Sega Saturn
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Sega Saturn.
Latest coverage
Inside the Nintendo Museum: The DNA of a Toy Maker
The Nintendo Museum in Kyoto highlights the company's enduring 'toy maker' philosophy, contrasting it with Sony's 'data stream' approach. The article emphasizes Nintendo's focus on physical media, tactile experiences, and a broad retail ecosystem, exemplified by the Virtual Boy and its approach to game preservation, while criticizing Sony's reliance on digital distribution and high-spec hardware.
Hidden Gems of Game Design Vol 51
This article highlights three overlooked games: Phantom 2040, a choose-your-own-adventure Metroidvania with ambitious gameplay for its time; Soukyuu Gurentai, a fast-paced Sega Saturn shooter with a unique lock-on mechanic; and Sky Destroyer, a challenging NES rail shooter with a novel 3D perspective. The pieces celebrate these titles as hidden gems deserving of recognition.
Unique PS1 Game Gets PlayStation 5 Release This Week, Watch Trailer
Hamster Corporation announced that the PlayStation 1 simulation game The Conveni 2 will be released on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch on September 3, 2026, for $11.99. The port features revamped visuals, new maps, an updated camera, and quality-of-life additions like a double-speed mode, though all in-game text remains in Japanese.
"I think some of the team were a little shocked by the tabloid response," says original GTA dev: "We'd made a game that gamers, critics, and the people actually playing all thought was pretty bloody good"
Original Grand Theft Auto developer DMA Design discusses the game's chaotic development, which began as 'Race'N'Chase' and evolved into a crime sandbox. Despite initial visual and technical challenges, the team focused on creating an interactive and immersive experience. The game's release sparked significant controversy and tabloid attention, which surprised the developers who believed they had created a well-received game.
Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto never wanted to compete with other game devs: "I view the Rubik's Cube as my…
In a 1996 interview, Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto stated he viewed the Rubik's Cube as his eternal rival, prioritizing innovation that surprises non-gamers over competing with other developers. He expressed a desire for older staff to focus on novel concepts while younger developers handle franchise titles, a philosophy that influenced games like Pikmin and Wii Music.
Three PS1 Legends Hit Their 30th Birthday in 2026
In 2026, several iconic PlayStation 1 games will celebrate their 30th anniversaries, including Crash Bandicoot, Tomb Raider, and Resident Evil. These titles, launched in 1996, were instrumental in establishing the PlayStation's legacy and introduced characters and franchises that remain popular today. While some original games show their age, their impact on the industry and their respective series is undeniable.
29 years later, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night gets its second PC port in 4 weeks thanks to fans of the PS1 version
A new PC port of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, based on the original PlayStation 1 version, has been released by fans. This follows a previous fan port derived from the Xbox 360 version. The new port offers features like widescreen support and a built-in randomizer, with potential for further modding and updates.
The Spectrum White Edition interview: ‘it smells the same as Christmas Day 1984'
Retro Games CTO Chris Smith discusses the company's mission to recreate classic 8-bit computers like the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 with modern hardware. The Spectrum White Edition aims to capture the original experience, including programming capabilities, while offering modern conveniences like HDMI output and save states. Smith highlights the challenges of hardware replication and the importance of preserving gaming history for both nostalgic adults and curious younger generations.
"Mario looks like Mario now" - One week later, the cursed plumber in Super Mario 64 for 3DO has been cured
Eyepatch Entertainment has released an update for their Super Mario 64 conversion on the 3DO, significantly improving Mario's appearance and overall project fidelity. While performance is still being refined, the developer is also working on a Sega Saturn version. Distribution of the 3DO version is unlikely due to Nintendo's intellectual property concerns.
Summer Games Done Quick 2026: Watch Day 5 here
Summer Games Done Quick 2026 is underway in Minneapolis, Minnesota, raising money for Doctors Without Borders. Day 5 features a packed schedule of speedruns, including notable runs for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on Nintendo Switch, Elden Ring co-op, and Metroid Dread. The event has already raised over $670,000.
Sonic Team knew it had to “create the absolute best possible game” when it came to Sonic Adventure
Sonic Team boss Takashi Iizuka discussed the development of Sonic Adventure for the Dreamcast, stating the team's goal was to create the best possible game during a challenging period for SEGA. He also mentioned the previous Sonic Jam title for the Sega Saturn.
Games Inbox: What’s the point of pre-ordering GTA 6?
This article discusses the purpose and value of pre-ordering Grand Theft Auto 6, questioning the benefits of pre-ordering digital downloads and the potential impact of pricing on consumer interest. It also touches on related topics like the legacy of physical game purchases, the perceived necessity of PlayStation 5 Pro for future titles, and the quality of various James Bond games.
Japanese gamers vote on most influential game and series, favorite character, favorite developer, more
Famitsu magazine's 40th-anniversary survey of over 5,000 Japanese gamers revealed Nintendo as the favorite developer and Mario as the favorite character. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was highly recommended, while Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest series dominated influence and sequel requests. Masahiro Sakurai was named favorite creator.
The Reason I Bought a PlayStation 1
The author explains their decision to purchase a PlayStation 1, driven by exclusive titles like Crash Bandicoot, Gran Turismo, Final Fantasy VII, and Metal Gear Solid, which were unavailable on their existing Sega Saturn and Nintendo consoles. The article then draws a parallel between choosing a gaming platform and sharing faith, emphasizing authentic joy and peace through Christ.
Parking Garage Rally Circuit, an arcade racer with SEGA Saturn-style graphics, announced for Nintendo Switch
Pineapple Works and Walaber Entertainment announced that the arcade racer Parking Garage Rally Circuit will be released on Nintendo Switch on June 18, 2026. The game features SEGA Saturn-inspired retro graphics and combines rally and circuit racing elements with tight, arcadey controls and physics.
Culdcept The First Becomes Playable in the West with New Demo today
Clear River Games, in partnership with City Connection and Omiya Soft, has released a playable demo for Culdcept The First, a remake of the 1997 SEGA Saturn title. The demo, available on Steam, allows players to carry over collected cards to the full PC release, which launches on July 30th. The game will also be released on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S shortly after.
BeXide announces Digital Pinball: Last Gladiators for Switch 2, Switch, and PC
BeXide has announced Digital Pinball: Last Gladiators, a revival of the 1995 SEGA Saturn game, for Nintendo Switch and PC. The game will feature digital pinball gameplay with a focus on gladiatorial combat.
Sega Saturn revival game Digital Pinball: Last Gladiators announced
Developer BeXide has announced Digital Pinball: Last Gladiators, a revival of the 1995 Sega Saturn pinball game. The new title is set for a 2026 release on PC, Nintendo Switch, and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, featuring updated graphics and physics while faithfully porting the original's four themed pinball tables.
Hands On: It's No GunCon, But I'm Having a Blast with Time Crisis' PS5 Gyro Controls
This preview explores the new gyroscope controls for Time Crisis on PlayStation 5, offering a functional, albeit not perfect, light gun experience. While not a true GunCon replacement, the DualSense's motion controls allow for aiming across the screen, with a recenter button to combat drift. The game also includes extra stages and the NTSC version for enhanced longevity, though it notably lacks Trophies.
E3 started 31 years ago today and gaming was never the same
The Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), which began 31 years ago on May 11, 1995, fundamentally changed the video game industry by providing a dedicated event for game announcements and reveals. The inaugural show saw significant moments like Sega's surprise Sega Saturn launch and Sony's iconic PlayStation price reveal, which shifted the console market. While E3 was once the dominant force in gaming news, the rise of digital showcases and independent events, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, led to its eventual discontinuation in 2023.
