Sega Saturn 4-in-1 cartridge question.

[norkusa]

Just got a chip for my Saturn in the mail today and I'm about to ship it off to get soldered in. I was planing on getting a switchless region mod on it too but I've been looking at this 4-in-1 Action Replay cartridge.

Is there any point in getting a switchless region mod over a 4-in-1 cartridge? Looks like they both do the exact same thing. I know the switchless mod will free up the cart slot for the 1mb and 4mb ram games, but you can use the 4-in-1 cart for ram too, right? Is the 4-in-1 more of a hassle to use than a switchless?

[namzep]

I play Japanese games on my Saturn using the action replay and have had absolutely zero problems. Don't know for sure about games from other regions but I don't know why they wouldn't work, too.

[Superman]

With the cartridge, it goes to the cartridge first, then it takes you the Saturns CD system and you have to choose to play the application.

If you get the mod chip, wouldn't this eliminate those extra steps, since the system would always see a good region and it wouldn't be reading from the cartridge? That's the way I understood mod chips to work, but I don't know for sure, since I only have the cartridge.

[bb_hood]

If you are going to put a mod chip in your saturn, you will still need something to play import games.
The cart works fine, but you have to go through 2 screens everytime you start the console up, and if you have the pro action 5-in-1 it has the extra ram for all the Japanese games that require it.
Also, why are you shipping it away to have the mod chip put it? Its so easy to do, even with no experience you can solder it in yourself.

It is quite a bitch to go through the 2 pro-action screens everytime you wanna play a game. Skipping these is the only benefit I can see to having a mod switch put in over buying a pro action cart.

[TonyTheTiger]

For the record, the 5-in-1 cart and 4-in-1 cart are the same thing. They make the Saturn region free, act as an Action Replay, provide memory backup, and give RAM expansion. The reason the 5-in-1 moniker came into play is because the RAM expansion works in two ways. There are two separate modes (at least on the Action Replay 4M Plus) that allow for proper use of the 1 MB expansion and 4 MB expansion for games that require one or the other. Previous carts had issues with games not working right.

I swear by the 4-in-1. I would say the Action Replay 4M Plus is without question the best accessory for the Saturn. It has only two flaws which aren't that troublesome.

1) It doesn't support direct save like ordinary memory carts. The reason is because if it did support direct save then the Saturn would only recognize it as a memory cart and the other features wouldn't work. What this means is that in order to save data the player has to save to the Saturn's internal storage and, by using the data management system on the 4-in-1 itself, manually transfer the saves back and forth.

2) It doesn't work with games that use ROM carts. The slot the Action Replay 4M Plus takes up would otherwise be needed for the ROM cart. It's not impossible to do a cart swap but it's a hassle and probably not that good for the Saturn. The good news is that there are only like two games that use a ROM cart, King of Fighters '95 and some random Ultraman game.

So, really, the switch thing is only useful for playing those two ROM cart games and for the extra convenience of not having to do data swapping and I suppose deal with the Action Replay menus.

[The 1 2 P]

Interesting. I have a 4-in-1 but I still haven't even played my Saturn yet.

[Jimmy Yakapucci]

I was going to do a region change on one of my Saturns, but I figured that the Action Replay would be better since I could use that on whichever system I grabbed out of the closet.

JY

[Iron Draggon]

I heard that even brand new 4-in-1 carts have a nasty tendency to not work at all, so it's best to have it tested before buying it, if possible... is this true?

I still need to get one of these myself... I'm still using a Sega Satellite for all my imports, and I'd like to get one so I can play some of the RAM cart games

[norkusa]

Interesting. I have a 4-in-1 but I still haven't even played my Saturn yet.

I'll buy it from ya!


@bb _hood - everyone is telling me to solder it myself but I never soldered anything before. Only time I tried installing a mod chip was a solderless DMS4 Pro chip on my PS2. I screwed that up and I'm paranoid about doing any installs myself now.

I do have a soldering iron and a roll of solder...I'll look into it and if it isn't that complicated, I try doing it myself. I only paid $10 for the Saturn and $20 for the chip, so I wouldn't be out much if I did screw up.


As far as the 4in1 goes, that sounds like the way to go. Going thru 2 screens before playing any imports doens't sound like that much of a hassle.

[otaku]

the 4 in 1 is a must and I don't find it all that inconvenient in terms of the screens its more convenient than shipping to get a modchip or modding. If all you want is to play imports you could try an st key I got one for 7 bucks shipped awhile back but the 4 in 1 is all around awesome for games that need more ram and such. A good example is the D&D coin op game (loved it!) the saturn is an awesome system for imports so something must be done to enjoy the games go 4 in 1

[TonyTheTiger]

I heard that even brand new 4-in-1 carts have a nasty tendency to not work at all, so it's best to have it tested before buying it, if possible... is this true?

First I've heard of it. I suppose it's possible that there was a bum shipment or something.

[The 1 2 P]

I'll buy it from ya!

You can't afford it. It's a one of a kind limited Maryland edition:p But I seriously need to play it considering it's been sitting in it's box for about four years now:eek 2:

[vultar]

As long as you're getting it modded you don't need the 4-1, a switchless mod, or anything like it; just make copies of your discs and region patch them. That way you can use real Saturn memory carts that you can actually save to, and there's no extra messing with your Saturn beyond the mod chip.

[Vlcice]

This may only be a rumour, but I have heard that the PCBs in the 4-in-1 and other 3rd party cartridges (aside from the official 1/4MB RAM carts) are slightly wider physically and have a tendency to stretch out the Saturn's cart connectors.

I can say that in my experience using some 3rd party carts over time has made it more difficult for official cartridges (and occasionally 3rd party carts) to be recognized by the Saturn.

[Bratwurst]

This may only be a rumour, but I have heard that the PCBs in the 4-in-1 and other 3rd party cartridges (aside from the official 1/4MB RAM carts) are slightly wider physically and have a tendency to stretch out the Saturn's cart connectors.

I can say that in my experience using some 3rd party carts over time has made it more difficult for official cartridges (and occasionally 3rd party carts) to be recognized by the Saturn.

It's not a rumor, I've confirmed it with a pair of calipers and my own 4-in-1 cart (which doesn't work completely, btw) and a first party 4-meg RAM cart by Sega. The third party carts do have thicker card edges.

[Jimmy Yakapucci]

It's not a rumor, I've confirmed it with a pair of calipers and my own 4-in-1 cart (which doesn't work completely, btw) and a first party 4-meg RAM cart by Sega. The third party carts do have thicker card edges.

Although, I guess, that unless you are repeatedly inserting and removing the cart, it wouldn't be too much of a problem. Solution: put it in and leave it in. The only reason that you would need to take it out is to store the system or to use the ROM cart that is only needed for a couple games.

JY

[Bratwurst]

Although, I guess, that unless you are repeatedly inserting and removing the cart, it wouldn't be too much of a problem. Solution: put it in and leave it in. The only reason that you would need to take it out is to store the system or to use the ROM cart that is only needed for a couple games.

JY

Leaving it in would actually exacerbate the issue, because the pins of the cart port would be distended for a prolonged period of time.

[fahlim003]

Leaving it in would actually exacerbate the issue, because the pins of the cart port would be distended for a prolonged period of time.

Not only that but if the console or cartridge is bumped it will only make things worse and cause potentially more damage. It's best to keep it in if you plan on using it frequently and once you plan to put it away or take an extended break pull it out.

[norkusa]

Well I really just wanted the 4-in-1 over the switchless mod because it seemed more practical but now the pin-bending stories are scaring me off.

The switchless mod looks like lots of soldering and wires are involved. Can surgery like that be bad for the system over time? I just the Saturn to last a while and I'm worried all this modding can shorten its lifespan.

[fahlim003]

Well I really just wanted the 4-in-1 over the switchless mod because it seemed more practical but now the pin-bending stories are scaring me off.

The switchless mod looks like lots of soldering and wires are involved. Can surgery like that be bad for the system over time? I just the Saturn to last a while and I'm worried all this modding can shorten its lifespan.

You're doing the switchless mod, is it based off the information on Gamesx? This one: http://www.gamesx.com/importmod/sat_switchless.htm

If it is, and you are planning on going ahead with it, please share the results. I've been meaning to do this too but I'm not 100% on what to do given the instructions and never bothered to try it myself as a result. Thanks in part to Gamesx being lousy bastards and never replying to my addressed concerns.

[Bratwurst]

Nork was going to be sending his system to me for modding so I didn't want to come across as being too biased and eager to take his money, (I actually pushed for him to install the modchip himself) but I have done the switchless mod described on that site, my saturn still works and it must have been three years by now. There's nothing to it that would diminish the lifespan of the console. There's no moving parts involved, just wires tapping onto points of the motherboard, with the 74157 chip acting as a gate.

Switching regions with the reset button takes some getting used to. If you hold it down too long you activate the wrong region, don't hold it long enough and it doesn't switch over. IMO it's a reasonable tradeoff for retaining a stock appearance and avoiding drilling in the system casing to mount a switch. I avoid cutting into a system's plastic whenever possible.

[gameofyou]

If you buy a 4-in-one cart, make sure that it has the 25-pin data connector on top. Some of the newer cartridges have this removed. I know that NCSX still sells the original EMS brand cart, which has the data connector.

[SegaAges]

All I did was opened up my saturn and figured out how to make it think that the lid is always closed. Mine is wierd, where it detects it through 2 wires, so I just spliced together the wires. Making your saturn think that the lid is always down makes swapping super easy.

And yes, it takes some talent to do a action replay to original disc, swap, wait for the game to load, once the game starts initially loading, pull the action replay out then put the 4mb ram cart in.

[Tetsu]

Not only that but if the console or cartridge is bumped it will only make things worse and cause potentially more damage. It's best to keep it in if you plan on using it frequently and once you plan to put it away or take an extended break pull it out.

Also, I have had two Pro Action Replay 4in1 carts die on me upon removing them to insert another cart in the Saturn. Best to leave the cart plugged in all the time.

[Tempest]

I've had my 4-1 (modded so it works with Vampire Savior) in my Saturn for years now. The only time I removed it was when I put my mod chip in. I've never had a problem with it.

Has anyone attempted to update the action replay codes using the connector on the top? If so, how do you go about it?

Tempest

[TonyTheTiger]

If you buy a 4-in-one cart, make sure that it has the 25-pin data connector on top. Some of the newer cartridges have this removed. I know that NCSX still sells the original EMS brand cart, which has the data connector.

What is that actually used for? I've had my cart for 10 years now and never bothered with it. I'd hate to think I'm missing out on something worthwhile.

[Tempest]

What is that actually used for? I've had my cart for 10 years now and never bothered with it. I'd hate to think I'm missing out on something worthwhile.
For updating the codes in the Action Replay part I believe. I've never done it though.

Tempest

[98PaceCar]

Is there any info out there on some of the other saturn 4 in 1 carts? The one I've been using is an Ultra Madness (I think). It works fine, but was wondering what the differences between this and the Action Replay are.

[norkusa]

I've got one of these Memory Card Plus carts but I'm not sure what it does. I put it in the Saturn and it looks just like the official Saturn backup cart but what is the "Plus" for? More saves?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sega-saturn-Memory-Card-Plus_W0QQitemZ110318108722QQcmdZViewItemQQptZVideo _Games_Accessories?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

[TonyTheTiger]

For updating the codes in the Action Replay part I believe. I've never done it though.

Tempest

Can't you do that anyway by adding in the codes yourself? Granted, using the port would be faster but is that all it's good for?

[gameofyou]

What is that actually used for? I've had my cart for 10 years now and never bothered with it. I'd hate to think I'm missing out on something worthwhile.


There used to be an ISA card you could buy (Commslink) which plugged into a PC running DOS. These are no longer made (and rely on ancient PC hardware, anyway).

I have created a USB version of this device (www.GamingEnterprisesInc.com). Basically, it allows you to backup game-saves to a PC. The other cool thing you can do is download homebrew games to play on the Saturn (instead of burning a CDR & requiring a mod chip).

You can get more detailed descriptions of all this on my web site. I am also working on implementing additional functionalities in the near future.

[Wraith Storm]

I've got one of these Memory Card Plus carts but I'm not sure what it does. I put it in the Saturn and it looks just like the official Saturn backup cart but what is the "Plus" for? More saves?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sega-saturn-Memory-Card-Plus_W0QQitemZ110318108722QQcmdZViewItemQQptZVideo _Games_Accessories?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

I have one of those and use it all the time. It has a ton of space to save stuff but it also allows you to play imports on the system.

In short, its a memory cart + a converter.

[norkusa]

I have one of those and use it all the time. It has a ton of space to save stuff but it also allows you to play imports on the system.

In short, its a memory cart + a converter.

Nice! That's what I was hoping but it just looks like a regular backup cart when I plug it in.

How do you use it to play imports? I've tried looking online for instructions but couldn't find anything.

[Wraith Storm]

You shouldn't have to do anything out of the ordinary.

1 - Insert the cart and insert a game (Any region).
2 - Turn the system on and it will take you to the Saturn's Bios.
3 - Click the button to load the game.

Simple as that! I have used mine sine 1999 and have never had a problem with it. However I'm thinking of upgrading to a 4 in 1 cart because there are a few imports that I would like to play that require the 1 or 4 meg cart.

[Icarus Moonsight]

I've found, that with a Model 1 Saturn, one 1st party and one 3rd party retail disk and a 4-in-1 you don't even need a mod chip. :) Just tape down the drive lid switch so when you open the lid the system thinks it's still closed. The 4-in-1 allows for a disk swap without forcing the spindle to a halt. When the AR screen boots up the disk is read for copy protection and stops. Open the lid, remove the retail disk and set up your back-up copy (swap 1st retail for 1st backups and same for 3rd). Close the lid. Hit 'start game without codes'. Enjoy!

Hardest part is opening the case and taping the drive-lid status mechanism. It's even easier than the one or two simple soldier chips.

[The 1 2 P]

I just recently decided to start playing my Saturn I bought years ago with my 4 in 1 action replay cart. It works fine with letting me play imports but heres my question: how long is it suppose to take when you transfer saves from your Saturn's internal memory to the action replay cart? The first time it was going on four minutes so I pressed reset. The second time it was stuck in the "now saving please wait" screen for fifthteen minutes before I turned it off. I think something is wrong with the saving part of my cart.

Everything else works fine and for the record I was trying to copy/save data from Castlevania: Dracula X(not a very big file). Is there anything I can do to get my save feature to work?

[PSony]

It takes a few seconds for me.

[ubersaurus]

Couldn't you use a mod to run bootlegs?

[PSony]

The only way to run backups is to get a modchip. 4-in-1 carts just allow playing legit imports.

[The 1 2 P]

It takes a few seconds for me.

So then theres something wrong with the save feature on my cart. I have no idea how to fix it. Maybe I should just get a new one.