32X

The 32X is an extension of the Megadrive of Sega making it possible to increase the power of the latter by transforming it into a system 32 bits. It connects in the port cartouche of the Megadrive. When it is used, the 32X becomes Master of Megadrive and increases its capacities of calculation, enabling him to manage new graphic effects such as 3D mappée.

History

At the beginning of 1994 Sega is harnessed with a new project intended to consider the next generation of console which will succeed the Megadrive. Three projects are then started under respective code names of Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. The advertisement by Sony of the launching of the Playstation precipitates the things: the Mars project is entrusted to Sega off America while the Japanese team concentrates her efforts on Saturn. When to the Jupiter project, it passes quite simply to the trap door. After several months of development the Mars project is renamed 32X and it console is ready to be launched on the Japanese market.

The machine will finally prove to be a commercial failure for Sega. This fiasco was altogether rather foreseeable taking into account the context in which the console left. Launched over the same period that Saturn and not offering any technical advantage compared to its colleague it was been sulky by the public of players like by the editors. Sega carried out its worse sales on its own territory, Japanese having held a relatively cold reception with the 32X. The sales some not very better on the American territory will not prevent the console from seeing its considerably shortened lifespan.

Technical specifications

  • Processor: two SH-2 of Hitachi (the same ones as those of the Saturn but given rhythm at a less frequency)
  • Coprocessor: the 68000, the Zylog Z80 and VDP of Megadrive
  • Memory: 512 KB of additional memory
  • Sound: 2 additional channels, mixed with those of Megadrive

To note

One second version of the 32X had been envisaged by Sega under the name of Neptune code. The project was appeared as a prototype joining together Megadrive and a 32X in only one block. However vis-a-vis the little of success met by the module 32 bits and the imminent arrival of Saturn, Sega gave up the idea and the console remained with the state of project.

List plays

6 plays use the support CD in partnership with the extension Mega CD:

See too

  • List of plays to the launching of video game consoles

Random links:Sit of the fort of Médine | Polyphyletic | Mehmed Ier | Genevese public transport | Route main road 682 | Anneau_de_Brodgar