There are already several guides available to help you with the Emulating the Saturn, but I thought I would offer my expertise and put together my own guide concerning this under dog of a console. Note this guide is for Windows users.
First things first…
Getting an Emulator is actually a lot easier than times past. It seemed that the only available option was SSF , easily the highest compatibility of the bunch. But the GUI leaves a lot to be desired, and the options of graphical enhancements are left to a bare minimum. That being the said, the newest version “TestVer (07-02-2017)” does indeed include an overhaul to modifying and adjusting settings to make games look pretty damn good.
The Emulator that I personally use unless of course there is compatibility issues is Yabause, particularly the unofficial port uoYabause. I find that uoYabause offers more functionality and is also frequently updated. By that same token I find Yabause to run games better than uoYabause on windows 10.
A multi-console Emulator of interest is Mednafen. I have tried several ROM’s with this EMU and find that it is virtually flawless in terms of compatibility. It does not offer any kind of Gui so be prepared to use a terminal and operate settings through command prompts. You can however download a GUI, such as MedGui v2.00 aka MedGui Reborn and/or Mednaffe. I personally cannot tolerate programs such as Retroarch, but I might as well at-least mention it. In terms of graphical enhancement it is bare minimum. And you might just as well use an Emu like SSF. Though it is a remarkable project and they are making up to date progress with it.
EMULATORS…
- SSF (english alternative), SSF Official Site (Japanese, appears to be down.)
- Yabause Official Site
- uoYabause Official Site
- Mednafen
ROMs/BIOs and Resources…
I feel as if I am morally obligated to mention, that piracy of any kind is illegal and not encouraged. If you legally own the hardware and games, than it is fine. On the other hand Retro gaming has become nothing more than a bragging right, and if you spend in the upward of $500-1000 for a video game you’re clearly trying to over compensate for some inability in your life. I could run off on a tangent concerning the state of current retro gaming, but I feel like I am the old man in the chair, complaining about “times past”. All the same, I grew up as a kid with original hardware and games. Even into my adulthood I held onto my Saturn and Dreamcast, and collected all the well sought after titles of today. I digress, you can find a lot of good information HERE, HERE and HERE, for Rom‘s and Bio files. Listen, out of print titles and merchandise go to individual consumers and do not benefit the manufacturer. Your patronage is better suited in buying next gen SEGA merchandise.
Questions and Answers…
to be completed at later time.
