Can Sega CDX play 32xCD games?

[nate1749]

I know there were only like five 32x cd games made, but I was wondering if you can just buy a cdx (the genesis and sega cd in one small package) and then buy the 32x attachment and play 32x games in it along with the 32x cd games. This seems like it would work, unless of course there is something special about the cdx that would make this not possible.

I think I would rather have a small cdx unit than the genesis version 3 + sega cd attachment or the original genesis with the stackable setup.

Nate

[RCM]

Sega says you're not supposed to hook up a 32X and a CDX. It's possible and has been done.

THE ONE, THE ONLY- RCM

[nate1749]

Do you know why you're not supposed to? Do you have to mod it somehow to get it to do it or will it just burn out after awhile if you do?

Nate

[Melf]

Wowza! (http://www.sega-16.com/Feature-%2032X%20&%20CDX%20Connecting.htm) :D

[Dimitri]

Sega says you're not supposed to hook up a 32X and a CDX.

Then why did my 32X come with instructions for hooking it up to a CDX? And why did Sega make a spacer (like the one for the Genesis 2, but much larger) that lets the 32X fit properly on the CDX?

Regardless, this only states that you can play 32X games on a CDX, not if 32X CD games will work properly. :/ If I had a CDX I'd go try it now, but...

[Sothy]

Im interested to know as well.

Someone make history!

[RCM]

Then why did my 32X come with instructions for hooking it up to a CDX? And why did Sega make a spacer (like the one for the Genesis 2, but much larger) that lets the 32X fit properly on the CDX?

I'm not making that up my friend.

THE ONE, THE ONLY- RCM

[Ed Oscuro]

Wowza! (http://www.sega-16.com/Feature-%2032X%20&%20CDX%20Connecting.htm) :D
Bump!

[Dangerboy]

The pictured Spacer was never publically released, and as far as I know from Sega's Consumer Support line at the time, was never released at all. The gentleman on the phone told me at the time that Sega was not allowed to release it for the CDX because of FCC regulations not being met. <shrug>

I hook mine up just like the posted example, but if I have the space, I usually use the Mega Key as the spacer, and then let the 32x sit on a stack of cassette cases, that way there's less heat in one spot.

Jason

[nate1749]

I just found this on allgame.com. Well now I don't know if I should give it a try or not. I wouldn't be playing any 32x games, just a 32x cd game on a rare occasion... hmmmm
.....

Although the subsequent release of the Sega Genesis 32X (November 1994) meant to support the CDX, potential emission violations with the FCC prevented Sega from pursuing the matter. This was a serious drawback for those who upgraded to the CDX only to find that a separate Genesis console was needed to play 32X games. Adding to the confusion was the instruction manual for the 32X, claiming the system was already compatible with the miniature CD system. The manual stated that players first needed to purchase a spacer before fitting the 32X into the compact unit.

This spacer adapter (Part No. 253-6924) was never released, however, and an addendum was printed with the 32X warning gamers to disregard information explaining the installation to a CDX. While there were reports of successful linkages between the 32X and CDX, the potential for overheating and danger involved with electric shock made attempting such a combination ill-advised. Of course, neither the 32X nor CDX warranty would cover damage resulting from such an attempt, as Sega did not endorse such activity.


Nate

[Vroomfunkel]

I don't know what 'regulations' exactly were not met, but I had my 32X hooked up to my Multimega (European CDX) for years and there were no problems at all - either playing 32X games, or 32X CD games. Although frankly, none of the 32X CD games are really worth the effort. I suppose Night Trap and Corpse Killer are about as close as you would get to playable out of those, but with so many other better games for 32X or for the Mega CD, why bother?

Vroomfunkel

[wcmiker]

I also have a 32X and CDX hooked together, and I have experienced no problems.

[nate1749]

wcmicker & vroom: Did you build your own type of "spacer" or does it just fit in there nicely. What exactly is the purpose of the space anyways? Another guy was saying how he had to stack a pile of tapes so it wouldn't heat up too much. Do you guys do that or just plug it in there and play? I would prefer that, I don't want some rigged setup. Thanks,

Nate

[Iron Draggon]

Well I sure as hell wouldn't risk frying my CDX (If I had one!), just to play some 32XCD games, but that's just me. That system costs way too much to risk frying it. Now the 32X on the other hand, you can still get those for practically nothing, so no big loss if you fry it, and you have to get a new one.

[blissfulnoise]

lol, I never knew there could be a problem with doing this.

I've played both 32X carts and 32X CDs via the 32X/CDX combo. I doubt it could cause any long term hardware damage to either unit depending on how long your play sessions are. The connection is snug, no spacer really needed (at least in my experience).

[SkiDragon]

I have my 32x hooked up to my Genesis 2 without a spacer, and it works fine. The spacer would only keep the 32x from wiggling a bit, its not a big deal.

[digitalpress]

Well now I don't know if I should give it a try or not. I wouldn't be playing any 32x games, just a 32x cd game on a rare occasion... hmmmm

There are a few really GOOD 32X games. I can't think of one good 32X CD game.

http://www.digitpress.com/DP/cmf/listing.cmf?system=50

[soniko_karuto]

start with virtua fighter and after burner, those games rock (to me at least) the other game i love is space harrier.

[blissfulnoise]

Kolibri is vastly underrated. Tempo is quite fun too.

[ubersaurus]

If I remember, even with the 32x attachment on the CDX, it can't play 32xcd games...I think it was that it wouldn't detect the cd with the 32x in the slot.

[Dimitri]

Tempo is quite fun too.

Good call. Before I traded my 32X for a Playstation (stupid, stupid...) I'd spend countless hours playing Tempo and Knuckles' Chaotix. I still haven't had a chance to try Chaotix on 2-player, and I still want to play the pizza minigame in Tempo again. ;) Anyone got some 32X hookups they'd be willing to trade for some loose SNES carts? :D

[Melf]

You can play CD games, only you can't open the door completely. It will open it enough for you to insert the disc, though.

http://www.sega-16.com/CDX-32X%20pics/cdx_and_32x_11_t.jpg

[Archenemy]

I have run that way my CDX/32X combo for what? 2 years?

It sits perfectly.

It can open the hatch enough to get in or out the CD.

It runs smoothly.

I believe that regulation has more to do with how many microchips and transistors were supposed to be nearby according to the FCC rather than a REAL menace.

Any words about "Don't do it" "It will not work" "you will burn your CDX" are merely urban legends.:smash:

Period.

[Vroomfunkel]

Yeah, like I said - I had mine set up like that for ages and had no problem. Didn't use a spacer at all (easier to open the CD tray with no spacer in the way).

I liked the set up because it was so compact compared to all the other 32X CD set-ups. And the Multimega with 32X in bore a passing resemblance to the Starship Enterprise, which appeals to my nerdy sense of aesthetic harmony.

Yep. I'm that much of a geek.

Vroomfunkel

[Ed Oscuro]

I believe that regulation has more to do with how many microchips and transistors were supposed to be nearby according to the FCC rather than a REAL menace.
Since the Federal Communications Commission is only interested with airwaves, the likely answer is that the CDX and 32x...somehow...must create interference when used together.

Heh, and I know folks who've taken shielding off their N64s LOL

[nate1749]

I believe that regulation has more to do with how many microchips and transistors were supposed to be nearby according to the FCC rather than a REAL menace.
Since the Federal Communications Commission is only interested with airwaves, the likely answer is that the CDX and 32x...somehow...must create interference when used together.

Heh, and I know folks who've taken shielding off their N64s LOL

I wonder what violation they were specificially not in compliance with. Confusing...


I still haven't gotton around to buying a cdx, definitley not paying 100+ on ebay.

Nate

[Ed Oscuro]

I wonder what violation they were specificially not in compliance with. Confusing...
Interference, what else? LOL