The SEGA Pluto (Prototype Console)

[TCB]

(If this isn't the right place or there isn't much to discuss with this, please take appropriate action. This is my first created thread after all...^_^')

 

I was on Twitter, minding my own business and doing my own thing when our pals over at SEGA Addicts had an interesting article. Being ever curious, Basically, it was this. 

 

 

Looks like a SEGA Saturn, no? Well that's just the outside. According to the article, a former SEGA worker had shown this off at some point in the past. It has a 'built-in Netlink dial-up connection', which allows for online play.

 

Interestingly, there's only TWO prototypes of this machine, this is model number 2 with the first nowhere to be found (currently). It is, however, fully functional, region-locked (:/) NA/USA build of this console.

 

Here's the article in question:  

 

http://sega-addicts.murnaumusic.com/?p=37725&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

 

So yeah...any comments or what have you about this lost piece of SEGA gaming lore?

Edited April 17, 2013 by TheChaosBlue

[BakingBluePotatoe]

What I'd like to know is.. what's the cartridge slot for? Online Genesis games?

[Conando]

The Saturn used cartridges instead of memory cards for save data backup. It's possible the Pluto used the same method.

[TCB]

What I'd like to know is.. what's the cartridge slot for? Online Genesis games?

 

Yeah that's what I want to know; it seems to have a cartridge slot and a 'flip-top' disc drive. I think the cartridge slot is to be some sort of 'backwards compatibility with Genesis games and possibly as a save feature (like Ralph has just said). The disk drive (I think) was its main means of content and playing games. It is for the most part a Saturn at its core.

 

The guy also mentioned it was the heaviest SEGA console he felt. Huh.

Edited April 17, 2013 by TheChaosBlue

[Tornado]

Cartridge slot was for the Saturn RAM cart:

 

 

And the Saturn save backup cart:

 

 

 

It was a general expansion slot, like the one on the bottom of the Genesis.

[Clouder]

Hmmmm.... If this came out before the Saturn then I predict that Sonic Adventure would be for the Saturn instead of Dreamcast.

[TCB]

Cartridge slot was for the Saturn RAM cart:

 

 

And the Saturn save backup cart:

 

 

 

It was a general expansion slot, like the one on the bottom of the Genesis.

 

Ah; so a means of having external storage for the console?

[Tornado]

External anything. The modem that was released for the Saturn plugged into that slot too.

 

 

 

Think of it more like a PCI slot on a computer rather than a cartridge slot.

[TCB]

External anything. The modem that was released for the Saturn plugged into that slot too.

 

 

 

Think of it more like a PCI slot on a computer rather than a cartridge slot.

 

Makes sense to me.

 

Sadly he didn't have the games and/or accessories to go further into the online aspects.

[Urban Flow]

Really cool.

[The drunkard from space!]

EDIT: Nevermind, got it.

Edited April 17, 2013 by Stitch

[Snatcher2047]

The cartridge slot could also be used for PRO ACTION REPLAY cartridges that worked as the 1MB/4MB card, import converter and also a memory card all in one.  Great for playing those import CAPCOM fighters in arcade quality.

 

 

I really like the design of that console.  Really sleek looking.

Edited April 17, 2013 by Snatcher2047

[TCB]

The second (technically the first) of these prototypes have been found. Brought in flea market for $1. No joke. Plus the lid springs open and won't stay down.

 

In any case, this guy's pretty lucky to own a piece of lost SEGA gaming right there. He's considering selling it on eBay as well.

 

Edited April 19, 2013 by TheChaosBlue

[Barry the Nomad]

Welp, a third SEGA Pluto has been found: https://twitter.com/SEGAbits/status/325297495783661568

[Milo]

So exactly how many of these are there? I heard there were only two prototypes, but now's there's a third? Are there any other prototypes?

 

And it's rather interesting that the other missing prototypes were found not too long after the first was revealed.

[Mando-Whirl-Wind]

So exactly how many of these are there? I heard there were only two prototypes, but now's there's a third? Are there any other prototypes?

 

And it's rather interesting that the other missing prototypes were found not too long after the first was revealed.

They are popping out of the wordwork!

and its proably cause they didnt know what they were sitting on before

[SweeCrue]

Here's something from IGN!

[Tornado]

You know what would be cool? If they found a warehouse full of Neptunes.

 

 

 

Only for real this time.