Saturn:Saturn Model Differences: Difference between revisions

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''Models are arranged chronologically. Revisions are underneath their respective model.''
''Models are arranged chronologically. Revisions are underneath their respective model.''


=== “Saturn (Model 1; MK-80000)” (1995-1996) ===
=== “Saturn (Model 1; MK-80000, HST-3200/HST-3210)” (1994-1996) ===


These Saturns are easily identified by their power and reset buttons, which are angled and oval shaped. Furthermore, they have a CD access light. Two controller ports are up front, and on the back is the AC in, AV out, and a communication port for the networking this console has. On this version, the AC in plug is oblong shaped. Some say these have a reasonably superior video quality output, but this is a subtle difference if at all, and thus can easily be disputed.
These Saturns are easily identified by their power and reset buttons, which are angled and oval shaped. Furthermore, they have a CD access light. Two controller ports are up front, and on the back is the AC in (North American consoles have a polarized connector), AV out, and a communication port for the networking this console has. Some say these have a reasonably superior video quality output, but this is a subtle difference if at all, and thus can easily be disputed.


==== “VA0-3 Model 1” (1995-1996) ====
==== “VA0-3 Model 1” (1994-1996) ====


The only motherboard revision for the Model 1s. Despite it's solitary nature, it is important to document this revision, as board swaps can put this revision in a Model 2. Found on these are many internal and technical changes that do not impact the average user. To identify these, look for a digit ranging from 0-3 in the 3rd or 4th spot of a Saturn serial number. For details, check the Saturn PSU guide link marked with “Serial help”.
The only motherboard revisions for the Model 1s. Despite its solitary nature, it is important to document this revision, as board swaps can put this revision in a Model 2. Found on these are many internal and technical changes that do not impact the average user. To identify these, look for a digit ranging from 0-3 in the 3rd or 4th spot of a Saturn serial number. For details, check the Saturn PSU guide link marked with “Serial help”.




=== “Saturn (Model 2; MK-80000A/80001)” (1996-1998) ===
=== “Saturn (Model 2; MK-80000A/80001, HST-3220)” (1996-1998) ===


Unlike the Model 1 Saturns, these systems have completely circular reset and power buttons. Furthermore, the CD access light has been removed. At the back, the AC in has been changed to a “8” or “pinched in” shape, which means cables from the Model 1 won’t work on these (although Model 2 AC cables work fine on the Model 1). While these systems have two model numbers used, the only differences between them are internal. Several revisions of these models may have issues with game compatibility or video interference. However, these consoles are a lot easier to modchip.
Unlike the Model 1 Saturns, these systems have completely circular reset and power buttons. Furthermore, the CD access light has been removed. While these systems have two model numbers used, the only differences between them are internal. Several revisions of these models may have game compatibility issues or video interference. However, these consoles are a lot easier to modchip. <!-- How so? -->


==== “VA4-7” (1996) ====
==== “VA4-7” (1996) ====


This is simply the earlier revision set of the Model 2 which does not have any real problems known with it. Identified with a digit from 4-7 in the 3rd or 4th spot of the serial.
This is simply the earlier revision set of the model 2 which does not have any real problems known with it. Identified with a digit from 4-7 in the 3rd or 4th spot of the serial.


==== “VA8” (1996) ====
==== “VA8” (1996) ====


These boards have only one change from the 4-7s, but it is significant. There are reports that these consoles experience noticeable video interference issues, and they also appear to be a common revision for Model 2s. Because of this seemingly high frequency, this revision may be to blame for the Model 2’s reputation of supposedly poorer video. Identified with an 8 in the 3rd or 4th spot of the serial.
These boards have only one change from the 4-7s, but it is significant. There are reports that these consoles experience noticeable video interference issues, and they also appear to be a common revision for Model 2s. Because of this seemingly high frequency, this revision may be to blame for the Model 2’s reputation of supposedly poorer video. <!-- Source for this? --> Identified with an 8 in the 3rd or 4th spot of the serial.


==== “VA10-11” (1997/98?) ====
==== “VA10-11” (1997/98?) ====


These boards don’t have the video output issues of the VA8, but they do however, have certain 68k code issues which lead to incompatibility in several games. Identified by a letter A or B in the 3rd or 4th spot of the serial.
These boards don’t have the video output issues of the VA8, but they do however, have certain 68000 code issues which lead to incompatibility in several games. <!-- Examples? --> Identified by a letter A or B in the 3rd or 4th spot of the serial.


==== “VA12-14” (1997/98?) ====
==== “VA12-14” (1997/98?) ====

Revision as of 05:22, 26 May 2022

Page content & researching taken from io55.net's Saturn page with permission, in collaboration.

Models + Revisions

Models are arranged chronologically. Revisions are underneath their respective model.

“Saturn (Model 1; MK-80000, HST-3200/HST-3210)” (1994-1996)

These Saturns are easily identified by their power and reset buttons, which are angled and oval shaped. Furthermore, they have a CD access light. Two controller ports are up front, and on the back is the AC in (North American consoles have a polarized connector), AV out, and a communication port for the networking this console has. Some say these have a reasonably superior video quality output, but this is a subtle difference if at all, and thus can easily be disputed.

“VA0-3 Model 1” (1994-1996)

The only motherboard revisions for the Model 1s. Despite its solitary nature, it is important to document this revision, as board swaps can put this revision in a Model 2. Found on these are many internal and technical changes that do not impact the average user. To identify these, look for a digit ranging from 0-3 in the 3rd or 4th spot of a Saturn serial number. For details, check the Saturn PSU guide link marked with “Serial help”.


“Saturn (Model 2; MK-80000A/80001, HST-3220)” (1996-1998)

Unlike the Model 1 Saturns, these systems have completely circular reset and power buttons. Furthermore, the CD access light has been removed. While these systems have two model numbers used, the only differences between them are internal. Several revisions of these models may have game compatibility issues or video interference. However, these consoles are a lot easier to modchip.

“VA4-7” (1996)

This is simply the earlier revision set of the model 2 which does not have any real problems known with it. Identified with a digit from 4-7 in the 3rd or 4th spot of the serial.

“VA8” (1996)

These boards have only one change from the 4-7s, but it is significant. There are reports that these consoles experience noticeable video interference issues, and they also appear to be a common revision for Model 2s. Because of this seemingly high frequency, this revision may be to blame for the Model 2’s reputation of supposedly poorer video. Identified with an 8 in the 3rd or 4th spot of the serial.

“VA10-11” (1997/98?)

These boards don’t have the video output issues of the VA8, but they do however, have certain 68000 code issues which lead to incompatibility in several games. Identified by a letter A or B in the 3rd or 4th spot of the serial.

“VA12-14” (1997/98?)

The last boards made for the Sega Saturn. There appear to be no reports about these boards having some sort of problem, plus they’re newer systems. Identified by a letter D or F in the 3rd or 4th spot of the serial.


References

https://segaretro.org/Sega_Saturn

https://www.retrorgb.com/saturncompare.html

https://gametrog.com/sega-saturn-information-specs/

https://consolemodguides.home.blog/sega-saturn-psu-swap/ (SERIAL HELP, SCROLL DOWN)

http://evilboris.sonic-cult.net/saturn/index.php?&type=USA (to determine date/model pairings)

https://www.obscuregamers.com/threads/saturn-games-with-compatibility-issues.1705/ (10-14 info)

https://www.reddit.com/r/gamecollecting/comments/tzrni/best_sega_saturn_revision_to_buy/ (chip)

https://segasaturngroup.proboards.com/thread/7389/saturn-design-revisions-improvements-cutting

https://www.sega-16.com/forum/showthread.php?25322-Sega-Saturn-Revisions-and-Models-Guide