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Saturn
SEGA's 32-bit CD console with two Hitachi SH-2 processors, for collectors and anyone comparing it with the PlayStation, Mega Drive or Dreamcast.
Model history · 3 models, 1987–1995
- 1987Master SystemCompare
- 1990Mega DriveCompare
- 1995Saturn
- Type
- Home console
- Output
- –
- Memory
- 4 MB
- Storage
- –
- Weight
- –
Specifications
Report a wrong or missing specPerformance
- Type
- Home console
- CPU
- 2 × Hitachi SH-2, 28.6 MHz
- GPU
- SEGA VDP1 and VDP2
- Memory
- 4 MB
- Disc drive
- Yes
- CPU
- Two Hitachi SH-2 at 28.6 MHz (25 MIPS each); Motorola 68EC000 at 11.3 MHz for sound
- GPU
- VDP1 (sprites and polygons) and VDP2 (backgrounds); up to 16.77 million colours; up to 5 scroll planes; flat and Gouraud shading
- Memory detail
- 16 Mbit (2 MB) work RAM, 12 Mbit (1.5 MB) video RAM; separately 4 Mbit sound RAM, 4 Mbit CD buffer and 256 Kbit backup RAM
- Storage detail
- Double-speed CD-ROM drive; saves in internal backup RAM (battery-backed)
- Storage expansion
- Cartridge slot (backup memory, RAM expansion); communication expansion port
Display and video
- Built-in screen
- No built-in screen
- Video output
- A/V out; 320 × 224 and others
- Audio
- 32-channel PCM or FM sound (16-bit, up to 44.1 kHz) with audio DSP
Connections
- Ports
- 2 × control ports, A/V out, cartridge slot, communication expansion port
- Controller
- Control Pad with D-pad, six face buttons, L, R and Start
Design and power
- Power use
- About 15 W (Japanese model HST-3210, 100 V)
Pros and cons
Pros
- Two 32-bit Hitachi SH-2 CPUs
- 32-channel PCM/FM sound
- Cartridge slot for RAM and save expansions
Cons
- 2 MB of work RAM and 1.5 MB of video RAM
- Double-speed CD drive
- Saves in battery-backed internal memory, or on a separately sold cartridge
Closest rivals
Model | Type | Output | Memory | Storage | Weight | Released |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home console | – | 3 MB | – | – | Sept 1995 | |
| Home console | 576i | 4 MB | – | 1,100 g | Mar 1997 | |
| Home console | – | 3 MB | – | 560 g | Sept 2000 |
Previous model: Mega Drive. Newer model: Dreamcast.
Sources
- Japanese first-generation Saturn with controller on a studio surface: Sega official hardware-history photograph; Japanese first-generation Saturn with controller on a studio surface; complete supplied studio background and canvas retained, regional configuration pictured.
