🧠 Core System Architecture
- Main CPUs: Dual Hitachi SH-2 32-bit RISC processors
- Clock speed: 28.6 MHz each
- Designed to work in parallel, but complex to program efficiently
- Sound CPU:Motorola 68EC000 at 11.3 MHz
- Handles audio sequencing and sound effects
- Sound Hardware:
- Yamaha FH1 (SCSP) — 32 PCM/FM channels, 44.1 kHz stereo
- Capable of high-quality sampled and synthesized sound
🎮 Graphics Subsystem
- Two Video Display Processors (VDPs):
- VDP1: Handles sprites, textures, and polygons
- VDP2: Handles backgrounds, scrolling planes, and special effects
- Color Palette: Up to 16.77 million colors
- On-screen colors: Typically 32,768 (15-bit)
- Maximum Resolution: From 320×224 up to 704×480 (interlaced)
- Polygon Performance: Roughly 200,000 textured polygons per second (real-world games often achieved ~100k)
💾 Memory
- Main RAM: 2 MB
- Video RAM: 1.5 MB total
- 512 KB for VDP1
- 512 KB for VDP2
- 512 KB for frame buffer and other functions
- Sound RAM: 512 KB
- Backup RAM: 32 KB (battery-powered internal save memory)
- Expandable: Through external RAM cartridges (e.g., 1 MB, 4 MB for Capcom games)
📀 Storage / Media
- CD-ROM Drive: Double-speed (2×)
- Average access time: ~500 ms
- Used for games and audio tracks
- Cartridge Slot: For save data, RAM expansion, or specialized peripherals
🧩 Input / I/O
- Controller Ports: 2 (multi-taps available for up to 6 players)
- Peripherals:
- Standard 6-button pad
- Analog controller (“3D pad”)
- Steering wheel, light gun, multitap, keyboard, mouse, modem, etc.
- Video Output: Composite, S-Video, RGB (depending on region/cable)
- Audio Output: Stereo RCA
⚙️ Physical
- Dimensions: ~260 mm × 230 mm × 83 mm (10.2 × 9.1 × 3.3 in)
- Weight: ~4.4 lbs (2 kg)
- Power: 100–240 V AC (region dependent)
🕹️ Summary
The Sega Saturn was technically powerful but notoriously complex, with its dual CPUs and dual video processors. It excelled at 2D sprite work (fighting games, shooters) but was challenging for 3D due to its intricate architecture.
🧩 Hardware Revisions
🔸 Model 1 (1994–1996)
- Launch model (Japan late ’94, U.S. mid-’95).
- Front Buttons: Oval-shaped Power and Reset buttons.
- Drive Tray: Access button sits closer to center.
- Controller Port Board: Slightly more complex design.
- CD Drive: Earlier JVC or Hitachi models, less reliable over time.
- Motherboard Layout: 2–3 stacked boards, making it harder to repair or mod.
- Build Quality: Heavy and solid, but internally cluttered.
🔸 Model 2 (1996–1998)
- Front Buttons: Round buttons (easier to manufacture).
- Drive Tray: Moved further right.
- Internals: Simplified single-board design, improved airflow, cheaper production.
- CD Drive: Updated drive mechanism, faster loading in some cases.
- Video Encoder: Integrated composite/S-Video encoder chip.
- Motherboard Chips: Consolidated ICs reduced heat and cost, slightly less power draw.
Note: Functionally, Model 1 and Model 2 are nearly identical for gameplay. Most differences are cosmetic and manufacturing efficiency improvements.
🧩 Hardware Revisions
🔸 Model 1 (1994–1996)
- Launch model (Japan late ’94, U.S. mid-’95).
- Front Buttons: Oval-shaped Power and Reset buttons.
- Drive Tray: Access button sits closer to center.
- Controller Port Board: Slightly more complex design.
- CD Drive: Earlier JVC or Hitachi models, less reliable over time.
- Motherboard Layout: 2–3 stacked boards, making it harder to repair or mod.
- Build Quality: Heavy and solid, but internally cluttered.
🔸 Model 2 (1996–1998)
- Front Buttons: Round buttons (easier to manufacture).
- Drive Tray: Moved further right.
- Internals: Simplified single-board design, improved airflow, cheaper production.
- CD Drive: Updated drive mechanism, faster loading in some cases.
- Video Encoder: Integrated composite/S-Video encoder chip.
- Motherboard Chips: Consolidated ICs reduced heat and cost, slightly less power draw.
Note: Functionally, Model 1 and Model 2 are nearly identical for gameplay. Most differences are cosmetic and manufacturing efficiency improvements.