It seems to be like a Sega Saturn Mini console will occur ultimately, however the Japanese writer is operating into difficulties creating one.
After the launch of the Sega Genesis Mini 2 final 12 months, and the shock success of the unique Sega Genesis Mini, the corporate seems to be wanting in the direction of the next era for its subsequent pint-sized {hardware} launch. Nonetheless, Sega president Yukio Sugino has elected to maintain our expectations in test.
Chatting with the Japanese publication Famitsu (translated by VGC), Sugino acknowledged that the “Sega Saturn is surprisingly excessive efficiency,” admitting that “the issue of miniaturisation can also be excessive.”
Sugino added that it could take some time for a Sega Saturn Mini to hit retailer cabinets, however he appears eager to collaborate with groups who know the {hardware} inside and outside: “I’d like to consider it after we’re in a scenario the place we are able to brazenly develop it along with individuals who have all the time beloved the Sega Saturn and Dreamcast.”
That final quote is especially eye-catching; if a Sega Saturn Mini is efficiently developed, the writer could gaze in the direction of a possible Sega Dreamcast Mini. Although admittedly, that is simply my wistful love for Sega’s swansong {hardware} speaking.
It is price noting that Sugino is completely proper a couple of Saturn Mini being powerful to create. The console was infamously difficult to develop for, because it featured a bespoke dual-core setup, two separate GPUs and, crucially, no devoted 3D {hardware} on a console that was unapologetically early 3D.
The Sega Saturn wasn’t essentially the most profitable fifth-generation console, largely being overshadowed by the Nintendo 64 and PlayStation. However it nonetheless packed loads of fondly-remembered exclusives and arcade ports. It is the place the Panzer Dragoon collection debuted and cult-hit Nights into Goals. Glorious ports of Virtua Fighter 2 and Sega Rally Championship (which I would argue to be among the best racing video games of all time) helped to spherical out Sega’s first-party choices on the console, too.
There are many causes for a Sega Saturn Mini to exist. Nonetheless, as Sugino admits, it’s going to take much more effort and time than the comparatively easy Genesis / Mega Drive Mini methods.
Whereas being a cult-favorite all these years later, the Sega’s hedgehog mascot was suspiciously absent on the Saturn. Nonetheless, our finest Sonic video games listing reveals that Sonic Group was in a position to bounce again with loads of bangers from the Dreamcast period onwards.
