What are the different versions of the Saturn?

[Cambot]

Here's my three-pronged question attack!

Were there more than one version of this console? What are the differences and which is more desirable in your opinions and why?

[InsaneDavid]

which is more desirable in your opinions and why?

One of my "regionless" Model 2 mods. One switch, three modes - USA/JPN/EUR. Or two switches, three modes - USA/JPN/EUR. :) That reminds me, I'm out of hex inverters for the single switch mod. *e-mails supplier in Bulgaria*

[bangtango]

Here's my three-pronged question attack!

Were there more than one version of this console? What are the differences and which is more desirable in your opinions and why?

This should help. It seems there were three in the US.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sega_saturn#North_American_models

Both Saturns I have owned were the round button model, the earlier one and not the latter version. As for which is better, that is likely a question for someone who mods systems. I'm just a casual Saturn fan and only play the US releases, I don't own any Saturn imports. I know very little about modding systems in general but have read once or twice that one of the Saturn models is a little "easier" to mod.

[crazyjackcsa]

Better How? For Modding or reliability? Consensus is that any model saturn was built like a brick and should pretty much last you forever. Sure it will wear out eventually, but my saturn is 12 years old and works as if it was brand new.

[Penguin]

Better How? For Modding or reliability? Consensus is that any model saturn was built like a brick and should pretty much last you forever. Sure it will wear out eventually, but my saturn is 12 years old and works as if it was brand new.

I agree, I have a first generation Saturn and it has held up VERY well. As far as the modding goes the second generation saturn is the easiest to mod, with the first and third being harder.

[Kevincal]

At one time I had the ORIGINAL original US Sega Saturn. The one that came in the long rectangular box with the chrome foil Virtua Fighter Sticker on it. It came packed with VF...This was the very first Saturn package released in the US in...May? 1995. Another unique thing about this original Saturn was the controller. It has a rather strange D-pad and the controller itself is very light. It was fatter and more boomerang shaped than the model 2+ US Saturn controller, too. The cord is also really fat and when you bent it, it stuck. It almost seemed like there was a hard wire in the cord... I also like the look of the smaller, oval buttons on this original Saturn. One thing about the Saturn though, the internal battery doesn't last all that long. But, it's not hard to change it.

[bangtango]

I agree, I have a first generation Saturn and it has held up VERY well. As far as the modding goes the second generation saturn is the easiest to mod, with the first and third being harder.

Cambot, based on what Penguin says, you may want to go with model 2 which is the first round button model. At least if you ever plan on modding it. That Wikipedia link will let you know what separates that from model 3. If you have no intention of modding your Saturn, then either model 1 or 2 will get the job done.

Really, I've had 2 of the second model Saturns and neither of them ever showed signs of giving out. Really, a tribute to Sega's handiwork on that particular system. So based on my experience and the other posts that have already come in, the two earlier models can be considered very reliable unless someone posts otherwise. I'm not sure about the third model. Not being a Saturn expert, I don't know if some stuff may have been cut to reduce costs or not.