Sega Saturn
Overview
The Saturn is a home video game console developed by Sega. Released in Japan in November 1994, the Saturn was the successor to the Genesis and was Sega's main console during the fifth generation of video game consoles.
History
The Saturn was conceived in 1992, when Sega was looking to create a successor to the Genesis. The development of the Saturn was a direct response to the success of the SNES, and the emerging popularity of CD-ROM based games. Sega's goal was to create a console that could compete with the SNES, and also prepare for the future of gaming.
Hardware
The Saturn's hardware is complex and powerful. It features a dual-CPU architecture, with two Hitachi SH-2 processors running at 28.6 MHz. The system also includes a custom graphics processor, the VDP1, and a custom sound processor, the YMF292. The Saturn's hardware was designed to excel at 2D graphics, but it also has capabilities for rendering 3D graphics.
Software
The Saturn's software library is diverse, with a strong emphasis on arcade-style games. Some of the most popular titles for the Saturn include Virtua Fighter, Panzer Dragoon, and Nights into Dreams. The Saturn also has a strong lineup of role-playing games, including Shining Force III and Dragon Force.
Reception and Legacy
The Saturn was not as successful as Sega had hoped. It was overshadowed by the PlayStation and the Nintendo 64, and it struggled to gain a significant market share. However, the Saturn has a dedicated fan base and is remembered for its unique hardware and its strong lineup of games.