The SuperSega FPGA project, an ambitious retro gaming initiative, has garnered considerable attention for its promise to deliver authentic hardware-level emulation of Sega’s most iconic consoles.
With a goal to support software from systems such as the SG-1000, Master System, Mega Drive, Saturn, and potentially Dreamcast, SuperSega seeks to carve a unique position within the competitive FPGA-driven retro hardware scene, which has seen notable successes with platforms like MiSTer FPGA. Despite its aspirations, the SuperSega project has been marred by inconsistent communication and growing skepticism from the gaming community.
The project recently published a new demonstration video, fronted by team member Alejandro Martin.
The video opens unconventionally, with Martin arriving in a Lamborghini Gallardo and unboxing the latest SuperSega prototype from a plain cardboard box.
He then demonstrates the system’s capabilities in an unedited session from his apartment, showcasing gameplay from the SG-1000, Master System, and Saturn consoles.
Importantly, Martin takes measures to confirm the legitimacy of the hardware, revealing the setup behind his television to dispel suspicions of hidden emulation on a PC. However, the demonstration did highlight ongoing challenges.
Saturn emulation, for example, initially lacked audio—an issue Martin attributes to known bugs still being resolved.
Additionally, the highly anticipated Dreamcast FPGA core, a significant part of SuperSega’s value proposition, was notably absent from the presentation.
With devices like the MiSTer FPGA already handling Master System, Mega Drive, and Saturn games to a high standard, the SuperSega’s competitive edge remains under scrutiny. The video further references Martin’s previous venture, Cinimartin—a company that filed for bankruptcy in 2019 following the unsuccessful Fran 8K camera project—raising additional questions about follow-through and delivery. According to an official press release distributed alongside the latest video, SuperSega has already secured over 200 pre-reservations.
The press release states that these early supporters will receive a production SuperSega console with remaining software bugs addressed, though the pre-reservation period closes at 23:59 EST on Monday, November 4, 2024.
A full crowdfunding campaign is scheduled to commence between late November and early December, with an initial run of 100 units offered at a special price for non-committed pre-reservers.
Should the campaign surpass its ambitious €100,000 (or USD equivalent) target within 30 days, mass production will proceed through platforms such as Indiegogo or Kickstarter.
If not, only approximately 250 early units will be shipped, adhering to an all-or-nothing fulfillment strategy. Martin outlined the stakes in the latest video, emphasizing the team’s commitment to ensuring SuperSega's success and clarifying that mass production hinges entirely on reaching fundraising goals in the upcoming campaign.
The final pre-reserve demonstration aired at 19:30 on Saturday, November 2, 2024. With the retro gaming community watching closely and cautious optimism in the air, SuperSega’s progress through pre-reservations and crowdfunding will be pivotal in determining whether this ambitious FPGA console can move beyond the shadow of skepticism into full production.
With a goal to support software from systems such as the SG-1000, Master System, Mega Drive, Saturn, and potentially Dreamcast, SuperSega seeks to carve a unique position within the competitive FPGA-driven retro hardware scene, which has seen notable successes with platforms like MiSTer FPGA. Despite its aspirations, the SuperSega project has been marred by inconsistent communication and growing skepticism from the gaming community.
The project recently published a new demonstration video, fronted by team member Alejandro Martin.
The video opens unconventionally, with Martin arriving in a Lamborghini Gallardo and unboxing the latest SuperSega prototype from a plain cardboard box.
He then demonstrates the system’s capabilities in an unedited session from his apartment, showcasing gameplay from the SG-1000, Master System, and Saturn consoles.
Importantly, Martin takes measures to confirm the legitimacy of the hardware, revealing the setup behind his television to dispel suspicions of hidden emulation on a PC. However, the demonstration did highlight ongoing challenges.
Saturn emulation, for example, initially lacked audio—an issue Martin attributes to known bugs still being resolved.
Additionally, the highly anticipated Dreamcast FPGA core, a significant part of SuperSega’s value proposition, was notably absent from the presentation.
With devices like the MiSTer FPGA already handling Master System, Mega Drive, and Saturn games to a high standard, the SuperSega’s competitive edge remains under scrutiny. The video further references Martin’s previous venture, Cinimartin—a company that filed for bankruptcy in 2019 following the unsuccessful Fran 8K camera project—raising additional questions about follow-through and delivery. According to an official press release distributed alongside the latest video, SuperSega has already secured over 200 pre-reservations.
The press release states that these early supporters will receive a production SuperSega console with remaining software bugs addressed, though the pre-reservation period closes at 23:59 EST on Monday, November 4, 2024.
A full crowdfunding campaign is scheduled to commence between late November and early December, with an initial run of 100 units offered at a special price for non-committed pre-reservers.
Should the campaign surpass its ambitious €100,000 (or USD equivalent) target within 30 days, mass production will proceed through platforms such as Indiegogo or Kickstarter.
If not, only approximately 250 early units will be shipped, adhering to an all-or-nothing fulfillment strategy. Martin outlined the stakes in the latest video, emphasizing the team’s commitment to ensuring SuperSega's success and clarifying that mass production hinges entirely on reaching fundraising goals in the upcoming campaign.
The final pre-reserve demonstration aired at 19:30 on Saturday, November 2, 2024. With the retro gaming community watching closely and cautious optimism in the air, SuperSega’s progress through pre-reservations and crowdfunding will be pivotal in determining whether this ambitious FPGA console can move beyond the shadow of skepticism into full production.
