Identifying your model
Identifying Your Model
The Saturn shipped in several hardware revisions across its life, and knowing which one you have guides every later decision. The two visible generations are the early round-button models and the later oval-button models, but the differences that matter are inside.
Read the underside label
Flip the console over. The label lists the model number and a region indicator. This tells you whether you have a US, Japanese, or PAL unit, the single most important fact for region and firmware choices.
Internal revisions
Over time Sega revised the mainboard, the drive, and the BIOS. The practical consequences are:
- Drive ribbon — Different revisions use a 20-pin or 21-pin cable; you must open the lid and count.
- BIOS version — Earliest units carry the 1.00 BIOS, which is incompatible with the Satiator.
Three things to record
Before choosing a mod, write down your region, your ribbon pin count, and your BIOS version. Two consoles that look identical externally can need different kits, so never assume from appearance alone.
With those three details in hand, every subsequent page in this wiki will point you to the right hardware.