View Full Version : Why does the Saturn analog pad have a detachable cable?
c0ldb33r
02-21-2009, 11:05 PM
Why does the Saturn analog pad have a detachable cable? This is my all time favourite controller and I've always wondered this.
I always had this idea that they were planning on releasing a wireless portion that would attach to the port where the cord typically plugs into. I've got nothing to support this, just an idea I had.
Does anyone have an idea about this? It looks bitchin' without the cord attached! :D
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/th_036.jpg (http://s152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/?action=view¤t=036.jpg) http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/th_037.jpg (http://s152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/?action=view¤t=037.jpg) http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/th_038-1.jpg (http://s152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/?action=view¤t=038-1.jpg) http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/th_039-1.jpg (http://s152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/?action=view¤t=039-1.jpg) http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/th_040-1.jpg (http://s152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/?action=view¤t=040-1.jpg)
jupitersj
02-21-2009, 11:20 PM
I don't remember exactly but I could have sworn I read they were going to implement a jump pack for it much like the dreamcast has.
Cinder6
02-22-2009, 12:10 AM
I asked this once on another forum, and was told there were plans for a wireless adapter, much as you speculated. No references/confirmation, though, so take it for what you will.
j_factor
02-22-2009, 01:30 AM
It wasn't for any one thing necessarily. I think it was like the VMU slots in Dreamcast controllers -- multiple potential uses. I do know that AiR NiGHTS was supposed to use a tilt sensor that plugged into there. I also remember reading that Sega had plans to come out with a vibration pack. Never thought about wireless, but I suppose that's a possibility.
Kid Fenris
02-22-2009, 01:59 AM
Back in 1999, I read (sorta) a Japanese Dreamcast magazine that showed photos of a Saturn analog pad being unclipped and attached to an adapter that let it work on a Dreamcast. I have no idea what game (if any) it was for, as I didn't know enough of the language to work it out. I wouldn't be surprised if Sega had many different uses planned for that outlet over the years.
kedawa
02-22-2009, 07:21 PM
I'm curious to know just what's inside the adaptor. If it's just the plug and the cords, then it may be possible to fit a usb adapter or total control adapter inside and convert it into a PC or dreamcast pad.
Ze_ro
02-22-2009, 11:42 PM
an adapter that let it work on a Dreamcast.
it may be possible to fit a usb adapter or total control adapter inside and convert it into a PC or dreamcast pad.
I fail to see the point in using this as a Dreamcast controller, since the Dreamcast controller is more or less the same thing already.
--Zero
Kid Fenris
02-23-2009, 12:38 AM
The Saturn analog controller's six face buttons and d-pad would make it better for fighting games, at least. It would've had little effect on a NiGHTS sequel, but it's possible that Dreamcast magazine article was just showing off the tilt sensor for the canceled Nights sequel.
--Zero
Bratwurst
02-23-2009, 12:40 AM
ZERO I DO BELIEVE MY FINGER GONNA BE WIGGLIN IN YON BELLYBUTTON yes sir
RASK1904
02-23-2009, 02:26 AM
It had a freak accident involving a weedwacker and....... thats the best the doctors could do. He realy doen't like to talk about it.
sorry.....
Sonicwolf
02-23-2009, 02:46 AM
It was probably planned that a wireless adaptor would have been developed. Thats what I have always thought.
grolt
03-01-2009, 03:35 PM
It wasn't for any one thing necessarily. I think it was like the VMU slots in Dreamcast controllers -- multiple potential uses. I do know that AiR NiGHTS was supposed to use a tilt sensor that plugged into there. I also remember reading that Sega had plans to come out with a vibration pack. Never thought about wireless, but I suppose that's a possibility.
Yeah, that's your answer. This was mentioned in several video game magazines of the era, which is why I at least had a lot of hope for NiGHTS 2, since it was essentially what they had been planning for years before with Air NiGHTS.
The 1 2 P
03-01-2009, 07:19 PM
I suppose it was in case someone wanted to use it as a weapon. That way you'd have a projectile(the controller) and a whip(the cord, Castlevania style). You could most definitely get to the end level boss of sesame street with this thing.
VACRMH
03-02-2009, 11:52 PM
Just saw this mentioned on another forum...
http://www.seganerds.com/2009/03/02/sega-patents-controller/#more-8666
c0ldb33r
03-03-2009, 10:12 AM
Just saw this mentioned on another forum...
http://www.seganerds.com/2009/03/02/sega-patents-controller/#more-8666
that is really neat. It's interesting that they renewed their patent just as this thread is taking place.
weird.