This is a customizable order form for the Sega Saturn and the various services offered. Please note that all costs listed are for service only, requiring you to ship not only the console but the mod/upgrade parts you have purchased yourself (with exception of the FRAM Upgrade Service and Full Recap Service as I will provide the chip / new capacitors from Console5)
Region Free BIOS Install
Unlock the ability to play official games from ANY region regardless of your Saturn’s hardware region with a region free BIOS chip. Most sites that sell pre-flashed BIOS chips offer various region BIOS splash screens based on your personal preferences, but regardless of what you choose it will be able to play games from ANY region. Early Saturn revisions use a DIP chip and later revisions use an SMD chip for the BIOS, so you either need to open your Saturn and confirm the revision before ordering, or send in to me and I can assess and order the correct part for you
You can buy region free BIOS chips here:
Saturn Region Free BIOS – Early VA DIP – RetroGamerStuff
Saturn Region Free BIOS – Later VA SMD – RetroGamerStuff
Saturn Region Free BIOS – Both Styles Available – ConsolesUnleashed
FRAM Chip Install
One of the biggest issues with the Saturn is the systems reliance on a single CR2032 battery to maintain save data on an onboard ram chip that requires power from the battery to keep data intact. We all know batteries die and when it does, all your save data is gone. A great improvement is using a modern Ferroelectric RAM chip that is non-volatile. You can still use a CR2032 battery to maintain the real time clock but now your valuable save games won’t disappear or you wont have to worry about manually backing up to a save cart periodically
Phantom Universal Modchip Install Service
Want the ability to play backup/burned CD games on your Saturn? The Phantom modchip is a sleek solution that sits in between the Saturn’s optical drive and mainboard and allows these backup copies to run, bypassing the system protection. Please keep in mind this has nothing to do with region protection and if you want to play burned games from regions other than your Saturn’s, you will STILL need a region free BIOS installed
You can buy the Phantom Modchip here:
Phantom Universal Modchip – RetroGamerStuff
50/60HZ Switchless Mod Install Service
While the Switchless MOD allows region protection bypass similar to a RF Bios chip, its real selling point is the ability to run any game in 60HZ fullscreen which is borderline a necessity on PAL consoles, which is the real selling point of this kit. If you have an NTSC/US or NTSC/JP Saturn there is no reason to install this kit, but for PAL gamers its huge. Please note, this kit has several variants depending on the Saturn revision you own so be sure to open and assess correctly or similar to the BIOS chips, send me your Saturn and I can order correct kit for you. ConsolesUnleashed has taken the time to create unique PCB design on a per-variant basis making for the cleanest install possible
You can buy the 50/60HZ Switchless mod here:
50/60HZ Switchless Kit – ConsolesUnleashed
Full System Recap
Electrolytic Capacitors have an estimated shelf life of about 15 years and many of these old retro gaming systems are long past that time. Prevent unwanted power, video or audio issues by proactively replacing these in your Saturn system. If your Saturn is already exhibiting issues a failed capacitor could be the culprit and is usually a good first step in the diagnosis and repair. All capacitors will be replaced on the mainboard, controller board (if applicable), CDROM and PSU with a cap kit from Console5 which I will provide for this service, included in the cost
Full Service Cleaning
After years of heavy use many consoles will exhibit accumulation of dirt, dust and debris and this can not only impact the aesthetic appearance of the system but dirty system components can impact component life and performance. Your console will be completely disassembled and cleaned from the inside out. All PCB and internal electrical components will have dust and debris removed via an electronic air compressor and then be cleaned with 99% isopropyl alcohol and brushed clean. Outer shell and other non-electronic components will be taken apart and soaked in a soap/water mixture and carefully scrubbed to remove stains and debris buildup. Any light markings, scuffs or other blemishes will be safely removed to the best of my ability. Once the console is re-assembled the outer shell will be given a coat of plastic UV protectant to restore shine and prevent UV damage
