SuperSega, the ambitious FPGA-based retro gaming console, has garnered notable industry attention during its pre-order campaign, but recent developments have left some early backers perplexed.
The device, designed to offer hardware-accurate gameplay through Field-Programmable Gate Array technology—reminiscent of the popular Analogue systems—aims to deliver authentic experiences for classic gaming enthusiasts.
SuperSega’s campaign launched on November 4th, 2024, with the stated goal of fulfilling its first batch of units by early 2025. Originally, the SuperSega team indicated that prospective buyers could secure their unit for a modest fee of three euros, with the expectation that the remainder of the €375 retail price (plus shipping) would be charged closer to device shipment.
However, customers, including notable YouTuber Slopes Game Room, have reported that the full amount of €375, in addition to shipping charges, was deducted from their accounts less than a day after placing a pre-order.
According to Slopes Game Room’s verification with his credit card provider, this was not a temporary authorization but a finalized payment, challenging initial perceptions of the pre-order process. Further investigation by Video Game Esoterica uncovered terms on the official SuperSega website indicating that the company could process the complete payment at any point after the three-euro reservation.
Yet, the consensus among early adopters had been that such action would occur closer to the product’s physical release window.
The lack of clear, proactive communication from SuperSega’s primarily Spanish-speaking team seems to have contributed to widespread uncertainty.
"From 4th November and until End November 2024, you can pre-order your unit," the website confirms, specifying that the first batch of approximately 300-500 units will ship in early 2025.
The site further explains that all early pre-orders will be charged the complete purchase price upfront. In response to inquiries, a SuperSega spokesperson explained via email: "No, that's not an error.
Please refer to our updated website for more information.
We are moving ahead with producing a first small batch, and those who reserved a unit with full commitment before November 4th, as well as those who pre-order through the end of November, are being charged €375 plus €45 for international shipping." The team further noted that a broader crowdfunding campaign is slated to begin at the end of November, with pre-reserved customers offered additional purchase options at that time. As of publication, SuperSega remains in the prototype phase, and only a single hardware unit has been shown publicly.
Notably, the device has yet to demonstrate Dreamcast game compatibility.
Potential buyers are advised to exercise caution, as there is currently no external verification of SuperSega’s production capabilities or the final performance of the hardware.
The unfolding situation spotlights the importance of transparent, accurate pre-order communication—especially within the highly scrutinized retro gaming market. For more updates on Nintendo Switch hardware, retro gaming news, and major crowdfunding campaigns, continue following our dedicated Nintendo news coverage.
The device, designed to offer hardware-accurate gameplay through Field-Programmable Gate Array technology—reminiscent of the popular Analogue systems—aims to deliver authentic experiences for classic gaming enthusiasts.
SuperSega’s campaign launched on November 4th, 2024, with the stated goal of fulfilling its first batch of units by early 2025. Originally, the SuperSega team indicated that prospective buyers could secure their unit for a modest fee of three euros, with the expectation that the remainder of the €375 retail price (plus shipping) would be charged closer to device shipment.
However, customers, including notable YouTuber Slopes Game Room, have reported that the full amount of €375, in addition to shipping charges, was deducted from their accounts less than a day after placing a pre-order.
According to Slopes Game Room’s verification with his credit card provider, this was not a temporary authorization but a finalized payment, challenging initial perceptions of the pre-order process. Further investigation by Video Game Esoterica uncovered terms on the official SuperSega website indicating that the company could process the complete payment at any point after the three-euro reservation.
Yet, the consensus among early adopters had been that such action would occur closer to the product’s physical release window.
The lack of clear, proactive communication from SuperSega’s primarily Spanish-speaking team seems to have contributed to widespread uncertainty.
"From 4th November and until End November 2024, you can pre-order your unit," the website confirms, specifying that the first batch of approximately 300-500 units will ship in early 2025.
The site further explains that all early pre-orders will be charged the complete purchase price upfront. In response to inquiries, a SuperSega spokesperson explained via email: "No, that's not an error.
Please refer to our updated website for more information.
We are moving ahead with producing a first small batch, and those who reserved a unit with full commitment before November 4th, as well as those who pre-order through the end of November, are being charged €375 plus €45 for international shipping." The team further noted that a broader crowdfunding campaign is slated to begin at the end of November, with pre-reserved customers offered additional purchase options at that time. As of publication, SuperSega remains in the prototype phase, and only a single hardware unit has been shown publicly.
Notably, the device has yet to demonstrate Dreamcast game compatibility.
Potential buyers are advised to exercise caution, as there is currently no external verification of SuperSega’s production capabilities or the final performance of the hardware.
The unfolding situation spotlights the importance of transparent, accurate pre-order communication—especially within the highly scrutinized retro gaming market. For more updates on Nintendo Switch hardware, retro gaming news, and major crowdfunding campaigns, continue following our dedicated Nintendo news coverage.