Which Region Mod Method is best for Sega Saturn?

After the issue I was having with the Action Replay Cart and KOF96. I'd figure that I should look around to modding my console.

Thing is though I'm not sure which method to go by and even then I'm not exactly someone that knows how to mod consoles so I'm a bit cautious about doing this myself since I've never done any soldering myself.


Joe from Game Sack recommended that I go with the Switch Region Mod for my Model 1 Sega Saturn while others recommended doing the Region-Free Bios Mod for my Sega Saturn to be switchless just so I don't have to worry about region-switching, and of course something about this being the better method when it comes to PAL-Region Saturn Games (Which do not concern me in the slightest as I have no plans for importing any PAL-Region Saturn Games, I live in the U.S btw. )


I apparently also heard that modding a Model 1 is more difficult than modding a Model 2 Sega Saturn. But I don't know if this is just referring to the Modchip to allow you to play burn CD-R games, or something else.

Which Method should I go by?

 

Personally, I'm a fan of the switch method - that's how my Saturns have always been modified. It's not an easy mod, but it isn't too tricky these days with all the excellent tutes out there.

 

I would go for the region free bios. Since you have a Saturn V1, you should check how your bios is installed, some model 1 have a regular eproms with socket, so you don't even have to solder anything, just replace the eprom - thats it. You can get the chips from Bad_Ad84.

 

If nothing else it'll let you have Parodius in English. The sole effect of playing PAL games by normal means, is they remain 60hz.

Most modchips are made for newer consoles. Some just won't cooperate easily with getting CD-R to work.

 

I would recommend the switchless mod using sebs code and a 16f630 pic chip, It lets you set region and video mode all from the reset button so no need to modify the case with a switch. It does involve a bit of soldering but isn't too hard to do. I made a video of the install if you are interested.

 

Forget the PAL video mode exists, get a region free BIOS and a modchip and have everything boot without hassle.

 

x

 

Really? if that's the case then I'll take your word on it and not go with that method if it'll do that...

 

I didn't want to buy a new bios chip or do anything to my reset button, so I bought a DPDT switch for my Saturn. I installed the switch on my battery plate, since I wanted to use a rocker switch and it was hard to find a circular one on Amazon. Follow the guide, find the jumpers. It was a little tricky at first, but I had to have some patience and a lot of tape. Use 24-26 gauge pre-tinned wire. Tape wires to where you want each one to go, ie the jumpers. Remove those bridges by desoldering. Solder your wires. Make sure the wires fit through a groove between the motherboard and bottom of case. Solder wires to switch. Test.
I followed this guide:

It may take a lot of time for a newbie, but this video really helps.

 

But will that work for Model 1 Sega Saturn as well? I have a Model 1.

 

Yes it will work just fine. That mod certainly doesn't require a 10 minute video to explain either..

 

Why's that? is it much shorter to do than what the tutorial describes?

 

Perhaps the tutorial is just thorough. I'm probably being arrogant, but I'm fairly clued up when it comes to modding these machines - at least in this regard.

The regions are simply dictated by jumpers on the main board and I think you only have to change two to achieve a region switch from US to JP. Either way, I wish you luck in the mod.

 

Yeah I'm only doing the mod for those two regions, I was never planning on doing anything with the PAL-Region Games. Though I think I might just contact someone who can do the mod...as I never actually solder or mod anything before..

The only reason why I'm considering modding is because I got the graphical glitch problem with KOF96 from using the Action Replay Cart. Which I know it gets this problem if you use the 4 MB RAM Cart, but seeing as how the AR contains 1MB and 4MB RAM, I was questionable to why I was getting the problem anyway.

 

x

 

So the Action Replay 4M Plus really just contains the 4MB RAM only? then why does the information say that it includes both ram?

Yeah I heard that that has something to do with SNK. Something about them not wanting to use the 4MB RAM or something?

 

1MB released a year earlier. SNK was already wrapping up their last new Saturn games by the time of 4MB.

Region free bios will play near everything without exterior sign. Considering you can get a pack of multiple SPDT's under $5 shipped, chances are the right modder will simply toss in emergency 50/60hz.

 

Now the Region Free Bios Mod is starting to sound a bit complicated now .n.;

So by the time SNK was done with their last new saturn games, that's was around the time that Sega and Capcom released the 4MB RAM Cart?

 

Well yeah surface mount chips aren't for newcomers.

Something like that, SNK had more interest in Playstation anyway.

 

I think I'll go with the Region Switch Mod...but is there anyone here that offers service for modding? .n. Just wondering.

Even though the Saturn Ports of their games turned out better than how the PS1 handle them?.....Okay then. (NOT Bashing the PS1 here btw. )