Diffrence between saturn models...

[jgenotte]

The search function dosent seem to be working so I cant search for a similar topic. Sorry if this has already been discussed.

I have 2 sega saturns and I just noticed that they are slightly diffrent.

One is model number: MK-80000A
This one has round "power" and "reset" buttons.

The other is model number: MK-80000
This one has oval shaped "power" and "Access" buttons.

What are the diffrences between the two? Is one more reliable, powerful, faster, valuable than the other?

Thanks in advance for the help,
-james

[Graham Mitchell]

Wow, this topic keeps coming up...

I said this yesterday in another forum, but...
I worked at Babbage's when Saturn was released. The originals (oval-shaped buttons) got returned by the dozen because they apparently had a problem with overheating. The problem was exacerbated if you played them for long periods of time while set up on carpet, which blocked the vents underneath the unit. I owned one, and never had any problems with it, though. I'd watch out with it though, the returns were real.

Also, your controllers should be different on those (if you bought them as they were originally shipped.) The old controllers were really large and very cumbersome--the R and L buttons sort of "clicked" when you pushed them, like those on GB advance SP. Anyway, everybody hated those controllers. Sega decided to redesign them, and overhaul the system in the process to fix that overheating problem--sales in Japan jumped after that.

Sega launched Saturn way before they had done enough research on it. I heard the programming libraries really sucked at first, and it was very difficult to program for. All that got changed as well with the system overhaul.

[wisekrak]

Heh, I just got my hands on a second Saturn and had the same question. I did some digging, and found that the oval button model is the original model 1. There is also a model 2 and 3 that have the round buttons. As far as I can tell, the only difference is when you are attempting to use the "Swap method" to play import games. I think the timing is different between models. I dont know if any one is worth more than the other. I do know that the controllers that came with the model 1 suck compared to the model 2 controllers.

[omnedon]

You can still get modchips for the round buttoned ones. Getting one for an oval buttoned one is nigh impossible. If you want to be able to back up your games, it's a point to consider.

[esquire]

Heh, I just got my hands on a second Saturn and had the same question. I did some digging, and found that the oval button model is the original model 1. There is also a model 2 and 3 that have the round buttons. As far as I can tell, the only difference is when you are attempting to use the "Swap method" to play import games. I think the timing is different between models. I dont know if any one is worth more than the other. I do know that the controllers that came with the model 1 suck compared to the model 2 controllers.

I believe the oval button model cannot be modded either.

[davidleeroth]

I kinda prefer the model 1 pad, the buttons have better feel and it doesn't rattle like the later one.
Also, model 1 Saturn is by far the better looking of the two with it's access leds and shiny black front. Model 2/3 looks just, well, cheap.

[MarkMan]

I forget which(I have both) but one of the Saturn's has a light on when it's powered on.

I'll check soon.