How Long Do Saturns Typically Last? And other questions.

[Mad_Hatter]

I just got my console finally modded from Sega Style. and I'm ready to play.

for the console itself, shipping the console to be modded, action replay, s video cable, and 3d controller, the console ran be about 180 bucks. It also came with the model 2 6 button controller, av cables, and power cord. I was surprised I spent that much on an old console.

Anyway, how long will a Saturn typically last?

I bought it from a game store that offers 90 day warranty. so I'm hoping if it makes it past the first few months, it will last a long time like most electronics.

Also, if it does break, can the mod chip be salvaged? What other parts are worthy to be salvaged?

[GSZX1337]

Anyway, how long will a Saturn typically last?

The Sega Saturn is getting on in years so a dead laser is inevitable. If it's any indication, I bought a Sega Saturn and modded around 2008. I had to replace the drive in late 2011 but ever since it's been working like a charm.

I bought it from a game store that offers 90 day warranty. so I'm hoping if it makes it past the first few months, it will last a long time like most electronics.

If you got a bad drive, it'll probably die in those 90 days. Afterward, it'll probably have a long life.

Also, if it does break, can the mod chip be salvaged? What other parts are worthy to be salvaged?

Yes, barring some sort of power surge destroying the power supply, you should be able to salvage the chip.

[TEKTORO]

No telling when an electronic will fail. A good chance of the time it can be fixed if your good at repairs, then other times a replacement is needed. My Saturn has been going for the last 2-3 yrs I had it plus the previous owner miles. I usually keep a few spare consoles for each system (bout 2-3 extra) especially for systems that I have 100+ games for.

As for salvaging, if you know your parts then you can separate them by bin location and give them part numbers. I kid

But yea keep the broken spare if so, you never know when you'll have no choice but to tinker yourself. Don't worry and enjoy your just getting the console!

[BoneSnapDeez]

Well my Saturn is 4.6 billion years old, so I expect it will last at least the rest of my lifetime.

[Anapan]

My friends and I have owned many for years; most un-modded using the swap trick. I've owned 3 and am down to one - given to other friends who needed a 2D gaming fix. Some controllers have broken but all lasers and drive functions have stood the test of time - still going strong and I've played through most mainstream and hidden gems on those same machines.

Compare that to 2 broken drives on Sega CD (I'll buy another eventually), 3 replacement PS1 lasers and 1 replacement spindle, 5 replaced lasers in various PS2 models, 2 replacement drives in X-box 1 and a number of Xbox360's and PS3's just thrown on the trash...
These are just fixes I've done for myself and friends, not counting laser pot adjustments or consoles My friends just trashed that I found out about after the crime.

Curiously, I've never heard of a bad Gamecube...

So IMO, Saturn's are pretty rock-solid.

[Mad_Hatter]

Thanks for the info guys.

I bought the Saturn from a local gaming store for 40 bucks. the controller was really beaten up, but the console looked to be in good shape a part from a lot of dust. For some reason, my town doesnt strike me to have hardcore saturn gamers, so this one should be a good shape. And it seems to read disc pretty quickly. Even backed up ones.

[Luke]

Well my Saturn is 4.6 billion years old, so I expect it will last at least the rest of my lifetime.

I thought you would go with "On a good night, almost half an hour".

[BoringSupreez]

Saturns are generally sturdy as far as disc-based consoles go. They've got much better survival rates than Sega CDs, or even the younger Dreamcasts. I'd say they're on par with PS1s, maybe even better.

[marurun]

I'd say they're on par with PS1s, maybe even better.

Given the problem rates of the early PS1s, before they got their quality control under wraps... The Saturn is, I would say, probably the single most durable CD-based console today. It is build like a tank. Only problems I had were that I took mine around with me lots of places and the plastic holding the power socket in place broke. I can still plug it in, but one of these days I'll probably have to replace the power supply.

[Jagosaurus]

I've got a model 1 launch Saturn that still runs perfect, hundreds of hours on it.

My model 2 has a lid latch issue. I wedge a coin in the space between the lid & console body. Fixes it. Games boot right up.