After spending two years developing the successor to the Mega Drive/Genesis, Sega launched the Saturn in November 1994.
The console had two CPUs, two GPUs, and a number of other processors which made it difficult to program for and the quality of the software programming varied considerably. A number of games used only one CPU in order to simplify the task, others made full use of the Saturns power. For example, Virtua Fighter 2 used a different CPU for each character during a fight. However, the PlayStation's far higher sales figures and simpler architecture lead to developers favouring Sony's machine and the Saturn received less than a third of the games that the PS enjoyed
Outside of Japan the first overseas models got a redesigned controller (MK-80100). Most people agreed that this was the worst controller that Sega had ever sold their customers. Not only was the d-pad quite inaccurate but the L+R triggers were also difficult to use, often requiring them to be pressed down from the top edge rather than pulled towards the user. Eventually, a version of the original Japanese controller (MK-80116) made it's way overseas for later models of the console.
Although quite successful in Japan the Saturn was far less popular in the U.S. and Europe, finishing the fifth generation race behind both the PlayStation and the Nintendo 64. Sega discontinued the Saturn in 1998 hoping to get a head start in the next gen battle with their new contender, the Dreamcast.
There were a number of variations of the console during its lifespan, a brief summary of the differences follows:
Japan
Sega Saturn (HST-0001/HST-3200): First Japanese model. Has a grey case, black cartridge flap, blue oval buttons and a drive access light. Early models use BIOS revision 1.00, later models use revision 1.01. Comes with a black controller which has a coloured bottom row of buttons, a red start button and red L+R buttons.
Sega Saturn (unknown): Second Japanese model. Almost white case, same colour as the Dreamcast but with a grey cartridge flap. During production the buttons changed colour from purple to grey and also changed shape from oval to round. Uses the 1.01 BIOS. Comes with a light grey controller with a coloured bottom row of buttons and red L+R buttons.
Sega Skeleton Saturn (HST-3220): Limited edition of around 50,000 consoles. Has a translucent grey case and controller, round black buttons and a pink CD door button. CD door has "This Is Cool" written on it. Uses the 1.01 BIOS. Has compatibility problems with some software.
Sega Derby Saturn (unknown): Limited edition produced to promote the game Derby Stallion. Has a translucent greenish blue case, round black buttons and a pink CD door button. Comes with the same controller as the Skeleton Saturn. Uses the 1.01 BIOS. Has compatibility problems with some software.
U.S.A.
Sega Saturn (MK-80000): First U.S. model. Has a black case, oval buttons and a drive access light. Early models use BIOS revision 1.00a, later models use revision 1.01a.
Sega Saturn (MK-80000A): Second U.S. model. Has a black case, round buttons and no drive access light. Uses the 1.01a BIOS.
Sega Saturn (MK-80001): Third U.S. model. Has a black case, round buttons and no drive acces light. Slightly modified motherboard layout. Uses the 1.01a BIOS.
Europe
Sega Saturn (MK-80200-50): First European model. Has a black case, black oval buttons and a drive access light. Early models use BIOS revision 1.00a, later models use revision 1.01a.
Sega Saturn (MK-80200A-50: Second European model. Has a black case, round grey buttons and no drive access light. Uses the 1.01a BIOS.
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In my eyes, the killer app for the Saturn was and will always be Dragon Force. It''s a bit pricey these days, but no where near the level of Panzer Dragoon Saga. It was also widely available back during the Saturn''s life cycle, unlike the limited release PDS got after the system was already declared dead in the western world. Dragon Force was a perfect example of the Saturn''s 2D prowess and remains one of the most $re$playable piece of software on it. Guardian Heroes comes close for many of the same reasons.
Monday 30th March 2015
Hazuki
panzer dragoon saga the killer ap for the saturn ? your having a laiugh just the high price alone for that game wil turn many people off and the saturn has many more great games then just saga its more then just the console that has saga on it such as panzer dragoon and panzer dragoon zwei an amazing conversion of virtua fighter 2 fighting vipers daytona usa and daytona cce last bronx deep fear a shining trilogy in shining wisdom shining the holy ark and shining force 3 it has arcade perfect conversions of virtua cop 1 and 2 it has resident evil and sega rally the saturn is also a 2d power house with devinitve versions of games such as marvel super heroes street fighter alpha 1 2 and 3 xmen vs street fighter and street fighter vs marvel super heroes not too mention nightwarriors and super puzzle fighter 2 and lets not forget nights which is totally unique
panzer dragoon saga the killer app ? preposterous great game it is the saturn has so much more to offer
Friday 3rd December 2010
snowkatt
Seeming as I am the only one who owns one I''ll explain a bit. The main problem with the Saturn is its complex architecture. For its day it had dual processors to try and compete with Sony and Nintendo''s upcoming PS1 and N64. It used off the shelf components which made it VERY hard to program for. Still it is a decent system. Tomb raider shows off some of its power and Panzer Dragoon Saga is the killer app for the Saturn.
Friday 10th September 2010
Dr. Raptorheimer (U.S.A)
NAME
Saturn
MANUFACTURER
Sega
ORIGIN
Japan
YEAR
November 1994
END OF PRODUCTION
1998
BUILT IN SOFTWARE / GAMES
CD Player
CONTROLLERS
8-way d-pad, 8 buttons + Start
CPU
Two Hitachi SuperH-2 7604 32-Bit RISC processors
SPEED
28.63 MHz
CO-PROCESSOR
32 bit RISC Hitachi SuperH-1, Custom VDP1 & VDP2 32-bit video display processors, 11.3 MHz Motorola 68EC000, custom SCU (Saturn Control Unit) @ 14.3 MHz, 4 bit Hitachi MCU (SMPC)
