Sega Demands Full Cancellation of SuperSega FPGA Console Project and Destruction of All Units
In a decisive move to protect its intellectual property, Sega has formally requested the cancellation of the SuperSega FPGA console project, including the destruction of all hardware units produced to date.
The request, which targets the project led by developer Alejandro Martín, highlights Sega's strong stance on unauthorized use of its brand and hardware emulation. The SuperSega FPGA console attracted attention for its ambitious goal of supporting multiple classic Sega platforms, including the SG-1000, Master System, Mega Drive, Saturn, and Dreamcast.
As an FPGA-based device, it promised hardware-level emulation, offering retro gaming enthusiasts an alternative to official re-releases or software-based emulators on platforms like the Nintendo Switch or eShop. Documents reviewed by this publication confirm that Sega's IP protection agency in Spain directly approached Martín, requesting that the "SuperSega" name cease usage, all prototypes and sold units be destroyed, the closure of the project's website, and disclosure of sales figures as well as pre-order revenue.
The legitimacy of these demands was independently verified by contacting the IP agency acting on Sega's behalf. Martín, the project’s lead, responded to the demands in statements to Time Extension.
He acknowledged Sega's request to change the product name and indicated willingness to consider alternatives, but maintained that production would only be halted if Sega compensated for the associated costs, expenses, and any amounts already paid by consumers.
He asserted, "If Sega is unwilling to cover these costs, we plan to continue with the SuperSega project." Despite Sega's intervention, Martín stated his intention to move forward with a crowdfunding campaign.
The Kickstarter initiative aims to raise additional funds beyond the pre-orders already collected—a situation further complicated by the fact that some early supporters were fully charged for their units upfront.
The SuperSega development team has continued public communications, recently releasing footage demonstrating the unit running "Crazy Taxi" on Dreamcast, showcasing the capabilities of their FPGA technology. Sega's move draws a clear line in protecting its intellectual property, especially as retro gaming hardware and software continue to grow in popularity across global platforms such as the Nintendo Switch and its eShop service.
Meanwhile, the future of the SuperSega project remains uncertain as negotiations and potential legal processes unfold.
Both the retro gaming community and digital rights advocates will be watching closely to see how this dispute over unofficial hardware—emulating classic Sega consoles—ultimately resolves.
The request, which targets the project led by developer Alejandro Martín, highlights Sega's strong stance on unauthorized use of its brand and hardware emulation. The SuperSega FPGA console attracted attention for its ambitious goal of supporting multiple classic Sega platforms, including the SG-1000, Master System, Mega Drive, Saturn, and Dreamcast.
As an FPGA-based device, it promised hardware-level emulation, offering retro gaming enthusiasts an alternative to official re-releases or software-based emulators on platforms like the Nintendo Switch or eShop. Documents reviewed by this publication confirm that Sega's IP protection agency in Spain directly approached Martín, requesting that the "SuperSega" name cease usage, all prototypes and sold units be destroyed, the closure of the project's website, and disclosure of sales figures as well as pre-order revenue.
The legitimacy of these demands was independently verified by contacting the IP agency acting on Sega's behalf. Martín, the project’s lead, responded to the demands in statements to Time Extension.
He acknowledged Sega's request to change the product name and indicated willingness to consider alternatives, but maintained that production would only be halted if Sega compensated for the associated costs, expenses, and any amounts already paid by consumers.
He asserted, "If Sega is unwilling to cover these costs, we plan to continue with the SuperSega project." Despite Sega's intervention, Martín stated his intention to move forward with a crowdfunding campaign.
The Kickstarter initiative aims to raise additional funds beyond the pre-orders already collected—a situation further complicated by the fact that some early supporters were fully charged for their units upfront.
The SuperSega development team has continued public communications, recently releasing footage demonstrating the unit running "Crazy Taxi" on Dreamcast, showcasing the capabilities of their FPGA technology. Sega's move draws a clear line in protecting its intellectual property, especially as retro gaming hardware and software continue to grow in popularity across global platforms such as the Nintendo Switch and its eShop service.
Meanwhile, the future of the SuperSega project remains uncertain as negotiations and potential legal processes unfold.
Both the retro gaming community and digital rights advocates will be watching closely to see how this dispute over unofficial hardware—emulating classic Sega consoles—ultimately resolves.
