Is The 32X a Console?

[Nature Boy]

Weird question, but I thought of it as I was cataloging. Actually, the 32X doesn't bother me, my recently acquired e-Reader is what raised the question.

So: is the 32X a Console with it's own carts? Or is it just a peripheral with games that are peripherals to the peripherals. And what do you think about the e-Reader in light of your opinion on the 32X? Same? Different?

I'm voting pro console. Makes cataloging easier :D

[Tempest]

I'd say it's a peripheral since you need a Genesis to use it. This is like asking if the Supercharger is a console or a 2600 accessory. In my book if it can't play games by itself it's a peripheral.

Tempest

[congobongo]

I go with console because as far as I know, it really only uses the Genesis as a pass-through. It gets more confusing when you consider that there are 32x CD games though!

[Arcade Antics]

A peripheral. By itself it makes a good doorstop. :P

But I still catalogue the games separately from the Genny stuff. Ditto the Sega CD.

[Keir]

I voted console, but then I read Tempest's post. Funny that I never thought of it like the Supercharger (which I always considered a peripheral). I guess I'm just dumb!

Now, should I catalog Supercharger games separately like I do 32X games? I guess I already do since I have them listed as cassettes not cartridges.

[sniperCCJVQ]

A peripheral, it cannot work WITHOUT the Genesis

[Wavelflack]

A system. E-reader, supercharger, and so forth are merely storage/retrieval systems for their respective systems. In other words, an E-reader game is still written in GBA format, and a supercharger game is still written in the language of the 2600. 32X is entirely different, and is not simply Genesis code in a different media format.

I guess you could say that the 32X 'system' IS the combination of the 32X unit and the Genesis.

[Wavelflack]

To add to this, I tend to think of "peripherals" as I/O devices, and certainly exclusive of integral components. In other words, you wouldn't think of a mobo upgrade as a "peripheral", although it requires the use of the preexisting platform. For that matter, RAM is (to my knowledge) not categorized under "peripherals", and neither is a monitor. Even a 2nd monitor wouldn't qualify, in my mind.

Just some food for thought..

[maxlords]

It's what happens when nerds breed :)

Seriously tho...console cause it has it's own games that won't work without it. If the games worked without a 32X, it would be an enhancement peripheral.

[GENESISNES]

It can be a little of both. Everyone has a good opinion:

Console: It had it OWN type of games, and other companies made games for it besides sega.

Pheriperal: You need a Genesis to use it.

Sega probobly could have released it as a console by itself, but they figured more people would buy it because most people had a sega genesis, and weren't ready to buy their own system. So, this adds a new question:

Is the Sega CD a console or peripheral?

[Tempest]

A system. E-reader, supercharger, and so forth are merely storage/retrieval systems for their respective systems. In other words, an E-reader game is still written in GBA format, and a supercharger game is still written in the language of the 2600. 32X is entirely different, and is not simply Genesis code in a different media format.


Hmm... Never thought of that. Something to think about.

Tempest

[nesman85]

its a peripheral.
maxlords, would you consider the aladdin deck enhancer a console? it has its own games that won't work without the aladdin. i certainly wouldn't consider it one.

[jaydubnb]

It's a peripheral for the simple fact that it needs a Genesis in order to operate. ie, the Turbo CD system (not the duo) is an add-on...it doesnt matter if it has its own games, because its just a chunk of plastic by itself. I say that if you need a console in order to operate, you arent a console at all.

[Captain Wrong]

I'd say it's a peripheral since you need a Genesis to use it. This is like asking if the Supercharger is a console a 2600 accessory. In my book if it can't play games by itself it's a peripheral.

Tempest

Exactly! Couldn't say it any better. (Same goes for Sega CD.)

[Wavelflack]

The Aladdin device is simply a cart that holds the redundant (ie; ram, memory mapping chips, etc.) parts common to NES carts (or Camerica carts, to be precise). It has no CPU, operating system, or provision for video output. It's not a system OR a peripheral. It's simply a cart that comes in two pieces, but one piece needs only be purchased once.

The correct analogy, if you wish to enter Aladdin into the discussion, would be whether or not Aladdin carts themselves count as "games". The answer is obviously "yes". The fact is that an Aladdin game requires the deck enhancer to operate. They won't function at a reduced capacity ("not enhanced") without it, but simply will not function at all. This makes the enhancer integral to the game, rather than an "add-on". Just because an Aladdin cart is missing it's counterpart does not diminish it's standing as a "game". An IR controller without it's receiver is still a controller. The two are intended to work together, and the fact that they are manufactured as separate pieces does not contradict their standing as components of a unified system.

Anyway, the 32X system is a 32X module attached to a Genesis. It can't be played in a lesser capacity by itself, nor can the Genesis run 32X carts in some kind of anemic "shit mode" by itself. The two form a system. Sega developed, in prototype form, an all-in-one (one piece) machine called Neptune, but it was cancelled. Think about it. What if it was marketed? Would Neptune be a console/system, but 32X a peripheral?

[CrazyImpmon]

I consider the 32X to be a console/peripheral hybrid. The games for it is completely different (not like Supercharger or Aladdin games) I think we need a new category for an add on device that adds power (Sega CD and TurboCD as well) and I would nominate "Parasitic Peripheral" for it.

Think about it, by itself it doesn't work. It depends on a compatible host system to work, and "leeches" the host system for controller and some video/audio functions. Under this arguement, 64DD and the vaporware "Playstation" addon for SNES would be Parasitic Peripheral

I agree with someone about Supercharger and e-Reader since the game code could run directly in the system without such device. Those peripheral are merely a low cost alternative to a piece of silicon and plastic shell.

[GENESISNES]

its a peripheral.
maxlords, would you consider the aladdin deck enhancer a console? it has its own games that won't work without the aladdin. i certainly wouldn't consider it one.

yeah, but different companies created games for the 32X, not just one company like camerica with the alladin.

[digitalpress]

I know I've voiced my opinion on this, probably one too many times, so instead, let me just ask this age old question.

If you were stranded on a desert island (that by similarly incredible circumstances has electricity) and could have any ONE console, what would it be?

Now, consider the problem that the greatest 32X fan in the world has with this.

[TheCrow]

It is a peripheral at heart, but it was originally designed as a console (The Jupiter) then later scrapped for the Saturn. Since the it was pretty much complete they decided to make it an add on for the Genesis rather than scrap the entire project. If it was stand alone i'm sure it would have better games than it did.

[Nature Boy]

I think my hangup with the 32X is that it still uses carts and they're barely indistinguishable from the Genesis carts - whereas the supercharger uses casettes, the e-Reader playing cards, etc.

But I think you've convinced me to switch teams (from console to peripheral that is - leave any other teams out of it! :D)

[Keir]

The problem is clearly a limitation in the English language. The 32X is neither a peripheral nor a system. It's a sysipheral.

[Sniderman]

If it uses carts, CDs, or cassettes specifically designed for it and it only, it's a console. So, I view the 32X, Sega CD, E-reader, and - yes - even the Supercharger as systems/consoles.

However, for cataloging purposes, the carts, CDs, and cassettes are classified "Genesis, Genesis, Gameboy, and Atari" respectively.

Just this man's opinion...

[Nature Boy]

The problem is clearly a limitation in the English language. The 32X is neither a peripheral nor a system. It's a sysipheral.

Sounds like a communicable diesease Kier.. LOL

[CrazyImpmon]

Now, consider the problem that the greatest 32X fan in the world has with this.
Get a Neptune, problem solved. :D LOL LOL LOL Now where was that link to neptune dealer site?


Ya know... the April's Fool site? Ah, it's http://www.seganeptune.com/

Oh pooh, it seems to be gone.

[z28in82]

It goes down as an Add-on inmy books simply cause it needs the Genesis to play games. dunno what else to say about it

[ClubNinja]

My vote is for peripheral as well, although I still count the carts seperately in my lists.

And Keir, you better not be bringing any of that sysipheral of yours tomorrow! ; )

[orrimarrko]

Wavelflack has some excellent points, I think.

The definition of a "peripheral" as I understood it was something optional that could be used to enhance or alter gameplay (ie. U-Force, Power Glove, etc.). These peripherals weren't games on their own, they altered your method of playing existing games.

The definition of a "console" should be (something like) a self-supporting medium to play games independent of another system (ie. NES, 2600, 5200, Neo Geo AES). Independent from ANYTHING else, they will at least function to play the games as they were designed.

What I feel this discussion leads to is a third category. While I hate to get into semantics, I believe you are describing an "add-on". An add-on could be defined as a device that upgrades the capabilities of an existing console.
Excellent examples of this are: 2600 Supercharger, Intellivision Voice Module, Sega CD, and indeed, the 32X. These "add-ons" further the capabilities of the system they connect to - probably due to technological advances, and also to aid in prolonging the life of the system. The add-on has a library (so to speak) of games that cannot be played without the add-on, which by definition implies that they cannot be played without the use of a supportive console.

That's my two cents. Therefore, I can't vote either way - it would be like trying to categorize a station wagon as a sedan or an SUV.

Oh, by the way - I would categorize the Aladdin Deck enhancer as a piece of shit. :D

Steve

[Alex Kidd]

I believe it is neither.

The CD and 32X are not consoles, becuase they can't do everything themselves.
They aren't peripherals becuase they are too advanced/cpmplex (for lack of a better description)

Think about it.
Both of these systems could have been built as hybrid systems. But weren't, due to cost and marketing.

Had the Sega CD/32X has all it's technology AS WELL AS the Sega Genesis techonolgy under it to make it run, it would have cost a lot more.
Plus those people who already had a Genesis shouldn't have to buy ANOTHER Genesis sytem with the SegaCD/32X when they already have the Genesis, and the people who don't, well they can buy them both sepreatly. The cost to buy them seperately shouldn't be much more than what it would have cost to buy a hybrid system (were one made).

Alex Kidd

[ashbourn]

It is a console/peripheral. It has it own game but you need Genesis to play them. E-reader is the same thing, so is Sega CD and the ill fated 64DD.

[Aswald]

Probably a sort of peripheral. All it does is enhance the abilities of the Genesis, the way the ColecoVision Supergame module was to have boosted that console's memory, or the Starpath Supercharger enhanced the Atari 2600 (rather well, one must say!).

There's nothing wrong with the idea, but, except for the Supercharger, no one had gotten it right. Most condemned 32X games as rushed out and of poor quality, or at least not really doing anything to distinguish it enough from regular Genesis games.

In order for such a peripheral to work, it must clearly have games that the console could not possibly do. The ColecoVision Supergame module was a bad joke; its version of Donkey Kong was really not much better than the original (nothing was added to the original 3 screens), and all of its games could have been done "right" on an unenhanced ColecoVision- Opcode, could a good, "full" Donkey Kong (alone), have been done within the 32K ROM of the ColecoVision? After all, the 4-screen version of Donkey Kong Junior was done in a 16K Rom limit.

Now, as the years went by, the ColecoVision would've been outclassed. There was no way to get a full version of, say, Nemesis 3 (see Raccoon Lad's Website of Fun) on a regular ColecoVision, short of adding so much memory and/or bank-switching that the price of each cartridge would've gotten out of hand. Therefore, a, say, 128K Supergame module would've brought the overall cost of a "super series" down considerably, and so, would've been a good idea. Simple economics, but it would've shown that the company did care, and considered such things carefully. That would've led to greater brand loyalty, which can mean the difference between survival or doom during tough times.

[Duncan]

This is a bit long, but I've decided to go step-by-step through the specific definitions of these terms in order to make my point.

A system is an integrated collection of parts that make a whole. Thus, the Genesis System includes a wide variety of items: the basic Genesis console, the Power Base Converter (for SMS games), the Sega CD, or the 32X. And remember that no part of a system can work without certain "key" parts: the basic Genesis requires a Genesis cartridge; the 32X requires a Genesis and and a 32X cartridge; etc., etc.

Now then, a console (as defined in electronics circles) is a piece of hardware that serves as a powered junction block into which you connect various items to create something useful. The most basic idea of this concept is the venerable PC: start with a mother board and a processor as your basic "building block". Then add components like a hard drive or a CD-ROM drive to allow data storage and retrieval. Next, connect a keyboard and mouse for input, and finally add a monitor and speakers for output -- voila! A useful device has been created. Of course, you can add further items to make your console even more useful: add a scanner or web-cam for extra input, and maybe a printer or sound card for improved output.

By this point, you may understand what I'm getting at. Let's look at the Genesis again, but this time in the same way you would the aforementioned PC. Start with your basic Genesis "building block". The little black box, all by itself, has no useful purpose. Don't believe me? Disconnect everything from your Genesis but the power cord (plugged into a power outlet, of course :) ) and turn it on. Apart from the twinkle of a red LED, nothing happens and nothing useful is done.

In order to get the Genesis to do something useful, we need to add peripheral devices to it. First, we need to add a storage and retrieval device -- luckily, the Genny has its own proprietary slot on top for just such a mechanism. Normal people might prefer to call it a game cartridge; whatever. :) But we're still only a third of the way there. Next, we need to add an input device -- this would be a controller. We're getting warmer, but now we need a way to output information. For this, we'll use an RF adapter -- this will convert the video signals into something that can be viewed on a standard television screen.

Now turn on that power switch again. Why, look: it's Sonic the Hedgehog! (Or Streets of Rage, or Herzog Zwei. Whatever -- you get the point.)

Having gone through all that, let's look at the 32X and the Sega CD. Note, first of all, that neither of these units will do anything by themselves -- they require some sort of connection to a host Genesis "building block" with its power supply, controller input and television output capability. Secondly, note that both of these items are still basically useless even after you've connected them -- each still requires the addition of some external media (either a 32X cartridge or a CD-ROM). This, to my mind, makes them peripherals.

In a way, even a game cartridge is a peripheral -- in the cold language of bits and bytes, it is nothing more than a media storage device to be accessed by a processor and manipulated by an input device (controller). The difference is that if you plug a cart into your Genesis and turn it on, you're instantly able to play a game. When you plug a 32X into your Genesis and turn it on, nothing happens -- until you take the second step of plugging a game (32X or Genesis) into the newly created combination.

After all that, I hope you all understand my point...but here's one final example. Sure, Sony has a bunch of games that will work with its Online adapter. Some of them (like Everquest) won't even work without it. But just having an Online adapter will not allow you to play these games -- you still need a PlayStation 2 to go with it.

Thus, I ask you: Is the Online adapter a "console" or a "peripheral" by itself? By now, the answer ought to be fairly clear. (I hope!)

Duncan :D

[atomicthumbs]

I have always thought of the 32X as a console. I've never thought of it as an add-on. I have no real reasons for this that have not already been said (uses own media, compare to Sega CD, needs Genesis etc.). I just get this warm, wet feeling when I look at it... Makes me think, "console". Makes me think, "home"... Now, I think that this question just boils down to the fact that a lot of people have always disliked, nay, hated the 32X just because everyone else seemed to. Like it was HIP and COOL to hate it. Well, I love my little stumpy 32X console. I may not love it as much as my Xbox or my TI-99/4A, but I still love it, regardless. :lovin:

[cessnaace]

I say peripheral, mainly due to the fact that it requires the Genesis, itself a real honest-to-god console, to operate. Without the Genesis, it's a fairly unattractive paper-weight.

I'm probably in the same boat as alot of the collectors here. I own over a dozen consoles. How do I catalog the 32X and Sega CD games? Ok, fair question. Here's how I do it:

Sega Genesis (Cartridge) for Genesis Carts
Sega Genesis (CD) for Sega CD
Sega Genesis 32X (Cartridge)
Sega Genesis 32X (CD)

One other point. Is the 32X 32 Bit? I seem to remember reading somewhere that it was mearly a 16 Bit coprocessor. Kind of like the Jaguar, I guess, with it's twin 32 Bit coprocessors (Tom and Jerry).

:)

[SplodeBox]

The 32x is a peripheral plastic hassle.

[atomicthumbs]

The 32x is a peripheral plastic hassle.


A hassle huh?

Well I'll take yours for ya' and your games too if you get rid of 'em.

[NEOFREAK9189]

s hybrid console/peripheral. because is 32bit and the sega cd is peripheral i is only 16 bit

[DarkSol]

It is a peripheral at heart, but it was originally designed as a console (The Jupiter) then later scrapped for the Saturn. Since the it was pretty much complete they decided to make it an add on for the Genesis rather than scrap the entire project. If it was stand alone i'm sure it would have better games than it did.

True, but you failed to mention that the Jupiter project turned into the Sega Mars, which became the 32x. To quotehttp://www.game-machines.com/consoles/sega32x.php : "Rather than throw away the Jupiter technology, Sega continued it to create another add-on for the popular Sega Genesis. They ended up with the Mars system.

In Japan, the Saturn was soon to be released and the Mars was not pursued, but Sega of America wanted to keep in touch with the 16-bit Genesis owners, so their systems would not become obselete.

In November 1994, the Sega 32X hit the shelves in huge demand. It would fit into the cartridge slot of the Genesis, and its games would fit into it. It contained a 32-bit processor and an improved graphics chip. The system came with 6 $10 discount cupons for 32X games."

Note it says add-on, it does not say that the 32x is a console. Furthermore, having a cousin who used to work for Sega of America, I had asked him when he was still working for them about the 32x. I then called him up after I saw this topic and asked him again. He says that the 32x was never considered a console within Sega itself.

Plus, going futher and talking about the Sega CD. Sega marketed it as a perifieral, not a "console"

[DarkSol]

It is a peripheral at heart, but it was originally designed as a console (The Jupiter) then later scrapped for the Saturn. Since the it was pretty much complete they decided to make it an add on for the Genesis rather than scrap the entire project. If it was stand alone i'm sure it would have better games than it did.

True, but you failed to mention that the Jupiter project turned into the Sega Mars, which became the 32x. To quotehttp://www.game-machines.com/consoles/sega32x.php : "Rather than throw away the Jupiter technology, Sega continued it to create another add-on for the popular Sega Genesis. They ended up with the Mars system.

In Japan, the Saturn was soon to be released and the Mars was not pursued, but Sega of America wanted to keep in touch with the 16-bit Genesis owners, so their systems would not become obselete.

In November 1994, the Sega 32X hit the shelves in huge demand. It would fit into the cartridge slot of the Genesis, and its games would fit into it. It contained a 32-bit processor and an improved graphics chip. The system came with 6 $10 discount cupons for 32X games."

Note it says add-on, it does not say that the 32x is a console. Furthermore, having a cousin who used to work for Sega of America, I had asked him when he was still working for them about the 32x. I then called him up after I saw this topic and asked him again. He says that the 32x was never considered a console within Sega itself.

Plus, going futher and talking about the Sega CD. Sega marketed it as a perifieral, not a "console"

[Jasoco]

I just bought one of these.

It is a Periphrial plain and simple. The Sega CD is also a periphrial. Both enhance the Genesis to make it play better.

I had the same problem trying to layout my Game lists on my site too. I was this close to splitting the 32X and Sega CD games onto their own pages. Then I thought, "Well, I'll ALSO need a page for the Hybrid CD/32X games." But I decided to keep it simple. The Genesis is aConsile, the 32X and Sega CD are periphrials. The Genesis games, 32X games and Sega CD games are all games for the same console. It just makes it easier on me.

[tynstar]

I think in order to be called a console the machne has to play games on its own. The 32x & Sega CD both need the Genesis. So in my book no it is not a console.

[ste]

Peripheral.
Extension/Expansion would be better. Like the Expansion Module#1 for Colecovision (kind of a poor example since it plays another system's games), it lets you play games on it that won't work on the system without it, but still requires the main system to work.

[captain nintendo]

I would say a Peripheral as well, just because you need the genesis
to use it. I mean you cant use it by itself. ( that I am aware of )

[Balloon Fight]

If it uses carts, CDs, or cassettes specifically designed for it and it only, it's a console. So, I view the 32X, Sega CD, E-reader, and - yes - even the Supercharger as systems/consoles.

However, for cataloging purposes, the carts, CDs, and cassettes are classified "Genesis, Genesis, Gameboy, and Atari" respectively.

Just this man's opinion...

I am agreeing with the man on this. I think if you have carts that can only be played on it, then its a system.

[Jasoco]

The 32X and the Sega CD are as much a Console as the Super Game Boy and the Game Boy Player.

It is an Add-on. A peripheral. It REQUIRES a Genesis to work. The games run on the Genesis. They are using the Genesis' processors. They are GENESIS games and they run on upgraded SYSTEMS.

Period.

[dmhawkmoon]

I guess you could say that the 32X 'system' IS the combination of the 32X unit and the Genesis.

My thinking exactly. If the e-reader had a whole set of its own unique games that wouldn't even be possible on a GBA alone, then the e-reader would be a system, too... Just the combination of a GBA and it... But it's not. The 32X is like that, however. The Genesis is just kind of like the power cord.

[dreamcaster]

Whilst I know full well that the Sega CD/32X are not true consoles, I do classify them as such.

Essentially, they're consoles with bits missing - those bits being: controller ports, audio/video outputs and power inputs.

It was all a cost cutting exercise, simply build the core of the machine, and use the Mega Drive/Genesis for input/output.

Plus, the CD/32X have their own game libraries which I consider already argument enough for them to be consoles.

[AB Positive]

I like the idea of a third category, modifying a previous poster's idea and calling them "Parasitic Consoles", i.e. Consoles requiring another console to be used. CD-systems, the 32X, and the Game Boy players of SNES and GCN could all be considered Parasitic Consoles.


Here is a question I just thought up. What if someone made a portable 32X? Containing all the bits from the Genesis it requires plus the enhancemens parts? *drools*

-AG

[Jasoco]

Here is a question I just thought up. What if someone made a portable 32X? Containing all the bits from the Genesis it requires plus the enhancemens parts? *drools*

-AG
Seeing as they already made a portable Sega CD. Well, semi-portable.

The CDX was a Sega Genesis/Sega CD and Discman. To think how much cooler it could have been with a 32X crammed in there too. It'd be the Über-Genesis.

It'd been even cooler had they put a 32X in a Nomad. Forget Sega CD, the 32X games were more entertaining. To play the better Virtua Racing, Star Wars Arcade, DOOM on a Nomad would be awesome.

Either way, I classify all Genesis, Sega CD and 32X as Genesis. It is all Genesis. Some of it may need other add-ons, but at heart, a Sega CD game is a Genesis game. A 32X game IS a Genesis game.

Think of it this way. What do you consider a Japanese 64DD game? The ones that were stand-alone games. They're still N64 games even though they needed the DD to play.

[Kejoriv]

peripheral. It wont work without a Genesis. Its sort of an add on

[jezt]

Well, ya cant play 32x games without a 32x attached to your sega genesis....so yes I would say without a doubt, it is.

[BloodshedPlague]

I think it's a console. I suppose you could ask the same question about the sega cd. Anyway it's a crappy console but still a console.

[Jasoco]

Geeze. It's the thread that won't die! This will never be settled.

How many pages back was this thread, BTW?

[Wavelflack]

Some of you need to re-read what I wrote, and actually understand it. I see posts here misrepresenting what I wrote, and completely missing the point. I mentioned the Supercharger, e-reader, and Sega CD in CONTRAST to the 32X, not in conjunction with it.
Those devices are peripherals, in the classic sense that they do not add (or subtract) from the host systems' basic performance parameters. A light gun is a peripheral. A storage device is a peripheral. The precise definition of "peripheral", as applied to computers, is "a piece of equipment that can be used with a computer to increase it's functional range or efficiency, as a printer, scanner, disk, etc." The Game Boy camera is a peripheral.

I mentioned the "other systems" for the specific reason of contrast: The e-reader does not change the architecture or performance of it's host (GBA). It's only a slightly unusual storage media and reader. You can take the code from the e-reader card and burn it to a ROM, and the GBA will still play it just the same. The Supercharger is exactly the same. You can put Supercharger software on a cart, and the 2600 will still run it. The Sega CD is a slightly imperfect inclusion in the list, because it actually contained a 2nd MC68000 cpu and an asic chip for scaling and rotation. So it's not purely a storage device or peripheral, but for practical purposes, that was it's intended role (mass storage). Perhaps the Turbo CD would be a better example here. In other words, everything that a Turbo CD game did could be reproduced exactly using a cartridge, given sufficient size. Same for Supercharger. Same for e-reader. 3D glasses didn't provide a hardware upgrade for the SMS, allowing it to handle 3D games. They were a peripheral. A user-oriented convenience. Plug Maze Hunter into an SMS without the glasses, and it still runs fine (it just looks blurry to you). Hopefully some of you are starting to see the point.

The 32X system has abilities far and beyond the Genesis. It has it's own dual CPU architecture. 32 bit processors. It's own programming structure. It uses the Genesis in almost an incidental role: For some games, a background scene for the 32X to overlay it's own video onto, or (more often than not) simply the scores and numbers on the screen. Try to shoehorn a 32X game onto the Genesis and see what it does. Doesn't an "add-on" or peripheral necessarily operate in the native language of it's host?

I've made this analogy before, but some people have trouble understanding it, so it bears repetition: The 32X is no more of a peripheral than a motherboard upgrade/replacement would be for a computer. Wouldn't you argue that the system is "personified" by the component of greatest significance? The "core"? In a computer, the mobo is the core. You can keep your case and power supply, your monitor and your speakers, but when you upgrade, replace, or supercede the core (cpu and associated components) with something more powerful and agile, I doubt that anyone would consider that to be an "add on" or "peripheral" to the existing (physical) computer--case, PSU, etc.

The 32X mounts to the Genesis, but only utilizes it in an incidental manner. The SYSTEM is the 32X. The only thing that is not included with the retail purchased 32X in the redundant components already present in the Genesis unit. Part of the perceived appeal of the machine was that it reused components you (presumably) already owned, thus avoiding the need for you to pay a second time for them.

Do you understand yet?



(BTW--The Power Base Converter IS a peripheral, as it is only a casing and pin converter, containing only enough circuitry to allow it to "trigger" the Genesis to run in Z80 mode. The PBC has no processing or computing abilities residing within it's case. It does not add to or subtract from the Genesis' performance, but rather acts as a key to unlock capabilities already present. Something like the Xbox DVD kit..)
I

[Jasoco]

Do you work for Sega?

[atomicthumbs]

I think it's a console. I suppose you could ask the same question about the sega cd. Anyway it's a crappy console but still a console.

I'm sure that the point you made about the Sega CD has been mentioned before (I'm too damn lazy to check), but I couldn't agree with you more.

[chrisbid]

the 32X is a platform, not a console :)

[goatdan]

Having read this before, and remembering being completely fascinated by it, I read though and was surprised to see that I haven't yet weighed in.

I liked the argument that someone before used about taking something to the lowest common denominator. I would say that the lowest common denominator of the Genesis hardware would be:

Genesis
Power Supply
AV adaptor
Output Device (TV)

Without one of those components, we can not use the Genesis to do anything with visible results other than the red LED, as someone else mentioned. Next up is software. Software is, of course, the games that you need to put into the device (Genesis) so that you get some sort of result displayed on the output device, which is just as integral to the actual Genesis as the Power supply is.

Then, for peripherals, you have things like:

Controller
Joystick
Light Gun
etc.

These things allow you to manipulate the software in ways not otherwise possible. Without a controller, you can't do much.

So where does that leave the 32X and Sega CD? They are components. A component is something that can intepert something and feed it to the actual hardware. A hard drive or a CD-ROM drive is not a computer, but you need it to access data stored in various formats. I could run a computer without a hard drive, but it would limit the amount of software I could run. These components have built-in hardware to help decipher what the data is, and that hardware is not interchangable. IE you could not take a hard drive platter out, stick it in your CD player and read the data.

So the 32X is a component. It allows the Genesis to access more software than it could without being attached. Same with the Sega CD. For the purposes of classification, these should be treated as seperate devices with their own unique software. As some people know, I run the GOAT Store, LLC which sells games for all of the systems involved. If we didn't make the distinction between whether a game was for the Sega 32X, Sega CD or Genesis, I would imagine a lot of people would be unhappy. You can't sell a game in floppy format now and not warn people -- some computers no longer have floppy drives. Same concept.

The Genesis and 32X should be seperated into seperate categories, but the 32X is not a console and shouldn't be considered one.

[Kamino]

Excellent work on that one, dan!!!!
I'll go a bit of the same route. i'd call it a hardware upgrade. It does enhance what the system can do, after all.