Sega Saturn Collecting Tips

[Hagane Hiryu]

Hi,
I've been collecting video games for a little while now. I decided I think I want to start a saturn collection and focus on it. I don't have a Saturn and never have had one so I don't know much about them.If you guys could tell me anything you think I should know about finding games or tips to help me know what to look for on eBay as far as finding cib or mint games. Is there a certain controller that is best? Are there any differences in system models? Are you able to play Japanese imports on NTSC consoles? Are Saturns compatible with s-video? Anything really. I really appreciate the help.

[Hobie-wan]

Go to the main page of Rackboy.com and read the 101 for the Saturn to get up to speed. Then move on to the articles about the Saturn in the other sections to get an idea on some of the games themselves.

[saturnfan]

One piece of advice I can give is that if you are planning on playing Japanese imports I recommend just buying a Japanese Saturn. Don't bother with action relays or modding.

[lisalover1]

One piece of advice I can give is that if you are planning on playing Japanese imports I recommend just buying a Japanese Saturn. Don't bother with action relays or modding.

Well then he won't be able to play NTSC-U or PAL games. The Action Replay will work just fine.

[Hobie-wan]

Indeed, I would recommend a US system with an AR since that also takes care of the memory card angle. I'm curious why you would recommend a Japanese one only though. I can't think of a reason other than looks. You'd probably spend about the same on a Japanese one as you would for a US one an an AR, but would end up with more functionality.

[Dakinggamer87]

I would also recommend getting Action Replay for playing Japanese imports and also checking out racketboy 101 articles which has plenty of great games to get you started. The Sega Saturn is one of the more expensive retro systems to collect but the rare titles are worth it!!

[saturnfan]

One piece of advice I can give is that if you are planning on playing Japanese imports I recommend just buying a Japanese Saturn. Don't bother with action relays or modding.

Well then he won't be able to play NTSC-U or PAL games. The Action Replay will work just fine.

You get both systems obviously. I did not mean to imply that you only get the Japanese one.

[crux]

But you'd still end up with twice the amount of Saturns, never mind a lack of PAL accessibility. I have well over twenty systems, and no, I don't enjoy having two 360's just to play Japanese 360 games.

The best option is to mod the system with a region switch. My least favorite aspect of Action Replay is that it has a boot-up screen. We're all used to boot-up screens these days (I turn off autoplay on my consoles these days), but in consoles where the menus offer very little utility, it's nice to have seamless loading. Though mainly with my PS2, as that involves disc swapping and using the buttons of a Pop'n Music or IIDX controller to load the game.

[saturnfan]

But I have 2 Saturns and no interest in PAL, so I win.

[Gamerforlife]

I would also recommend getting Action Replay for playing Japanese imports and also checking out racketboy 101 articles which has plenty of great games to get you started. The Sega Saturn is one of the more expensive retro systems to collect but the rare titles are worth it!!

You're going to want to keep that in mind. I'd place the Saturn right behind the Neo Geo for expensive consoles to collect for. Does have great games though, and I think few things carry that mark of collector pride like a good saturn collection. Nice thing about a modded Saturn is that you can download and burn games. Nice way to sample a game before you commit to buying.

There is one model that is easier to mod than the other. And the Action Replay is great.