Sega Saturn Region Free Bios Mod Service

[MrEpiK91]

I think I've looked that mod up before. As I recall it uses a 3 pole switch or something, right? I was just using a modchip and a cart before I got a J Saturn

No, it doesn't use any switches. You're probably thinking of the switchless region mod. Some one modified the BIOS and removed the region check, so the system is actually region free with no switches or anything. There's simply just no region check. The guy also tried to remove the authenticity check but it was a no-go for whatever reason (but I'm hoping for it one day!). Anyways, you actually remove the BIOS ROM and replace it with an EPROM or whatever.

Thanks for the tip. I sent him a PM. But I don't know. He only accepts cash or money order and that scares me a little.

That is a valid concern and certainly not near as convenient... but Snowkitty is a long time racketboy member (6 years +) with tons of great feedback and solid reputation. I dont think you would have anything to worry about and he could do the job! *thumbs up*

+1

I've bought from and sold to SnowKitty in the past. With his track record and feedback on this site, you have little to fear.

I managed to get in contact with Snowkitty who says he might be able to do the mod. But is there anyone else who can install the bios? Someone who has done it before and who has the chip? I would really appreciate the help.

I know exactly what the mod entails, and I know of mods he has done in the past. If he can make a Star Fox 2 repro and install PS2 mod chips, then he is more than capable of installing the region free BIOS in a Saturn.

Thanks for putting my mind at ease. So what exactly does the mod entail? Also where can I get a bios chip? Snowkitty says that he would need the parts and a diagram in order to do the mod. Would you be able to do the for me by any chance?

[Ziggy]

So what exactly does the mod entail?

You literally just remove the BIOS chip and replace it with the hacked BIOS.

Would you be able to do the for me by any chance?

No, I currently don't have the time, but...

Also where can I get a bios chip? Snowkitty says that he would need the parts and a diagram in order to do the mod.

Tell him he can PM me if he wants.

[MrEpiK91]

Also where can I get a bios chip? Snowkitty says that he would need the parts and a diagram in order to do the mod.

Tell him he can PM me if he wants.

You have the chip?

[Ziggy]

No, but I can point him to all the relative information.

[MrEpiK91]

No, but I can point him to all the relative information.

You mean so that he will be able to get the chip instead of me? How much do region-free bios chips cost? Does Snowkitty charge a lot for mods?

Thanks for the support by the way. I was wondering though if you might know someone who specializes in region-free mods. In case things don't work out with Snowkitty.

[Ziggy]

You mean so that he will be able to get the chip instead of me? How much do region-free bios chips cost?

Well, yeah, but it doesn't really matter who gets the chip. I would think it would be easier for him to get it and include it in the cost of the mod, that would simplify things a little and save a little on shipping costs as well.

You don't buy a BIOS chip for the console, per se. You buy programmable memory which is blank (or perhaps not if buying used, but you can erase it). You can program any number of things to it. In this case, a BIOS. Same goes for the Sega CD multi BIOS and the Dreamcast region free BIOS. Depending on the type of memory, if it's new or used, and if you're paying a small fee to have some one program it for you, you're looking at $5-15 including shipping in this situation.

Does Snowkitty charge a lot for mods?

IDK what he would charge for this, but I would assume it's a fair price. He doesn't seem to overcharge for his mods, from what I've seen. A while back, soon after I first joined the forums here, I wanted a specific model PS1 and a mod chip for it. I was gonna install it myself. SnowKitty had the model I wanted with the mod chip preinstalled, and the price was right, so I just bought it from him instead of doing all the leg work myself. I've also seen his sale threads since then and his prices always look fair to me.

I was wondering though if you might know someone who specializes in region-free mods. In case things don't work out with Snowkitty.

You're not gonna find some one that specializes in just region free mods. It's not like a transmission specialist and an auto body tech. If you're good at soldering and such, then you can pretty much do any console mod. That's why I said before, even though SnowKitty might have never done this specific mod before, I know he's done other jobs that require the same skills.

So you're really just looking for a general console modder. If SnowKitty doesn't work out for ya, I don't know any one off the top of my head. Your best bet would be to create a thread in the BST section asking for some one to mod it for you, just be sure to observe the forum rules regarding the BST section.

Thanks for the support by the way.

No problem.

[MrEpiK91]

So Ziggy587 you would be willing to talk with Snowkitty about how to install the bios and where to get the chip? I would really appreciate it.

[Ziggy]

Well, I mean, he's pretty well versed in such mods. So I doubt I'd have to explain anything technical to him. He knows where he can get EPROMs and such already. I just meant that I could help him out with info because I have the pages bookmarked and am familiar with the mod already. So, yeah, tell him he can PM me about it if he wants.

[MrEpiK91]

So, does anyone else know of anybody who could install the bios in my Saturn? Or is there anyone here who knows how to install the bios and would be willing to do it?

[theclaw]

Yeah it isn't looking good.
Chances are a new modder won't open up shop just for us two.
We're not enough customers to warrant the training and equipment.