Final Version of Custom Sega CDX2 Unveiled: A Portable Sega Saturn Masterpiece
The gaming community has witnessed a remarkable achievement in hardware modding, as noted Chinese hardware enthusiast TZMWX has revealed the completed version of his one-of-a-kind Sega CDX2.
This ambitious project takes inspiration from the iconic—and now highly collectible—Sega Multi-Mega (known in North America as the Sega CDX), merging Sega Saturn hardware and ingenuity into a uniquely compact, portable form factor. Background: Revisiting Sega's Hardware Legacy Sega, a titan of the 1990s video game industry, was renowned for its innovative hardware lineup.
The mid-'90s saw Sega releasing multiple consoles and add-ons in rapid succession: the Genesis/Mega Drive, Game Gear, Mega CD and Saturn, among others.
Amidst this crowded slate, Sega launched the CDX, a combination Mega Drive and Mega CD unit that doubled as a battery-powered portable CD player.
Due to its limited production, the Sega CDX remains one of the most desirable collector’s items among retro gaming fans. Inspired by the exclusive nature and design philosophy of the original Multi-Mega, TZMWX set out to create something truly unique—a handheld Sega Saturn console built into a similarly compact shell, aptly titled the 'Sega CDX2.' Inside the Sega CDX2: Features and Modifications The finalized Sega CDX2 showcases several impressive technical feats.
According to modder TZMWX, the device features: - Substantial modification of a Sega Saturn motherboard for size reduction - Integration of a Sony KSM900 optical drive for slimmer disc reading mechanics - Utilization of the top cover from a Sanyo CDP-550 CD player - Preservation of the original Sanyo audio jack and volume potentiometer - Continuous support for Sanyo CD player panel button functionality - Retention of the Saturn AV port and multifunction card slot - Addition of a five-key joystick for improved handheld control - Placement of an LCD screen and a rear panel port for portable gameplay - Built-in Apple8 stereo speakers - Internal power supply via a Panasonic 21700 rechargeable battery This sophisticated assembly closely emulates the look and feel of the original Sega Multi-Mega, but with the enhanced powers of a Sega Saturn—making it possible to enjoy Saturn games on the go, without the need for external displays or power sources. Past and Present: From Prototype to Final Product TZMWX completed the first prototype of the CDX2 in December 2025 by meticulously folding the original Sega Saturn motherboard to minimize space requirements, alongside integrating expanded memory and a modchip for broader game compatibility.
The shell design leveraged both new and recycled hardware elements from period-accurate electronics, reinforcing the mod’s hardware authenticity. The most recent updates demonstrate a refined top shell to accommodate detachable functional modules, custom cutouts for controls and interfaces, and a reliable built-in battery system for genuine portability.
TZMWX has underscored that this is strictly a one-off endeavor—none of his projects, including the Sega CDX2, are reproduced or sold, ensuring the CDX2’s status as a singular collector’s piece. The completed Sega CDX2 stands as a testament to both Sega’s enduring legacy in hardware design and the creative passion of dedicated modders.
For fans of Sega Saturn and retro hardware, this project represents the height of custom console craftsmanship.
This ambitious project takes inspiration from the iconic—and now highly collectible—Sega Multi-Mega (known in North America as the Sega CDX), merging Sega Saturn hardware and ingenuity into a uniquely compact, portable form factor. Background: Revisiting Sega's Hardware Legacy Sega, a titan of the 1990s video game industry, was renowned for its innovative hardware lineup.
The mid-'90s saw Sega releasing multiple consoles and add-ons in rapid succession: the Genesis/Mega Drive, Game Gear, Mega CD and Saturn, among others.
Amidst this crowded slate, Sega launched the CDX, a combination Mega Drive and Mega CD unit that doubled as a battery-powered portable CD player.
Due to its limited production, the Sega CDX remains one of the most desirable collector’s items among retro gaming fans. Inspired by the exclusive nature and design philosophy of the original Multi-Mega, TZMWX set out to create something truly unique—a handheld Sega Saturn console built into a similarly compact shell, aptly titled the 'Sega CDX2.' Inside the Sega CDX2: Features and Modifications The finalized Sega CDX2 showcases several impressive technical feats.
According to modder TZMWX, the device features: - Substantial modification of a Sega Saturn motherboard for size reduction - Integration of a Sony KSM900 optical drive for slimmer disc reading mechanics - Utilization of the top cover from a Sanyo CDP-550 CD player - Preservation of the original Sanyo audio jack and volume potentiometer - Continuous support for Sanyo CD player panel button functionality - Retention of the Saturn AV port and multifunction card slot - Addition of a five-key joystick for improved handheld control - Placement of an LCD screen and a rear panel port for portable gameplay - Built-in Apple8 stereo speakers - Internal power supply via a Panasonic 21700 rechargeable battery This sophisticated assembly closely emulates the look and feel of the original Sega Multi-Mega, but with the enhanced powers of a Sega Saturn—making it possible to enjoy Saturn games on the go, without the need for external displays or power sources. Past and Present: From Prototype to Final Product TZMWX completed the first prototype of the CDX2 in December 2025 by meticulously folding the original Sega Saturn motherboard to minimize space requirements, alongside integrating expanded memory and a modchip for broader game compatibility.
The shell design leveraged both new and recycled hardware elements from period-accurate electronics, reinforcing the mod’s hardware authenticity. The most recent updates demonstrate a refined top shell to accommodate detachable functional modules, custom cutouts for controls and interfaces, and a reliable built-in battery system for genuine portability.
TZMWX has underscored that this is strictly a one-off endeavor—none of his projects, including the Sega CDX2, are reproduced or sold, ensuring the CDX2’s status as a singular collector’s piece. The completed Sega CDX2 stands as a testament to both Sega’s enduring legacy in hardware design and the creative passion of dedicated modders.
For fans of Sega Saturn and retro hardware, this project represents the height of custom console craftsmanship.
