SaturnTeam
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Post by SaturnTeam on Aug 1, 2018 21:38:48 GMT
I have been sourcing and pricing parts for my plan to create a follow-up console to the Saturn. The prices are higher than I expected. I just wanted to post this poll to get people's opinions on what a reasonable end user cost would be. Additionally, I'd want to have a top-loading disc drive, rather than a PS3 style. However, the cost is higher. I don't know if fans would prefer to stick with the Saturn and Dreamcast style of disc loading?
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Post by atolm on Aug 1, 2018 23:14:06 GMT
You've lost me. There was a follow up console to the Saturn, it was called the Dreamcast, Sega made it. What are you talking about?
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SaturnTeam
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Post by SaturnTeam on Aug 1, 2018 23:34:58 GMT
I've posted about this before on this and other forums. I have a few different Saturn-related projects going on. Since it's unlikely Sega will get back in the hardware business, I am interested in producing a console that is focused on Saturn/Dreamcast fans. Also, I wanted to add that I think it would be something like 4-6 core with 8 GPUs, 4 threads, and running between 3.2-3.7 GHz. Based on hardware I've been looking at, it would probably be around 10 channel DAC with 7.1 channel playback and 16-24 bit PCM. The disc drive would probably be 8x read.
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Post by Tongara on Aug 1, 2018 23:47:45 GMT
But... why?
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Post by atolm on Aug 2, 2018 1:08:29 GMT
I've posted about this before on this and other forums. I have a few different Saturn-related projects going on. Since it's unlikely Sega will get back in the hardware business, I am interested in producing a console that is focused on Saturn/Dreamcast fans. Also, I wanted to add that I think it would be something like 4-6 core with 8 GPUs, 4 threads, and running between 3.2-3.7 GHz. Based on hardware I've been looking at, it would probably be around 10 channel DAC with 7.1 channel playback and 16-24 bit PCM. The disc drive would probably be 8x read. If a project doesn't involve an actual Sega Saturn or Saturn software, then it isn't Saturn related. If a project doesn't involve an actual Dreamcast or Dreamcast software, then it isn't Dreamcast related. What you're describing sounds like a PC.
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Post by buckoa51 on Aug 2, 2018 7:42:18 GMT
To be fair so do PS4 and Xbox One
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mick_aka
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Post by mick_aka on Aug 2, 2018 11:26:59 GMT
To be remotely competitive with a new, unknown and untried system you're going to have to fall under that $200 price point.
Not sure what your aim is here, if its a new console that's going to play it's own specific games then you've got a hell of a battle on your hands (how many times have we seen that go down the toilet)
If you're talking about a new console that can play existing Saturn titles You've got to beat the current resale price of original hardware with the same functionality, and any PC powerful enough to run SSF well.
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SaturnTeam
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Post by SaturnTeam on Aug 2, 2018 13:20:00 GMT
Thanks for the feedback. I also have this poll running on SegaXtreme. I'm just trying to get the various viewpoints and concerns. As buckoa51 pointed out, there really isn't much of a difference anymore in architecture. When the PS3 came out, people were running Linux on it as a PC. Xbox One is like a souped up Microsoft desktop. At this point in time, it would be ridiculously expensive to put together a totally custom designed, Japanese-built console like Sega did. Looking back at the Saturn's architecture, it's clear that it was a monumental achievement for its time. At the end of the day, I feel like it's about the console design, accessories, games, marketing, and community. I would want the console to have its own games, but with some tie-ins to games that were on the Saturn. I think certain genres would feature heavily on it. I don't see much point in having it run Saturn games. People are either playing those on their Saturns or using PC emulation. The option could be there for it to play new games and Saturn games. Then again, It would be foolish to try to position it as direct competition with the mainstream consoles. The console would have to specifically meet the wants of Sega Saturn/Dreamcast fans.
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huntrrose
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Post by huntrrose on Aug 2, 2018 13:32:38 GMT
good luck.. lol
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Post by buckoa51 on Aug 2, 2018 17:54:22 GMT
Lol yeah, plan on winning the lottery a couple times Who else do you have on your team? Do you have a business plan? Investors? Financial backing?
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Post by barryburton on Aug 2, 2018 17:55:50 GMT
I think we might have a crackpot here. But in the spirit of the question...
We need more info on what you want to sell. So far all I know it will be aimed at people who like Sega consoles, and it has some random components/ specs.
What games will it have? Why would it be better than a Saturn/ Dreamcast/ Nintendo Switch etc etc?
Come on man, either give us something to work with or you sound like a student doing a survey.
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SaturnTeam
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Post by SaturnTeam on Aug 2, 2018 18:42:31 GMT
I don't know what games it would have. There are a lot of excellent Saturn titles that could use follow-ups. This is just a concept. I never claimed that it would be better than Saturn/Dreamcast. That would be a tall feat. Switch is a different kind of system, so I don't think it's super comparable. Technically speaking, I have the skills to develop the console. I've built computer systems before. I'm just trying to find out if people would be interested or if it's not worth doing. Obviously, Sega spent millions of dollars on Saturn and Dreamcast, which didn't sell as well as some other consoles. However, it always bugs me when I read articles saying they were failures. They definitely weren't. I know other people have tried launching new consoles using crowdfunding and have failed miserably. Additionally, does anyone have a winning lottery ticket they want to donate?
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Post by barryburton on Aug 2, 2018 19:16:11 GMT
I don't know what games it would have. There are a lot of excellent Saturn titles that could use follow-ups. This is just a concept. I never claimed that it would be better than Saturn/Dreamcast. That would be a tall feat. Switch is a different kind of system, so I don't think it's super comparable. Technically speaking, I have the skills to develop the console. I've built computer systems before. I'm just trying to find out if people would be interested or if it's not worth doing. Obviously, Sega spent millions of dollars on Saturn and Dreamcast, which didn't sell as well as some other consoles. However, it always bugs me when I read articles saying they were failures. They definitely weren't. I know other people have tried launching new consoles using crowdfunding and have failed miserably. Additionally, does anyone have a winning lottery ticket they want to donate? OK, I appreciate you can't promise something better than Saturn or Dreamcast, that would be beyond an indie project. Fair enough. But what are you looking to do that is different to what already exists? What do you dream of offering that is different to the Xboxes, PlayStations and Nintendos of the world? Forget about the GHz and drive speeds for now, that's the type of question you need to answer. Would it be an arcade machine? Would it focus on 2D? Would it be much cheaper? Don't forget there are umpteen mini-computers (raspberry pi etc) and tablets out there that offer emulation of every type of retro game imaginable. Let us help you develop your ideas.
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Post by barryburton on Aug 2, 2018 19:18:56 GMT
Why would people develop Sega follow ups for your console rather than the mainstream machines, like with Sonic Mania? What's the USP?
I'm asking to be constructive, this is the type of question you need to have a rock solid answer for, even if this is just a fun pipe dream.
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SaturnTeam
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Post by SaturnTeam on Aug 2, 2018 23:49:30 GMT
barryburton, those are good questions. I am not focused on emulation. I also have opinions on how gamers use emulation, but I'm not going to start a flamewar. Arcade has been done before. Sega had a lot of great arcade titles on both systems. I don't think that's the way to go. The Saturn is the best system out there for 2D. There would be no topping that. I think all three of the major consoles have their place in the gaming ecosystem. I'm not looking to do a portable system like the Switch. That seems to be Nintendo's space. Plus, Sony has been trying at portable for years and didn't do well. Xbox is certainly popular, but I think it's bland and just rubs me the wrong way. Sony's PS4 is where it's at. It's an excellent console and has a lot of great games. If you look at a lot of the current Sega titles, most of them are well-made and just have a certain feel to them. Sega is more careful at what they focus on than they used to be. When you look at games like Shenmue II, Yakuza Kiwami 2, and Shining Resonance Refrain, they just have that Sega feel to them. I think fans appreciate that they are well-crafted, have great artwork, interesting characters, and good battle systems. With the console I have in mind, the games would be what makes the system special. There could be a focus on anime, RPGs, or specifically on game properties that were on the Saturn. The console could be a target for newer indie developers who don't have titles on major consoles.
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