View Full Version : More than one version of the Saturn?
Pedro Lambrini
10-18-2004, 02:43 PM
I knew there ws the special versions like the DErby one or the Cool one but I didn't know there were two versions of the standard machine. I don't know if this is a PAL thing but the Saturn I have is different form one that came into the shop today. The only difference I see is the Power, Eject and reset buttons are different shapes and the panel around the buttons is different plastic (it's shiney instead of the normal matt finish). Is there any other differences (ie/ internal) or is that it? If there is nothing else different why did they bother?? I don't know that much about the Saturn (other than I like playing it!) Thanks for any help here!
Cauterize
10-18-2004, 02:47 PM
i have both models.... i cna take photos for u if you want? (will be tomorrow thou)
i dont know the difference myself, but also the controllers had different shapes too... the ones shaped liek the jap pads are the nicest...
Pedro Lambrini
10-18-2004, 02:50 PM
I bought mine 2nd hand with a 3d controller and one that looks like the Japanese one. What does the other controller look like then? I'd like to see the pics if can be bothered :)
Heres a pic of the version 2 controller. From what everyone says, this is the controller to have. And from what Ive read the round buttom saturn is more reliable than the oval button saturn.
http://www.xgamegear.com/ebay/img/ST_Controller.jpg
Also the Jpn, US and Pal all have 2 versions. And theres some variants Of the Jpn ones. Theres gray, white, and the smoked versions.
Pedro Lambrini
10-18-2004, 07:28 PM
Well, that's lucky 'cos that's the controller that I have (and voted for in the Best Controller thread!) they are mighty fine. I also have the round button Saturn :) . Presumably the round button one is the 2nd revision?
Raedon
10-18-2004, 08:01 PM
There are actually 4 variations of the Saturn in the US
Model 1, 20 wire ribbon (launch)
Model 1, 21 wire ribbon (rarest by far)
Model 2, 21 wire ribbon 32 pin IC chip (only MODable saturn no matter what you have been told)
Model 2, 21 wire ribbon 64 pin IC chip
besides the obvious ovals and the "READ" light The model 1's have the SEGA! logo on top by the power button and the model 2's have the SEGA logo between the controller ports.
anagrama
10-18-2004, 08:16 PM
anagrama's font of useless Sega knowledge says:
There's actually 6 different revisions of the PAL Saturn - Sega kept playing around to try and reduce the huge losses they were making on manufacturing costs (Remember - they rushed it to the market to get a start on Sony, and then had to make an almost immediate price-cut in a vain attempt to keep pace with the runaway PSX. )
The first two revisions have the oval buttons, the latter two the round ones. I think the middle 2 revisions can be in either case.
Pedro Lambrini
10-18-2004, 08:17 PM
Just curious: What's the extra 1 wire on the ribbon for?
For what it's worth I actually think the Model 1's are better looking! I was thinking about swaping mine for it until I read JR's post regarding reliability. Now I think I'll stick to the ugly one.
Ok well I wasnt going to go into all the revisions, just the basic change in systems exterior design. But Yes there were 4 US revisions. As for what the changes were I dont exactly know. That controller I posted a picture above is a nice controller. I dont know if I like that one or the genesis 6 button better. Ill have to do a side by side comparison.
Emily
10-18-2004, 08:35 PM
How do i tell which version of the Model 1 US saturn i have?
Raedon
10-18-2004, 08:36 PM
Just curious: What's the extra 1 wire on the ribbon for?
no real data on that handy, but I think it had to do with a change of laser drives.
Pedro Lambrini
10-18-2004, 08:40 PM
How do i tell which version of the Model 1 US saturn i have?
I think you'll have to take the case off and have a look at the guts.
max 330 mega
10-19-2004, 01:15 AM
i personally think the round button US system looks better, but thats me.
The Manimal
10-19-2004, 11:34 AM
I can barely tell the difference LOL though, after looking at each, I like the look of the first one better because the buttons are ovals and resemble the Saturn 'logo' more...
How can you tell which version of the second model you have?
SegaAges
10-19-2004, 02:32 PM
yes, somebody posted all of the kinds. i actually own the 20-pin model 1. there are a few variations in the model 1 20-pin models themselves. in mine, the cd door is actually seen as being open or shut based on 2 wires. Of course, this was an easy mod for me, just snip and connect the wires. The only problem with this is that the wires are actually connected to the top part of the case. I guess there are some variations of what is inside of the model 1, 20 pins themselves. i have to check up again, but last i heard there were at least 2 or 3 variations of the model 1 20 pin. the only way to tell about which 1 you have would be to open it up.
modechip wise, i guess most people should only be concerned with the 4 that were posted earlier. somebody said that there was only 1 type of saturn that could be modded, but dude, it all depends on what kind of mod you are talkig about. i did a mod to mine so that it thinks that the cd door is always open in order to play imports and backups.