power level aging super bar is cool.

Pretty sure it is.   If you want me to, I can go grab it if its still there and you can paypal me for it or whatever.  Just send a PM if you do!

[TheClash603]

I just keep my Action Replay in my Saturn

Is there a way you could bent the pin in the Saturn cart slot?

I had my Game Shark in mine for years, never moved it.  One day it stopped working.  I don't know how that is possible, but it is definitely possible.

[EvilEvoIX]

I just keep my Action Replay in my Saturn

Is there a way you could bent the pin in the Saturn cart slot?

I had my Game Shark in mine for years, never moved it.  One day it stopped working.  I don't know how that is possible, but it is definitely possible.

The slots do burn out sometimes, check the slot.

[TheClash603]

I just keep my Action Replay in my Saturn

Is there a way you could bent the pin in the Saturn cart slot?

I had my Game Shark in mine for years, never moved it.  One day it stopped working.  I don't know how that is possible, but it is definitely possible.

The slots do burn out sometimes, check the slot.

I have tried many hours of getting it to work, but it didn't.  Nor did a second Game Shark I had.

With a little wiggle, I can get my official cart to work nearly every time.

[esteban]

Q: Is Sega Saturn worth it?
A: No.

[o.pwuaioc]

Q: Is Sega Saturn worth it?
A: No.

I mean, if we wanted to be that helpful...

Q: Is Sega Saturn worth it?
A: Of course, and ignore anyone who says otherwise.

[Nazi NecroPhile]

Q: Is Sega Saturn worth it?
A: No.

Indeed.  Anything that intrudes on OBEY time really isn't worth it. 

[DragonmasterDan]

I have tried many hours of getting it to work, but it didn't.  Nor did a second Game Shark I had.

With a little wiggle, I can get my official cart to work nearly every time.

Having done this far more times than I'd like to admit over the years. sometimes you have to take a folded piece of paper, put it between the cartridge and the slot, this pushes the pins on the cartridge into making contact with some of the bent pins on the slot. You have to find a sweet spot. With that said, this isn't a perfect system as if you remove the paper, let alone the cart it will stop working.

[yoyo]

Most DEFINITELY worth it, I need to start showing mine more love and I also need to make it import-friendly.

[Ji-L87]

Q: Is Sega Saturn worth it?
A: Of course, and ignore anyone who says otherwise.

+1

One of my favorite consoles - bonus points for best external memory card. Saving & loading is a breeze and it makes the PS 1 memory card feel slow and cramped.

As you'd expect, the most wanted titles is insanely expensive, but good games can be had for dirt cheap.

[yoyo]

Q: Is Sega Saturn worth it?
A: Of course, and ignore anyone who says otherwise.

+1

One of my favorite consoles - bonus points for best external memory card. Saving & loading is a breeze and it makes the PS 1 memory card feel slow and cramped.

As you'd expect, the most wanted titles is insanely expensive, but good games can be had for dirt cheap.

I remember trying to save games on a PSX memory card, it did seem pretty slow, esp compared to a Saturn memory card. Waited forever for the save menu to pop up, waited forever for the file to write, and waited forever for exiting the menu to go back to the game.

[Tatsujin]

that's quite a lot forevers you waited there.

[DragonmasterDan]

I remember trying to save games on a PSX memory card, it did seem pretty slow, esp compared to a Saturn memory card. Waited forever for the save menu to pop up, waited forever for the file to write, and waited forever for exiting the menu to go back to the game.

The Saturn cartridge slot provides a lot more bandwidth to save than does the Playstation memory card slot. The downside is of course that a lot of Saturn memory card slots are jacked up and I've seen games freeze in attempting to save when good contact isn't being made.

[munchiaz]

I remember trying to save games on a PSX memory card, it did seem pretty slow, esp compared to a Saturn memory card. Waited forever for the save menu to pop up, waited forever for the file to write, and waited forever for exiting the menu to go back to the game.

The Saturn cartridge slot provides a lot more bandwidth to save than does the Playstation memory card slot. The downside is of course that a lot of Saturn memory card slots are jacked up and I've seen games freeze in attempting to save when good contact isn't being made.

So would the best bet be, transfer files on the Saturn to a memory card, and keep the saturn on board memory clean to save what you are currently playing?

[yoyo]

that's quite a lot forevers you waited there.

Quite so! I died and reincarnated a few times and it was done by the time I was 19 on the third rebirth.

[DragonmasterDan]

So would the best bet be, transfer files on the Saturn to a memory card, and keep the saturn on board memory clean to save what you are currently playing?

Yep, that's a good bet. There also exists a floppy drive peripheral for the Japanese Saturn for saves.

[Nando]

[jeffhlewis]

From the comments:
@nintendoman456 The Chinese weren't playing Sega Saturn in the old colonial days, Segata Sanshiro was sent in and the rape on Nanking happened. How Sega has fallen...

Oh Internet...

[SNKNostalgia]

I remember trying to save games on a PSX memory card, it did seem pretty slow, esp compared to a Saturn memory card. Waited forever for the save menu to pop up, waited forever for the file to write, and waited forever for exiting the menu to go back to the game.

The Saturn cartridge slot provides a lot more bandwidth to save than does the Playstation memory card slot. The downside is of course that a lot of Saturn memory card slots are jacked up and I've seen games freeze in attempting to save when good contact isn't being made.

So would the best bet be, transfer files on the Saturn to a memory card, and keep the saturn on board memory clean to save what you are currently playing?

This is why the 4-in-1 AR does everything needed. It works as a back memory cart, but not as a save memory cart. I just make sure to clear some space with the internal memory before firing up a big memory using game like Dragon Force or something. It works with all 1MB and 4MB games minus KOF '95. I never have to unplug the cart and it isn't thick and destructive like the Game Shark.

[Nando]

From the comments:
@nintendoman456 The Chinese weren't playing Sega Saturn in the old colonial days, Segata Sanshiro was sent in and the rape on Nanking happened. How Sega has fallen...

Oh Internet...

UGh! why I rarely to never read the comments.

[DragonmasterDan]

This is why the 4-in-1 AR does everything needed. It works as a back memory cart, but not as a save memory cart.

Everything except be consistently read from the cartridge slot (and even when it boots a lot of times the RAM functionality varies).

If you get it working, leave it in there and don't remove the cart or even move it around.

[CrackTiger]

I remember trying to save games on a PSX memory card, it did seem pretty slow, esp compared to a Saturn memory card. Waited forever for the save menu to pop up, waited forever for the file to write, and waited forever for exiting the menu to go back to the game.

The Saturn cartridge slot provides a lot more bandwidth to save than does the Playstation memory card slot. The downside is of course that a lot of Saturn memory card slots are jacked up and I've seen games freeze in attempting to save when good contact isn't being made.

So would the best bet be, transfer files on the Saturn to a memory card, and keep the saturn on board memory clean to save what you are currently playing?

This is why the 4-in-1 AR does everything needed. It works as a back memory cart, but not as a save memory cart. I just make sure to clear some space with the internal memory before firing up a big memory using game like Dragon Force or something. It works with all 1MB and 4MB games minus KOF '95. I never have to unplug the cart and it isn't thick and destructive like the Game Shark.

The 4-in-1 and possibly Capcom's 4 meg cart are said to not run 1 meg cart games properly and at best only cause slowdown. Some early 4-in-1 carts have a 1 meg mode switch on them.

[SNKNostalgia]

Depends on which model you have. I got one the better ones from NCSX back in 2001 or so. Some you even have to cut a trace and solder a wire I believe to get Vampire Savior working. I have no problems at all with my cart luckily. I have tested it out on a lot of games. Even if some games do cause problems, you rarely have to change out the cart.

[CrackTiger]

Saturns and Capcom 4-meg carts are cheap today anyways, so it's a non-issue.

X-Men VS Street Fighter with the cart cost me $230 bitd.

[IrishNinja]

i love this thread.  and in the Year of the Saturn (20th anniversary) no less!

prices are spiking, especially on US stuff - even common ones!  much like the turbo scene, there's better deals on the import end except for the big name J-only ones.  i can't recommend enough the idea of emulating, watching youtube etc about the big ticket items to see if they're really worth it to you, then patiently holding out for a deal - sometimes craigslist, mainly forums though.  for me, a few japanese sellers on ebay were totally worth it for SHMUPs/fighters/run-n-guns etc, usually buying at least a few at cheap prices to balance out the shipping (which also isn't bad once combined).  i got a model 2 with unibios + CD-r support mods for less than $100 about a year ago, and it's been the single most played console i have since then, including the PS4.

[TR0N]

i love this thread.  and in the Year of the Saturn (20th anniversary) no less!

prices are spiking, especially on US stuff - even common ones!  much like the turbo scene, there's better deals on the import end except for the big name J-only ones.  i can't recommend enough the idea of emulating, watching youtube etc about the big ticket items to see if they're really worth it to you, then patiently holding out for a deal - sometimes craigslist, mainly forums though.  for me, a few japanese sellers on ebay were totally worth it for SHMUPs/fighters/run-n-guns etc, usually buying at least a few at cheap prices to balance out the shipping (which also isn't bad once combined).  i got a model 2 with unibios + CD-r support mods for less than $100 about a year ago, and it's been the single most played console i have since then, including the PS4. 

That's often why it's best to import for the saturn just like with TG16.When i was buying for the saturn,many years ago i had the common sense to keep what i bought for it.Good thing to given how games such as pds cost a fortune now.

[Nando]

Saturns and Capcom 4-meg carts are cheap today anyways, so it's a non-issue.

X-Men VS Street Fighter with the cart cost me $230 bitd.

FUUUUUUUUUUUCK!!!

[CrackTiger]

Saturns and Capcom 4-meg carts are cheap today anyways, so it's a non-issue.

X-Men VS Street Fighter with the cart cost me $230 bitd.

FUUUUUUUUUUUCK!!!

SFII' PCE with an orange kisado cost me just as much and was also well worth it.

[Nando]

Saturns and Capcom 4-meg carts are cheap today anyways, so it's a non-issue.

X-Men VS Street Fighter with the cart cost me $230 bitd.

FUUUUUUUUUUUCK!!!

SFII' PCE with an orange kisado cost me just as much and was also well worth it.

I need some seeds from your money tree ;)

[Radtastic89]

Saturns and Capcom 4-meg carts are cheap today anyways, so it's a non-issue.

X-Men VS Street Fighter with the cart cost me $230 bitd.

FUUUUUUUUUUUCK!!!

SFII' PCE with an orange kisado cost me just as much and was also well worth it.

I need some seeds from your money tree ;)

If we are getting in line for this money tree sign me up.

[pulstar]

That's often why it's best to import for the saturn just like with TG16.When i was buying for the saturn,many years ago i had the common sense to keep what i bought for it.Good thing to given how games such as pds cost a fortune now.

This is the best advice for the Saturn. Domestic (UK and US) games are expensive and really, you can get the same enjoyment out of most them with you can use translation guide etc to get just as much out of them with just a little more hassle. I'm glad I had a Saturn when they current and picked most of the games up when they were reduced in bargain bins. I remember picking up PDS for £30 on release and I still have that copy...I wouldn't like to go out and buy it now.

[BigusSchmuck]

I did manage to snag a U.S copy of Panzeer Dragoon Saga for 150 dollars. For that gem alone is reason enough to own a Saturn.

[burn_654]

Saturn is totally worth it! I had psx that generation and while I certainly didn't regret that decision, Saturn has some great Sega exclusives and 2d powerhouses.

Anyone into saturn should do themselves a huge favor and get the Action Replay 4M cart - defeats region protection, gives you action replay codes, the expanded memory for fighting games, and an alternative means of backing up saves (while you can't save to it directly, you can backup selected saves from the built-in saturn ram, not unlike some of the tennoko cards). I've heard it's bad for the cartridge slot, but I'd imagine that'd have to be from inserting it repeatedly. As far as I'm concerned it's the permanent cartridge for me.

I'd recommend Saturn Bomberman (up to 10 players on one screen) and Bulk Slash, a very fun arcadey mecha title also from our Hudson overlords!

Nights is a must play as well!

[Ji-L87]

Actually, if you're in the process of hunting down a Saturn, get a PS1 while you're at it. It complements the Saturn so well. Or maybe it's the other way around. Anyway, I bought my import PS One dirt cheap and the Saturn & PS1 just makes for a great, enjoyable budget combo of awesomeness. 

I'd recommend Saturn Bomberman (up to 10 players on one screen) and Bulk Slash, a very fun arcadey mecha title also from our Hudson overlords!

Bulk Slash is great fun. If you can find it for a good price.  It seem to be a bit rare and personally I lucked out on Yahoo auctions. I've seen it on eBay a few times but prices were always a bit high, which really sucks, cause it's a real charming game and I want more people to experience it, dammit. 

Edit: Bomberman & Nights are still on the list of things to get.

[IrishNinja]

^i said goddamn.  on one hand i had to pay $250 for PDS recently; on the other, X-Men vs SF was less than $30 shipped.  i guess it almost balances out? 

That's often why it's best to import for the saturn just like with TG16.When i was buying for the saturn,many years ago i had the common sense to keep what i bought for it.Good thing to given how games such as pds cost a fortune now.

seriously, it's such a better deal.  and yeah, good on you to hold onto your stuff...my white whales are down to Shining Force III & Burning Rangers, and neither are looking to come cheap sadly.

[TR0N]

^i said goddamn.  on one hand i had to pay $250 for PDS recently; on the other, X-Men vs SF was less than $30 shipped.  i guess it almost balances out? 

That's often why it's best to import for the saturn just like with TG16.When i was buying for the saturn,many years ago i had the common sense to keep what i bought for it.Good thing to given how games such as pds cost a fortune now.

seriously, it's such a better deal.  and yeah, good on you to hold onto your stuff...my white whales are down to Shining Force III & Burning Rangers, and neither are looking to come cheap sadly.

I was a early adopter of the saturn.Even after the console died in 98 i continue to buy for it,before long having plenty for it.For PDS i bought the game right after it's release through a babbages.Little did i know then how the game would be come very valuable.

[IrishNinja]

^lucky dog! 

my last few purchases added to be quite a bit:

Salamander Deluxe Pack - $40
DoDonPachi - $40
Elevator Action Returns - $40
Magic Knight Rayearth - $115
Marvel vs SF - $23
Akumajo Dracula X - $60

and those seriously took some looking, too. I'm wiped, god knows if and when i'll ever find deals on Shining III or Burning Rangers.

[esadajr]

for sure get a backup cart, it is frustating losing your progress on games like MKR. That would be my only complain about the system, other than that I really like it, it has good games like Daytona, Sega Rally, Nights, MKR, Sonic R, Burning Rangers, the awesome Capcom arcade ports, etc etc

I say it's worth it, some games can be expensive but most of them are not too bad.

[DragonmasterDan]

for sure get a backup cart, it is frustating losing your progress on games like MKR. That would be my only complain about the system, other than that I really like it, it has good games like Daytona, Sega Rally, Nights, MKR, Sonic R, Burning Rangers, the awesome Capcom arcade ports, etc etc

I say it's worth it, some games can be expensive but most of them are not too bad.

Get an official backup cart, once you get it working do not remove it from the cart slot.

[Fidde_se]

If you don't feel like buying a new Saturn you can buy a new BIOS and install that lets you play all regions (not CDR).

The Japanese SHMUP is all worth it.