Sega Saturn consoles

From Sega Retro

There exist various Sega Saturn models, which differ from each other to varying degrees.

Perhaps the most well-known difference is that between “Model 1” and “Model 2” Saturns, which are easily distinguishable through the differing designs of their Power and Reset buttons—oval in the former, round in the latter—and also differ internally, chiefly in having different types of CD cable, which can complicate efforts to install a modchip. Moreover, within the broad categories of Model 1 or 2, several types of motherboard exist, with different arrangements of components and paths.

All Sega Saturns are either NTSC or PAL. Within these categories, US and Canadian (NTSC) Saturns are identical, as are European and Australian (PAL) models. There was no SECAM Saturn: the ‘SECAM’ models released in France were simply PAL models with a bundled PAL-to-SECAM converter.

The model number shown represents the model number of the box set, not the model number of the console. For example: Box set model number HST-0001 (printed on the box) includes a gray console with model number HST-3200 (printed on the rear sticker of the console).

Japan

Grey Japanese Saturn

The original Japanese Saturn model is grey in color—excepting the cartridge slot flap and the front, which are black. It has three blue buttons (Power, Open, and Reset), and a drive access led. Production was later ended in favor of the white Saturn. Model numbers/revisions: HST-3200 (VA0), HST-3210 (VA1, VA2, VA3).

Box Name Date & Price Console Label Hardware Software Documentation
Saturn JP Box TopBottom HST-0001.jpg
Saturn JP Box Back HST-0001.jpgSaturn JP Box Left HST-0001.jpgSega Saturn model HST-0001.jpgSaturn JP Box Right HST-0001.jpg
Saturn JP Box TopBottom HST-0001.jpg
Sega Saturn

(セガサターン)

SegaSaturn HST-0001.jpg
HST-0001
Saturn VF Remix Campaign Box HST-0001 Box Front.jpg
Sega Saturn 1,000,000th Campaign Box Including Virtua Fighter Remix

(セガサターン100万台!バーチャファイター リミックスゲームCD付)

SegaSaturn HST-0001.jpg
HST-0001
SS JP M1SVFR Box Top.JPG
SS JP M1SVFR Box Back.JPGSS JP M1SVFR Box Left.JPGSega Saturn model HST-0005 box.jpgSS JP M1SVFR Box Right.JPG
SS JP M1SVFR Box Bottom.JPG
Sega Saturn 1,000,000th Campaign Box Including Virtua Fighter Remix

(セガサターン100万台!バーチャファイター リミックスゲームCD付)

SegaSaturn HST-0001.jpg
HST-0005
SegaSaturnJPManual.pdf
Manual
SS JP M1 HST-004 Box Top.JPG
SS JP M1 HST-004 Box Back.JPGSS JP M1 HST-004 Box Left.JPGSega Saturn model HST-0004.jpgSS JP M1 HST-004 Box Right.JPG
SS JP M1 HST-004 Box Bottom.JPG
Sega Saturn

(セガサターン)

SegaSaturn HST-0001.jpg
HST-0004
SegaSaturnJPManual.pdf
Manual

White Japanese Saturn

‘White’ Saturns are no more white in reality than Dreamcasts are: both are, in fact, a very light gray. It has round gray Power and Reset buttons, a pink Open button, and no drive access led. Toys 'R' Us sold an exclusive white Saturn with a silhouette of Sonic printed on the drive lid. Model number/revisions: HST-3220 (VA4, VA5, VA6, VA7, VA8, VA9, VA10, VA11, VA13, VA15). Note: the integrated sound block on revisions VA13 and VA15 has a bug in certain 68000 commands. The result is that certain games are incompatible with these boards. The Japanese only releases of Space Harrier and Outrun are the only two that come to mind, and both have received second pressings that eliminate this bug and work in all machines equally.

Box Name Date & Price Console Label Hardware Software Documentation
SS JP M2 HST-0014 Box Top.JPG
SS JP M2 HST-0014 Box Back.JPGSS JP M2 HST-0014 Box Left.JPGSega saturn white HST-0014 BOX.jpgSS JP M2 HST-0014 Box Right.JPG
SS JP M2 HST-0014 Box Bottom.JPG
Sega Saturn

(セガサターン)

Sega saturn white 2.jpg
HST-0014
Sega saturn white HST-0014 box special.jpg
Sega Saturn

(セガサターン)

Sega saturn white 2.jpg
HST-0014
Saturn Bomberman Kit HST-0014 Box Front.jpg
Sega Saturn Bomberman Kit

(サターンボンバーマンキット)

Sega saturn white 2.jpg
HST-0014
SS JP M2CN Box Top.JPG
SS JP M2CN Box Back.JPGSS JP M2CN Box Left.JPGSega saturn white HST-0017 BOX.pngSS JP M2CN Box Right.JPG
SS JP M2CN Box Bottom.JPG
Sega Saturn Christmas Nights Winter Limited Edition

(セガサターンクリスマスナイツ冬季限定版)

Sega saturn white 2.jpg
HST-0017
SS JP M2 HST-0019 Box Top.JPG
Saturn JP Box Back HST-0019.jpgSS JP M2 HST-0019 Box Left.JPGSega saturn white HST-0019 box.jpgSS JP M2 HST-0019 Box Right.JPG
SS JP M2 HST-0019 Box Bottom.JPG
Sega Saturn

(セガサターン)

Sega saturn white 2.jpg
HST-0019
Saturn JP Box Top Otoshidama.jpg
Saturn JP Box Back Otoshidama.jpgNospine-small.pngSega saturn white HST-0014 VF.jpg
Saturn JP Box Bottom Otoshidama.jpg
Sega Saturn Otoshidama Campaign

(セガサターンお年玉キャンペーン)

Sega saturn white 2.jpg
HST-0014
Saturn JP Box Back HST-0019 ToysRUs.jpgNospine-small.pngSega saturn white HST-0019 TOYSRUS box.jpg
Sega Saturn

(セガサターン)

Sega saturn white HST-0019 TOYSRUS.jpg
HST-0019

Skeleton Saturn

The two ‘Skeleton Saturns’ were the final models to be produced in Japan (and hence the world), and they were the only non-standard models brought to other regions(?). They are a valuable collector’s item, being quite rare. The unique feature that provides their name are their see-through body and matching controllers. Other than that, they’re basically identical to the second version of the white Saturn. Model number/revisions: HST-3220 (VA13, VA15). Note: the integrated sound block on revisions VA13 and VA15 has a bug in certain 68000 commands. The result is that certain games are incompatible with these boards. The Japanese only releases of Space Harrier and Outrun are the only two that come to mind, and both have received second pressings that eliminate this bug and work in all machines equally.[1].

Models:

  • HST-0020/HST-0021: These two models were both translucent smoky grey, with “This is Cool” printed on the CD drive lid and the controllers. Approximately 30,000 units were produced. HST-0020 was not for sale and only given away as a prize in a contest. HST-0021 was released in Japan on 4 April 1998 retailing at ¥20,000.
  • HST-0022: This model was a promotional tie-in with ASCII's popular Derby Stallion horse racing simulation franchise; it came with stickers for the game. The console differs in the hue of its transparent case and also does not have the line “This is Cool” printed anywhere on it. Approximately 20,000 were produced for Japan. This model was released in Japan on 25 March 1999 retailing at ¥20,000. An unknown number of units were imported by Tectoy then modified, repackaged and sold in Brazil.
Box Name Date & Price Console Label Hardware Software Documentation
Sega Saturn HST-0020 box.jpg
Sega Saturn 1998 Special Campaign Original

(セガサターン)

Sega Saturn HST-0020.jpg
HST-0020
Saturn JP Box Top HST-0021.jpg
Saturn JP Box Back HST-0021.jpgSaturn JP Box Spine HST-0021.jpgSega Saturn HST-0021 box.jpgSaturn JP Box Spine2 HST-0021.jpg
Saturn JP Box Bottom HST-0021.jpg
Sega Saturn

(セガサターン)

Sega Saturn HST-0020.jpg
HST-0021
Saturn JP Box Top HST-0022.jpg
Saturn JP Box Back HST-0022.jpgSaturn JP Box Left HST-0022.jpgSega Saturn HST-0022 box.jpgSaturn JP Box Right HST-0022.jpg
Saturn JP Box Bottom HST-0022.jpg
Sega Saturn

(セガサターン)

Saturn JP HST-0022.jpg
HST-0022

Hi-Saturn

Sega licensed the rights to produce Saturns to some of their hardware partners. One was Hitachi, who provided the CPUs, disc drives and several other chips. The Hi-Saturn is yet another Saturn but with the Video CD Card included, and Hi-Saturn printed on the CD drive lid. It was sold at high-end department stores and was marketed as a multimedia player instead of just a video game console.

The start up screen is different as well. Instead of a bunch of pieces forming together, the word Hi-Saturn shoots out from the middle of the screen and then flips around 'till it's readable and then it flashes on screen like other Saturns do.

Models:

  • MMP-1: These models are based on the first major Saturn model, with oval buttons and Drive Access LED and is two toned charcoal gray with black as the bottom color.
  • MMP-11: This model is based on the second major Saturn model, with round buttons and is two toned charcoal gray with black as the bottom color.
  • MMP-1000NV: Known as the Game & Car Navi Hi-Saturn (ゲーム&カーナビ ハイサターン), this model is much different from all other Saturn models, both in design and funcionality. It has a lower, more square profile and the system is completely flat on top and lacks the bulge of the CD drive. The system also had a LCD monitor and GPS receiver sold separately (with only Japanese regional software being available). 2000 units were produced by Hitachi each month, while the LCD screens had a run of 1000 per month.
Box Name Date & Price Console Label Hardware Software Documentation
SS JP HiSaturnM1 Box Top.jpg
SS JP HiSaturnM1 Box Back.jpgSS JP HiSaturnM1 Box Left.jpgSega Saturn model MMP-1 box.jpgSS JP HiSaturnM1 Box Right.jpg
SS JP HiSaturnM1 Box Bottom.jpg
Hi-Saturn

(ハイサターン)

Sega Saturn model MMP-1.jpg
MMP-1
SS JP HiSaturnVFR Box Top.JPG
SS JP HiSaturnM1 Box Back.jpgSS JP HiSaturnVFR Box Left.JPGSega Saturn model MMP-1-C box.jpgSS JP HiSaturnVFR Box Right.JPG
SS JP HiSaturnVFR Box Bottom.JPG
Hi-Saturn 1,000,000th Campaign Box Including Virtua Fighter Remix

(ハイサターン100万台!バーチャファイター リミックスゲームCD付)

Sega Saturn model MMP-1.jpg
MMP-1
Sega Saturn model MMP-1000NV box.jpg
Game & Car Navi Hi-Saturn

(ゲーム&カーナビ ハイサターン)

Sega Saturn model MMP-1000NV.jpg
MMP-1000NV
SS JP HiSaturnM2 Box Top.JPG
SS JP HiSaturnM2 Box Back.JPGSS JP HiSaturnM2 Box Left.JPGSega Saturn model MMP-11 box.jpgSS JP HiSaturnM2 Box Right.JPG
SS JP HiSaturnM2 Box Bottom.JPG
Hi-Saturn

(ハイサターン)

Sega Saturn model MMP-11.jpg
MMP-11
SS JP HiSaturnCN Box Top.JPG
SS JP HiSaturnCN Box Back.JPGSS JP HiSaturnCN Box Left.JPGHi-Saturn MMP-11 Christmas Nights Box Front.jpgSS JP HiSaturnCN Box Right.JPG
SS JP HiSaturnCN Box Bottom.JPG
Hi-Saturn Christmas Nights Winter Limited Edition

(ハイサターンクリスマスナイツ冬季限定版)

Sega Saturn model MMP-11.jpg
MMP-11

JVC/Victor V-Saturn

JVC-Victor also produced their own version of the Saturn hardware called the V-Saturn. There are two versions of this system. The casing is similar to that of any standard Saturn, except for the front fascia which has a different mold and is matte instead of glossy. The colors are different and "V-Saturn" is printed on top of the machine.

The boot-up sequence on a V-Saturn has the polygons form a V-Saturn logo instead of the Sega Saturn logo.

Models:

  • RG-JX1: This model is based on the first major Saturn model, with Drive Access LED and oval buttons and is two toned blueish gray and dark gray as the bottom color.
  • RG-JX2: This model is based on the second major Saturn model, with round buttons and is two toned light gray with darker gray as bottom color.
Box Name Date & Price Console Label Hardware Software Documentation
VSaturn JP Box Top RGJX1 L.jpg
VSaturn JP Box Back RGJX1 L.jpgVSaturn JP Box Left RGJX1 L.jpgSega Saturn model RG-JX1-L box.jpgVSaturn JP Box Right RGJX1 L.jpg
VSaturn JP Box Bottom RGJX1 L.jpg
V-Saturn

(Vサターン)

Sega Saturn model RG-JX1 console.jpg
RG-JX1
VSaturn JP Box Back RGJX1 LC.jpgNospine-small.pngSega Saturn model RG-JX1-LC box.jpg
V-Saturn 1,000,000th Campaign Box Including Virtua Fighter Remix

(Vサターン100万台!バーチャファイター リミックスゲームCD付)

Sega Saturn model RG-JX1 console.jpg
RG-JX1
SS JP VSaturnM1S Box Top.JPG
SS JP VSaturnM1S Box Back.JPGSS JP VSaturnM1S Box Left.JPGSega Saturn model RG-JX1-S box.jpgSS JP VSaturnM1S Box Right.JPG
SS JP VSaturnM1S Box Bottom.JPG
V-Saturn

(Vサターン)

Sega Saturn model RG-JX1 console.jpg
RG-JX1
SS JP VSaturnM2 Box Top.JPG
SS JP VSaturnM2 Box Back.JPGSS JP VSaturnM2 Box Left.JPGSega Saturn model RG-JX2.jpgSS JP VSaturnM2 Box Right.JPG
SS JP VSaturnM2 Box Bottom.JPG
V-Saturn

(Vサターン)

Sega Saturn model RG-JX2 console.jpg
RG-JX2
SS JP VSaturnM2CN Box Top.JPG
SS JP VSaturnM2CN Box Back.JPGSS JP VSaturnM2CN Box Left.JPGSega Saturn model RG-JX2-C.jpgSS JP VSaturnM2CN Box Right.JPG
SS JP VSaturnM2CN Box Bottom.JPG
V-Saturn Christmas Nights Winter Limited Edition

(Vサターンクリスマスナイツ冬季限定版)

Sega Saturn model RG-JX2 console.jpg
RG-JX2
SS JP VSaturnM2Vatlva Box Top.JPG
SS JP VSaturnM2Vatlva Box Back.JPGSS JP VSaturnM2Vatlva Box Left.JPGSega Saturn model RG-JX2-B.jpgSS JP VSaturnM2Vatlva Box Right.JPG
SS JP VSaturnM2Vatlva Box Bottom.JPG
V-Saturn Special Pack

(Vサターンスペシャルパック)

Sega Saturn model RG-JX2 console.jpg
RG-JX2S

References


Sega Saturn
Topics Technical Specifications (Hardware Comparison) | History (Development | Release | Decline and legacy) | List of games (A-M) | List of games (N-Z) | Magazine articles | Promotional material | Merchandise
Hardware Japan | North America | Western Europe | Eastern Europe | South America | Asia | South Korea | Australasia | Africa

HiSaturn Navi | SunSeibu SGX | Sega Titan Video

Add-ons Backup Memory (third-party) | Sega PriFun | Video CD Card (third-party) | Extended RAM Cartridge (third-party) | Twin Advanced ROM System
Controllers Control Pad | Control Pad (Australia) | 3D Control Pad | Arcade Racer | Infrared Control Pad | Mission Stick | Shuttle Mouse | Twin Stick | Virtua Gun | Virtua Stick | Virtua Stick Pro
Online Services/Add-ons NetLink Internet Modem (NetLink Keyboard | NetLink Keyboard Adapter | NetLink Mouse) | Saturn Modem (Floppy Drive | Keyboard)
Connector Cables 21 Pin RGB Cable | Monaural AV Cable | RF Unit | Stereo AV Cable | S-Video Cable | Taisen Cable
Development Hardware Programming Box | Sound Box | E7000 | CartDev | SNASM2 | Address Checker | PSY-Q Development System | MIRAGE Universal CD Emulator
Misc. Hardware 6Player | SBom Multitap‎ | Saturn region converter cartridges | Action Replay | Pro Action Replay | Action Replay Plus | X-Terminator (Version 3) | S-S Promoter | Other cartridges