for anyone that stumbles upon this in the future, the fenrir that i ordered from castlemania games actually came with an extra ribbon cable, i didnt know it came with one until it actually got delivered
I’ve had Fenrir for around 3 weeks now, and it’s handled everything I’ve thrown at it without a hitch ... and I’ve got near 100 games on my SD. Kudos to Ced and 8bitMods.
I have a mode for my Dreamcast and Saturn but I am so glad that there are more options available for people to use. The Saturn is overdue for this love.
After seeing this vid I feel better about my decision to buy the MODE, the interface is awesome, but getting out of the game back into the MODE menu can feel buggy at times and takes maybe 40 seconds to a minute, sometimes I have to reset the console to exit the game.
I just wanted to thank you for keeping all of us updated on this project. I know that I have been really excited about the release of Fenrir and checking your website daily for any updates.
I am using the Fenrir and am enjoying it very much. The setup was extremely easy. Like you most of the bugs I find keep getting fixed so this option will keep getting better with time. If you own the correct model of Saturn this is an excellent option.
Enjoying the options for the Sega Saturn. I wish my living room had the space for one but the console is bigger than its successor. But, I love collecting the controllers.
In regards to cd loading speed. You were likely using a perfectly clean and hardly used CD. Back in the days with kids and scratching and not taking care of stuff loading would go from just 1 second slower then a fenrir to maybe 10 seconds because it would have to read the disc over and over to get the data. So going to a SD card just eliminates this worry.
I've had one for about a week and have had alot of problems with it. Games load as music cd but then loads after reset. Sometimes it freezes on boot. Sometimes it loads to dash and not menu requiring multiple power cycles. Sometimes cutscenes work, sometimes they skip,etc. I've been told its a timing issue and they are working on firmware for it. Crossing my fingers it fixes these issues as its unusable for me right now.
bodine1231 I was having exactly the same issues with the images I have ripped by myself using several different ripping software. The only exception so far (for me) is ccd/img created with CloneCD. I know Redump images work fine but it doesn’t help people trying to prepare images by themselves.
@@yonom4609 I was using the same rips that I used on my Phoebie and they played fine. I'm in the process of aquiring the redumps but I'm hoping the firmware fixes it.
I've been having fairly similar results. Not sure what to do with it right now as it's basically freezing at a black screen after selecting any game to play. Doesn't matter if it's one I've ripped myself or one from redump. It's an old console though so maybe I'll try a new ribbon cable?
I feel like Sony consoles dont see a lot of these types of mods because of a mix of wide availability of systems (easy to play burned discs and there is no shortages of PS1's and PS2's for a long time to come. along with PS3 backwards compatibility) and I just never seem to see the same scale of hardcore enthusiasm for Playstation or Xbox retro systems as you see in Sega, Nintendo, Neo Geo or PC engine community's for example.
So you can purchase a Fenrir for $100 and a gdemu for less than that. Both will cost less than the price of one MODE unit, plus you don't have the inconvenience of swapping. Fenrir is supposed to be getting a 21 pin version as well, and I'm assuming game compatibility for both Fenrir and MODE will eventually be the same. However, if you want the entire game library on one storage unit and don't care about swapping between DC and Saturn, the MODE is the better bet as it can utilize sata hard drives. Last time I checked, a 512gb micro sd costs about the same as a 2tb sata mobile drive in the USA. Plus the MODE has a better looking menu if you care about that.
And MODE will have cover art menu support in addition to supporting multi-disc games. As far as the GDEMU goes, I HATED setting up the SD card for that thing. Having to hack an app and use numbered folders instead of TITLED folders was extremely annoying.
I'm assuming Fenrir will eventually add multi-disc support, as that appears to be the major compatibility issue at the moment. But yeah, GDEMU and Rhea/Phoebe suck as far as the rigid folder structure is concerned. I'll probably get a MODE plus a 2tb drive to permanently stick it in my dreamcast and never swap it.
@Pharacelcus Personally, I hated the RMenu more than the GDMenu. But I still found GDMenu to be a nuisance. The menu here reminds me of RMenu and I despised the loading to CD player then selecting launch application. Again those are personal preferences. I follow your thought process, but I agree that I much prefer a simple drag and drop solution that just works.
@Pharacelcus Not for me. My OCD didn't like having to use numbered folders instead of sorting by region or name. I also didn't like having to effectively 'trick' the GDEMU out of polling the SD card every time, which took a while depending on how many games you had on it. Lastly, having to unpack the game images, put cover art in them, and then repack them for cover art in the GUI was also a pain in the ass. I just have a prototype MODE, but it's so much better even right now that I tossed the GDEMU in the "outdated" bin of various console mod projects.
I have 2 VA0 Saturns. One is modded with a Phantom Universal for the CD-ROM. The other is collecting dust. I think it needs a MODE or Fenrir. I'm leaning towards the Fenrir because of the price and the fact that I don't need or want the entire console's library. Hmmmm
I buckled and ordered one, looking forward to it arriving. I'm gonna store my Saturn drive, but this thing is gonna solve so many problems. Here's hoping it gets some great long term support too. And that PS1 is next.
TerraOnion Mode looks amazing and will be what I use. Bob had a LOT of if’s to justify the Fenrir. Hopefully it will improve as time goes on. It just feels that it’s half baked to me and should have been priced at $80 bucks.
$60 and market it as a device for tinkerers. If people thought setting up Rhea/Phoebe is a PITA, this thing's caveats are going to cause even more issues.
My fenrir came 3 days after the launch since I paid for 3-day shipping. Kudos to UPS by the way. I have loved it since I installed it in my Saturn. I had problems with it working with my pseudo Saturn cartridge. Some games would start but only boot to a black screen. All I had to do was reflash my cartridge back to a stock Action Replay. After I did that everything works just fine. All in all I love this option for the Sega Saturn.
Hey Danny, I bought an Action Replay 4M and I'm having the black screen problem. I know it's that because the games boot fine without the cartridge. I'm not sure what to do, I don't wanna be removing and reinserting AR all the time.
Hello Hellbilly. If you flashed your cart yourself and still have the disc, then I would use the disc to go back to stock. With the Fenrir, we no longer need the pseudo saturn functionality. And you regain the memory storage function. Sorry it took so long to respond. I'm a truckdriver and I sleep when most people are playing their Saturns lol. If you have any other questions or problems I'd be happy to help however I can.
@@dannyblancett1445 Hi Danny. Awesome, keep on trucking! I passed my theory, but bombed on my practical, lost a lot of money. Bummer, always wanted to be a trucker. Now I got a live-in security gig, so I reckon I'll try again some other time. Still, I love trucks a lot and admire truckers. Never mind it took you long, which didn't, I'm just happy someone bothered replying! Okay, I'm new to the Saturn and bought everything as I ordered Fenrir. So I didn't flash the Action Replay or used it before that. I bought it because I know some games require either the 1MB or 4MB expansion in order for them to work or take advantage of it, such as Marvel vs SF. Also, the backup saves function, until I do an FRAM mod. So in other words, I didn't do anything to the AR Plus, is as it is out of the box, so Memory Function is still there and I'm more concerned to use as expansion cart for all games without having to take the AR Plus in or out all the time, as I heard that the cartridge port on the Saturn is very sensitive and can break in the long run. But as it is, I get the black screen while the cart is in. I had contacted 8bitmods before buying the cart and they told me that it was compatible. But when I boot MK Trilogy or MKII, for example, black screen, then I'm forced to remove the cart. I don't think Fenrir can replace the 4mb/1mb expansion functionality, so I will need it eventually for other games, right?
I’m also on the fence as to which one to get. I already have a GD EMU for my Dreamcast so I wouldn’t need MODE for it, just Saturn. Are there any notable differences between MODE and Fenrir for Saturn?
@@allenmitchell09 mode supports all Saturn revisions. Fenrir supports only the earliest model 1 20 pin Saturn's. And on some needs a different power supply to work. Mode supports disc switching, fenrir does not. Mode supports the full redump set, fenrir does not. Mode does not require special region settings, fenrir does. Plenty more differences but these are some highlights.
@@MobiusStripTech Where are you coming up with all these inaccuracies? I do get you want to push your product, but stop spreading rumours that are simply not true. Fenrir does NOT need a different power supply nd it does NOT require any region settings as it auto-patches the game's region. Jeez buddy. What else are you gonna come up with?
"...Any [loading speed] improvement at all is better than nothing." For casual play, absolutely. For speedrunners... not so much, paradoxically. The problem is that enhanced load times give an advantage over players who use discs or perfect-accuracy emulators. This is likely to be considered unfair, and would result in runs being disqualified or otherwise invalidated.
yes and no. I mean, speedrunners depending on how in good/bad shape is a laser lens...? There's only so much data these consoles can get at a given time, so an impediment by a bottleneck on Saturn's own hardware limitations is a yes in my book, faulty cd rom drive, definitely no.
Ordered myself a Saturn on eBay and I have my fingers crossed it's a model 1 lol It's a Japanese model with oval buttons so I should be good hopefully lol The Fenrir is the only ODE we can get at the moment. :I
Haha... I did the same! Got my model 1 Japanese Saturn on its way now. But since I didn't wanna risk the Fenrir going out of stock, I already ordered that as well, so I hope I'm not disappointed to find a 21-pin cable in my Saturn when it arrives.
I got mine today. The 3d printed bracket broke on my first attempt to attach it to the pcb. I was able to use what was left of it along with some electrical tape. Like yours, mine didn't seat properly in the system. Those issues aside, it's working well so far.
Was interested until I opened my model 1 Saturn, it's a VA2 and thus has a 21 pin ribbon cable, even counted the pins, it's 21, they should have done the version that more Saturn owners have, why they did 20 pin when few people own them boggles me, I'm just going to wait for the satiator or however it's spelt
the first 2 of 16 total Saturn revisions have 20 pin cables. My own model 1 uses 21 pin cables, so when you think about it, it's still a gamble just buying a model 1 Saturn.
Exactly, I already had this Saturn and oh, you don't have a very early board revision, too bad, a 21 pin version would have greater market reach because more people own model 2 Saturn's and half of model 1s use a 21 pin Cable
i know it's nit-picking ; if using MICRO-SD , why not make a drive that allows you to keep the original drive & have card slot on the interior side , with a micro switch for Disk/Card ? * there is space available ? maybe 3D print new drive support w card slot&Switch integrated ? * Saturn but also Dreamcast, GameCube, 3DO, NeoGeoCD, CD32 & (yeah)Jaguar ?
I waited for the pre-order window to open, snagged two for both my systems, and later re-read the description and I sad to find out my model 2's aren't compatible! 8bitmods was quick to refund, though.
The Terra Onion MODE seems like a better option. Is this cheaper? It’s unfortunate for the developers of the Fenrir and the Satiator who seem to have done some nice work, but that’s how the market works
The Fenrir is about 100 us dollars cheaper than the MODE. Although the MODE is promising a lot, it has not been released and tested out in the general public. I will say that it has my attention for putting one in my Dreamcast, but since my Saturn now has a Fenrir in it I am satisfied as far as that console is concerned.
Depends where you live, but for me it's just about half the price. Fenrir is £100, with free shipping from 8bitmods.com within the UK. The MODE would be £175 with shipping, and that's before any import duty (paid £47 extra on my SSDS3 and £55 extra on my MegaSD because of that). Compared to their previous ODEs, the MODE isn't worth the extra cost to me personally. Primarily waiting on the Satiator as that seems most convenient, but would also consider a Fenrir that supports Model 2 Saturns. Can see the appeal of the MODE, it probably is the biggest and best ODE for Saturn or Dreamcast but if there are other options that are plenty capable and cost less I'll be looking at them first.
This is right up my alley, and the price is decent. Unfortunately, I have a model 2 Saturn. Hopefully will see its support sometime in the near future. Looking forward to it.
As this is two years ago, you may well already be aware that there is now the Fenrir Duo (red in colour) that has both a 20 and 21 pin slot for the ribbon cable, which will therefore support the Model 2 Saturn like yours and mine. I've got one on pre-order that's expected sometime late October. Just downloading the Saturn library now, it's very large, so I'm going to be needing a 512gb SD card unless I cull the list of games (not necessarily a problem, as there's a load of bizarre Japanese games in the list). Anyway, just thought I'd let you know!
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This is awesome. This option should be made for every console with optical drive. I've got a wii that I soft modded. But I don't ever use the optical drive. Would be nice to see this coming to wii and ps1 and 2 too.(and others too)
Why? When it's soft modded it does everything an ODE does and more. I have an external hard drive with near compete Wii library and Game Cube with the option of running my original discs if I want to.
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@@darknero1681 I have only one game on disk so I won't be bothered to remove the optical drive to use a hdd/ssd or other storage device using the original connector from the optical drive. The connector is there so why not. It's a more cleaner solution than the external drive option and uses internal power instead of external setup. Btw external drive would still be optional if wanted. I think it would be possible but nobody has found a solution to it yet.
This looks interesting. I'm not sure what model my Saturn is. But it has a knackered drive laser anyway, so a ode is probably a better long term fix for it.
From the updates on the Patreon, it sounds like Satiator isn't too far away from finally shipping. Global events of course have slowed things down, but beta units shipped around Christmas, so that's a pretty good sign. I don't think there's any ETA yet but I'd be surprised if the first shipments of the final device don't start going out by the end of summer. Terraonion MODE looks really cool as well, with support for SATA hard drives and SSDs. Although it's twice the cost, it's got a nice-looking menu and works with all models of Saturn and Dreamcast. Of course it's still in the pre-order phase, so we'll probably be waiting until summer for that one, too.
I got my Saturn the first day it came out in the local gamestore. It still works incredibly, without issue, and especially after so much use. So, I'm thinking it should be a va0 version. Or are the va0 Saturns the Japanese Saturns?
What are the speeds on the rear input that the Satiator will use? I’m curious if it’s faster than the drive, and could therefore improve loading beyond a disc drive replacement like this.
I installed the Fenrir, put all the right things on the micro SD card, but still can't get past the BIOS screen into Fenrir. I replaced the ribbon cable with a new one but I still have the same problem.
Lol, sega is doing a mistake, not realising a saturn mini, people are starting to wake up to the ahead of its time concept with 3d and 2d co existing and collaberating and that the system is much more intresting then people give it credit for it kind of aged like good wine :-)
I paid for mine a few days ago from a trusted seller, who says it will be sent out in 2-3 weeks time. I have 2 consoles not sure which one to add it to though one is my original 22 year old console that hasn't been used in near 20 years (but tested and works) the other is one I bought online with region mod switches (and other ones) I might just modchip my original as I know that had little use.
I got excited until you said it's only compatible with 20 pin drives...I own one of the Model 1 Saturns with a JVC drive. This is the perfect price to compete with the MODE. For now, I'll keep rocking the Phantom Universal until they make an adapter, or I cave and buy the MODE. Nice Laser Bear shirt, btw!
I love sega saturn!!! I remember Torico (Lunacy in the USA). What a feeling, what a great game! Os that game supported by Fenir? I think it was a 2 disc game.
@@ShelfWarmer I'm referring to the 20 Pin models only, sorry should of been more clear. I know the Vicotor and Hitatchi systems have a modified bios so curious if the Fenrir will work with those systems as I have a 20 Pin V-Sautrn
I'm using a Fenrir and my original power supply overheats the main board after extended play, manifests as weird glitches when loading games, swapping regions etc. Don't have the skills\time to recap so a psu replacement is definitely needed in my situation. Until then playing with the case open helps with heat dissipation and no issues with the Fenrir when that's done. I suspect some of the bugs people are reporting could be down to heat issues with these older Saturns.
Is there anyone that has a list of HST model numbers that are compatible with this (20 pin)? I've been searching everywhere and initially I thought I was okay with any console with oval power/reset (Model 1). I just bought a Japanese grey HST 3210 Model 1 and I'm afraid it might actually be a 21 pin once it comes in from ebay.
Only the first two revisions out of the 16 Sega made have the 20 pin CD Rom Drive, the other 14 are all 21 Pin. And that includes plenty of Model 1 Saturns.
Is there any solution or alternative to Fenrir that ommits load times altogether?.. like an emulator maybe or something that cuts the load times or reduce them?.. thnks!
Buggy, expensive, doesn't work as well as the two other solutions. I can't see how this is a relative thing.. it's just not ready yet and that's what should be said.
Seems unready for primetime. Not sure why this review seems so glowing, given the limitations of the device. Crazy you have to go to the system (spaceship) menu after selecting a game!
@@RetroRGB I get that is a required step to make it work, I'm saying it's poor UX. That's just one of the drawbacks you called out. From the available information, this device needs a lot of work still. I'm glad there's another option, but I don't see this moving the needle: Not as functional or mature as the Rhea/Phoebe (granted a lot of people can't acquire them) Not as slick as MODE Not as easy as Satiator (assuming it really comes out) I don't think it's really cheap enough to justify the tradeoffs. All things being equal, I'm curious what the Saturn ODE landscape looks like in say October of this year.
for anyone that stumbles upon this in the future, the fenrir that i ordered from castlemania games actually came with an extra ribbon cable, i didnt know it came with one until it actually got delivered
I’ve had Fenrir for around 3 weeks now, and it’s handled everything I’ve thrown at it without a hitch ... and I’ve got near 100 games on my SD. Kudos to Ced and 8bitMods.
The "reload SD card" feature is something the PSIO team could take note of, it would speed up boot times.
Really good camera work filming these systems. I'm always impressed at your lighting and setup.
Thanks dude!
I'm so glad they finally made a sega saturn optical disc emulator solution that is reasonably priced. I can't believe i just noticed this.
I have a mode for my Dreamcast and Saturn but I am so glad that there are more options available for people to use.
The Saturn is overdue for this love.
After seeing this vid I feel better about my decision to buy the MODE, the interface is awesome, but getting out of the game back into the MODE menu can feel buggy at times and takes maybe 40 seconds to a minute, sometimes I have to reset the console to exit the game.
Nice to see some other ODE options for the Saturn. This seems like a solid option.
Just got my 21 pin Fenrir ordered from @CastlemaniaGames, looking forward to playing around with it.
Long live the Sega Saturn
My Fenrir is scheduled for delivery today! I Can't wait to get it installed!!!
I just wanted to thank you for keeping all of us updated on this project. I know that I have been really excited about the release of Fenrir and checking your website daily for any updates.
It's great to see all these option. My personal choice continues to be TO MODE tough
Till you get dinged by those ridiculous import taxes.
I have a GDEMU (an official version) and I'm thinking of switching to MODE for my dreamcast and saturn.
Great video...this actually swayed me into getting one for my Saturn....very informative, thank you!!!
I am using the Fenrir and am enjoying it very much. The setup was extremely easy. Like you most of the bugs I find keep getting fixed so this option will keep getting better with time. If you own the correct model of Saturn this is an excellent option.
analogkid281 which version of saturn exactly is compatible ? i ordered it but i am unsure that it would work on my model 2...
How does it work with games that are two disc
Enjoying the options for the Sega Saturn. I wish my living room had the space for one but the console is bigger than its successor. But, I love collecting the controllers.
bigger ??!! come on .. it's not a Cadillac ... it's not that big !
I don't have a model 1, only a model 2, but this is still neat. I'm waiting for the Satiator still.
any info on the price?
Just got mine from 8bitmods. Made a video being excited for this! Love this thing! I installed it with a Gray Japanese Saturn HST-3200 model.
In regards to cd loading speed. You were likely using a perfectly clean and hardly used CD. Back in the days with kids and scratching and not taking care of stuff loading would go from just 1 second slower then a fenrir to maybe 10 seconds because it would have to read the disc over and over to get the data. So going to a SD card just eliminates this worry.
I've had one for about a week and have had alot of problems with it. Games load as music cd but then loads after reset. Sometimes it freezes on boot. Sometimes it loads to dash and not menu requiring multiple power cycles. Sometimes cutscenes work, sometimes they skip,etc. I've been told its a timing issue and they are working on firmware for it. Crossing my fingers it fixes these issues as its unusable for me right now.
Wow, I haven't had any of those issues. Maybe your ribbon cable is bad?
@@RetroRGB I've cleaned it pretty well but ordered another just incase.
bodine1231 I was having exactly the same issues with the images I have ripped by myself using several different ripping software. The only exception so far (for me) is ccd/img created with CloneCD. I know Redump images work fine but it doesn’t help people trying to prepare images by themselves.
@@yonom4609 I was using the same rips that I used on my Phoebie and they played fine. I'm in the process of aquiring the redumps but I'm hoping the firmware fixes it.
I've been having fairly similar results. Not sure what to do with it right now as it's basically freezing at a black screen after selecting any game to play. Doesn't matter if it's one I've ripped myself or one from redump. It's an old console though so maybe I'll try a new ribbon cable?
I got my Rhea a few years back and haven't looked back.
I wish one just like this one for my Play Station
Ragin’ Cajun yes, I prefer how Dreamcast one is mounted
@Ragin’ Cajun I'd settle for a Analogue solution for it to be honest.
The main reason for this is because emulation on the Saturn has never been 100%. Emulation on the PS1 is pretty much done for.
I feel like Sony consoles dont see a lot of these types of mods because of a mix of wide availability of systems (easy to play burned discs and there is no shortages of PS1's and PS2's for a long time to come. along with PS3 backwards compatibility) and I just never seem to see the same scale of hardcore enthusiasm for Playstation or Xbox retro systems as you see in Sega, Nintendo, Neo Geo or PC engine community's for example.
@Ragin’ Cajun PSIO... With the draconian drm...
So you can purchase a Fenrir for $100 and a gdemu for less than that. Both will cost less than the price of one MODE unit, plus you don't have the inconvenience of swapping. Fenrir is supposed to be getting a 21 pin version as well, and I'm assuming game compatibility for both Fenrir and MODE will eventually be the same. However, if you want the entire game library on one storage unit and don't care about swapping between DC and Saturn, the MODE is the better bet as it can utilize sata hard drives. Last time I checked, a 512gb micro sd costs about the same as a 2tb sata mobile drive in the USA. Plus the MODE has a better looking menu if you care about that.
And MODE will have cover art menu support in addition to supporting multi-disc games. As far as the GDEMU goes, I HATED setting up the SD card for that thing. Having to hack an app and use numbered folders instead of TITLED folders was extremely annoying.
I'm assuming Fenrir will eventually add multi-disc support, as that appears to be the major compatibility issue at the moment. But yeah, GDEMU and Rhea/Phoebe suck as far as the rigid folder structure is concerned. I'll probably get a MODE plus a 2tb drive to permanently stick it in my dreamcast and never swap it.
And the GDEMU clone is not supported in anyway, so you will never get bug fixes, like the game breaking RE: CV bug.
@Pharacelcus Personally, I hated the RMenu more than the GDMenu. But I still found GDMenu to be a nuisance. The menu here reminds me of RMenu and I despised the loading to CD player then selecting launch application. Again those are personal preferences. I follow your thought process, but I agree that I much prefer a simple drag and drop solution that just works.
@Pharacelcus Not for me. My OCD didn't like having to use numbered folders instead of sorting by region or name. I also didn't like having to effectively 'trick' the GDEMU out of polling the SD card every time, which took a while depending on how many games you had on it. Lastly, having to unpack the game images, put cover art in them, and then repack them for cover art in the GUI was also a pain in the ass. I just have a prototype MODE, but it's so much better even right now that I tossed the GDEMU in the "outdated" bin of various console mod projects.
I have 2 VA0 Saturns. One is modded with a Phantom Universal for the CD-ROM. The other is collecting dust. I think it needs a MODE or Fenrir. I'm leaning towards the Fenrir because of the price and the fact that I don't need or want the entire console's library. Hmmmm
I buckled and ordered one, looking forward to it arriving. I'm gonna store my Saturn drive, but this thing is gonna solve so many problems. Here's hoping it gets some great long term support too. And that PS1 is next.
TerraOnion Mode looks amazing and will be what I use. Bob had a LOT of if’s to justify the Fenrir. Hopefully it will improve as time goes on. It just feels that it’s half baked to me and should have been priced at $80 bucks.
$60 and market it as a device for tinkerers. If people thought setting up Rhea/Phoebe is a PITA, this thing's caveats are going to cause even more issues.
Would you need to buy the ram carts? I have a pseudo Kai... Can I just insert the cart after selecting X-Men vs Street Fighter from the Fenrir menu?
They DO work with Fenrir now. More info: www.retrorgb.com/pseudo-saturn-kai-update-released.html
I love mine. Ordered Sunday and had it in hand by Wednesday. UK to US.
My fenrir came 3 days after the launch since I paid for 3-day shipping. Kudos to UPS by the way. I have loved it since I installed it in my Saturn. I had problems with it working with my pseudo Saturn cartridge. Some games would start but only boot to a black screen. All I had to do was reflash my cartridge back to a stock Action Replay. After I did that everything works just fine. All in all I love this option for the Sega Saturn.
Hey Danny, I bought an Action Replay 4M and I'm having the black screen problem. I know it's that because the games boot fine without the cartridge. I'm not sure what to do, I don't wanna be removing and reinserting AR all the time.
I had that issue myself, updated the firmware on Fenrir and now I get the black screen whether I have the action replay inserted or not. Disappointed.
Hello Hellbilly. If you flashed your cart yourself and still have the disc, then I would use the disc to go back to stock. With the Fenrir, we no longer need the pseudo saturn functionality. And you regain the memory storage function. Sorry it took so long to respond. I'm a truckdriver and I sleep when most people are playing their Saturns lol. If you have any other questions or problems I'd be happy to help however I can.
If it makes any difference, my version of the Action Replay 4M is the one with the serial port at the top of the cartridge. I bought it 17years ago.
@@dannyblancett1445 Hi Danny. Awesome, keep on trucking! I passed my theory, but bombed on my practical, lost a lot of money. Bummer, always wanted to be a trucker. Now I got a live-in security gig, so I reckon I'll try again some other time. Still, I love trucks a lot and admire truckers. Never mind it took you long, which didn't, I'm just happy someone bothered replying!
Okay, I'm new to the Saturn and bought everything as I ordered Fenrir. So I didn't flash the Action Replay or used it before that. I bought it because I know some games require either the 1MB or 4MB expansion in order for them to work or take advantage of it, such as Marvel vs SF. Also, the backup saves function, until I do an FRAM mod. So in other words, I didn't do anything to the AR Plus, is as it is out of the box, so Memory Function is still there and I'm more concerned to use as expansion cart for all games without having to take the AR Plus in or out all the time, as I heard that the cartridge port on the Saturn is very sensitive and can break in the long run. But as it is, I get the black screen while the cart is in. I had contacted 8bitmods before buying the cart and they told me that it was compatible. But when I boot MK Trilogy or MKII, for example, black screen, then I'm forced to remove the cart. I don't think Fenrir can replace the 4mb/1mb expansion functionality, so I will need it eventually for other games, right?
I’m waiting for the Taraonion MODE.
But more options is always good.
I think this a great way to think about this!
I’m also on the fence as to which one to get. I already have a GD EMU for my Dreamcast so I wouldn’t need MODE for it, just Saturn. Are there any notable differences between MODE and Fenrir for Saturn?
So I ran across this that answered a bunch of questions. www.google.com/amp/s/amp.reddit.com/r/SegaSaturn/comments/gdzff8/fenrir_or_mode/
@@allenmitchell09 mode supports all Saturn revisions. Fenrir supports only the earliest model 1 20 pin Saturn's. And on some needs a different power supply to work. Mode supports disc switching, fenrir does not. Mode supports the full redump set, fenrir does not. Mode does not require special region settings, fenrir does. Plenty more differences but these are some highlights.
@@MobiusStripTech Where are you coming up with all these inaccuracies? I do get you want to push your product, but stop spreading rumours that are simply not true. Fenrir does NOT need a different power supply nd it does NOT require any region settings as it auto-patches the game's region. Jeez buddy. What else are you gonna come up with?
I should be getting mine this week, can't wait. Hopefully they will keep developing the firmware.
"...Any [loading speed] improvement at all is better than nothing."
For casual play, absolutely.
For speedrunners... not so much, paradoxically. The problem is that enhanced load times give an advantage over players who use discs or perfect-accuracy emulators. This is likely to be considered unfair, and would result in runs being disqualified or otherwise invalidated.
yes and no. I mean, speedrunners depending on how in good/bad shape is a laser lens...? There's only so much data these consoles can get at a given time, so an impediment by a bottleneck on Saturn's own hardware limitations is a yes in my book, faulty cd rom drive, definitely no.
Ordered myself a Saturn on eBay and I have my fingers crossed it's a model 1 lol It's a Japanese model with oval buttons so I should be good hopefully lol The Fenrir is the only ODE we can get at the moment. :I
Haha... I did the same! Got my model 1 Japanese Saturn on its way now. But since I didn't wanna risk the Fenrir going out of stock, I already ordered that as well, so I hope I'm not disappointed to find a 21-pin cable in my Saturn when it arrives.
my heart aches for the lack of love for model 2.. and no i dont wanna go through the silly process of getting a phoebe .. lets go satiator!
I have a 21 pin Saturn. I just pre-ordered the 21 pin version.
I got mine today. The 3d printed bracket broke on my first attempt to attach it to the pcb. I was able to use what was left of it along with some electrical tape. Like yours, mine didn't seat properly in the system. Those issues aside, it's working well so far.
Was interested until I opened my model 1 Saturn, it's a VA2 and thus has a 21 pin ribbon cable, even counted the pins, it's 21, they should have done the version that more Saturn owners have, why they did 20 pin when few people own them boggles me, I'm just going to wait for the satiator or however it's spelt
the first 2 of 16 total Saturn revisions have 20 pin cables. My own model 1 uses 21 pin cables, so when you think about it, it's still a gamble just buying a model 1 Saturn.
Exactly, I already had this Saturn and oh, you don't have a very early board revision, too bad, a 21 pin version would have greater market reach because more people own model 2 Saturn's and half of model 1s use a 21 pin Cable
i know it's nit-picking ; if using MICRO-SD , why not make a drive that allows you to keep the original drive
& have card slot on the interior side , with a micro switch for Disk/Card ?
* there is space available ? maybe 3D print new drive support w card slot&Switch integrated ? *
Saturn but also Dreamcast, GameCube, 3DO, NeoGeoCD, CD32 & (yeah)Jaguar ?
That's actually a great idea.
I waited for the pre-order window to open, snagged two for both my systems, and later re-read the description and I sad to find out my model 2's aren't compatible! 8bitmods was quick to refund, though.
Axel Lim you can sell your model 2 and buy model 1 . because these ode's ca. get very expensive in the future
i'm waiting and hoping for the Satiator. if i could get around to buying a second saturn, i would give this a shot.
The Terra Onion MODE seems like a better option. Is this cheaper? It’s unfortunate for the developers of the Fenrir and the Satiator who seem to have done some nice work,
but that’s how the market works
At the moment, it's about half the price of the MODE.
The Fenrir is about 100 us dollars cheaper than the MODE. Although the MODE is promising a lot, it has not been released and tested out in the general public. I will say that it has my attention for putting one in my Dreamcast, but since my Saturn now has a Fenrir in it I am satisfied as far as that console is concerned.
Depends where you live, but for me it's just about half the price. Fenrir is £100, with free shipping from 8bitmods.com within the UK. The MODE would be £175 with shipping, and that's before any import duty (paid £47 extra on my SSDS3 and £55 extra on my MegaSD because of that).
Compared to their previous ODEs, the MODE isn't worth the extra cost to me personally. Primarily waiting on the Satiator as that seems most convenient, but would also consider a Fenrir that supports Model 2 Saturns. Can see the appeal of the MODE, it probably is the biggest and best ODE for Saturn or Dreamcast but if there are other options that are plenty capable and cost less I'll be looking at them first.
this I can afford can't wait!
I wish I could. I can't afford to look at it.
Saludos cordiales desde Michoacán México viva sega
Excelente calidad
This is right up my alley, and the price is decent. Unfortunately, I have a model 2 Saturn. Hopefully will see its support sometime in the near future. Looking forward to it.
As this is two years ago, you may well already be aware that there is now the Fenrir Duo (red in colour) that has both a 20 and 21 pin slot for the ribbon cable, which will therefore support the Model 2 Saturn like yours and mine. I've got one on pre-order that's expected sometime late October. Just downloading the Saturn library now, it's very large, so I'm going to be needing a 512gb SD card unless I cull the list of games (not necessarily a problem, as there's a load of bizarre Japanese games in the list).
Anyway, just thought I'd let you know!
This is awesome. This option should be made for every console with optical drive. I've got a wii that I soft modded. But I don't ever use the optical drive. Would be nice to see this coming to wii and ps1 and 2 too.(and others too)
Why? When it's soft modded it does everything an ODE does and more. I have an external hard drive with near compete Wii library and Game Cube with the option of running my original discs if I want to.
@@darknero1681 I have only one game on disk so I won't be bothered to remove the optical drive to use a hdd/ssd or other storage device using the original connector from the optical drive. The connector is there so why not. It's a more cleaner solution than the external drive option and uses internal power instead of external setup. Btw external drive would still be optional if wanted. I think it would be possible but nobody has found a solution to it yet.
This looks interesting. I'm not sure what model my Saturn is. But it has a knackered drive laser anyway, so a ode is probably a better long term fix for it.
fenrir and in few weeks MODE....
Wow : it's never been as easy as this time to use ISO on real hardware ....
and then sometime in the future satiator the one where you dont gotta remove the diskdrive
Now the professor came out with satiator is pricey
*sped up - now is my life motto.
You are the best
Awesome product, yet, should we wait for the satiator? What do you think?
If your CDROM drive is working properly and you want to use original discs, yes. If not, get an ODE.
From the updates on the Patreon, it sounds like Satiator isn't too far away from finally shipping. Global events of course have slowed things down, but beta units shipped around Christmas, so that's a pretty good sign. I don't think there's any ETA yet but I'd be surprised if the first shipments of the final device don't start going out by the end of summer.
Terraonion MODE looks really cool as well, with support for SATA hard drives and SSDs. Although it's twice the cost, it's got a nice-looking menu and works with all models of Saturn and Dreamcast. Of course it's still in the pre-order phase, so we'll probably be waiting until summer for that one, too.
I got my Saturn the first day it came out in the local gamestore.
It still works incredibly, without issue, and especially after so much use.
So, I'm thinking it should be a va0 version. Or are the va0 Saturns the Japanese Saturns?
What are the speeds on the rear input that the Satiator will use? I’m curious if it’s faster than the drive, and could therefore improve loading beyond a disc drive replacement like this.
It's the kinda thing I'd buy right now as my Saturn is compatible.
But I don't have the money so that kills it x)
I installed the Fenrir, put all the right things on the micro SD card, but still can't get past the BIOS screen into Fenrir. I replaced the ribbon cable with a new one but I still have the same problem.
Where can I see the different 20 or 21 pin? Regards from Germany Björn PS: Your english is very good.
Lol, sega is doing a mistake, not realising a saturn mini, people are starting to wake up to the ahead of its time concept with 3d and 2d co existing and collaberating and that the system is much more intresting then people give it credit for it kind of aged like good wine :-)
I wonder if they'll ever solve the multi-disc issue.
I paid for mine a few days ago from a trusted seller, who says it will be sent out in 2-3 weeks time. I have 2 consoles not sure which one to add it to though one is my original 22 year old console that hasn't been used in near 20 years (but tested and works) the other is one I bought online with region mod switches (and other ones) I might just modchip my original as I know that had little use.
I got excited until you said it's only compatible with 20 pin drives...I own one of the Model 1 Saturns with a JVC drive. This is the perfect price to compete with the MODE. For now, I'll keep rocking the Phantom Universal until they make an adapter, or I cave and buy the MODE. Nice Laser Bear shirt, btw!
How have I not heard of 8bitmods.com yet ?
1:59 my favorite track from nights 😆
I bought MODE, 2 in 1 😁
more expensive than 2 separate ode and you can only use it on one console at a time
I love sega saturn!!! I remember Torico (Lunacy in the USA). What a feeling, what a great game! Os that game supported by Fenir? I think it was a 2 disc game.
Will this also replace the mod chip I installed? Or will I still need it for backups?
This will replace the mod chip; You should remove that completely.
@@RetroRGB excellent. Thanks for the reply and showing us this project. I just pre-ordered.
Is there any option to use the menu interface with only a light gun?
I wonder if i have a bummed edition.. it never says start application on my saturn.... any ideas ?
Are subdirectories (folders) still not supported on the SD card setup?
disc rot and dying lasers and slower loading times, that was the issue with the disc based consoles.
Really? Not ONE comment about how this guy's running Virtua Fighter 3 on his Saturn?! XD
Pretty sure that's Virtua Fighter 2...
@@AceTrainerX3 At 2:20 one of the folders listed is Virtua Fighter 3, tho he only Virtua Fighter he actually runs is 2 =)
Anyone know where the music at 1:58 is from?
Edit: nevermind, it's "The Mantle" from NiGHTS into Dreams...
Any word if these will work on the V-Saturn or Hi Saturn ?
there were early and later 20/21 pin versions of those too, so same answer applies, on early systems
@@ShelfWarmer I'm referring to the 20 Pin models only, sorry should of been more clear. I know the Vicotor and Hitatchi systems have a modified bios so curious if the Fenrir will work with those systems as I have a 20 Pin V-Sautrn
How do I know if I have the correct saturn to use the Fenrir?
hi. with this mod kit do not need to worry about the gaming region? does it work with any region? thank you
Correct, it will work with all Saturn's from any region with a 20-pin connector and it will play all region games.
@@RetroRGB thanks for your help!
2:39 So is the Fenrir actually region free?
Wouldn't a regionless/switch mod be pointless while using the Fenrir?
Yeah, the Fenrir is basically region free. The option is just there if you're installing it in a modded Saturn.
Do you have a link to the 21 pin cable for the UK?
Any idea how long the firmware update is supposed to take? It feels like hanging on a black screen for 5+ minutes isn't right.
Update: I had the ribbon cable upside down and feel dumb now. Disregard this.
Whatever happened to that guy who cracked Saturn security and was going to produce an add on card for MPEG slot?
what about chaning the PSU ??! Is it necessary like with the dreamcast?
Saturn does not have the issue with the PSU the Dreamcast did.
I never recommend changing PSU's. Usually recapping the original is a better fix than ANY aftermartket.
I'm using a Fenrir and my original power supply overheats the main board after extended play, manifests as weird glitches when loading games, swapping regions etc. Don't have the skills\time to recap so a psu replacement is definitely needed in my situation. Until then playing with the case open helps with heat dissipation and no issues with the Fenrir when that's done. I suspect some of the bugs people are reporting could be down to heat issues with these older Saturns.
@@optimusuk so does the fenrir unit draw more power than a orignal cd drive then ?!!
Did they make one of these for the Japanese model 2 white console? That's what I have.
Yep, they released a 21 pin version awhile back, which should work on all Model 2s.
Are the games BIN+CUE supported or iso? Sorry if I missed that
Yes, but it's recommended you use the redump set.
@@RetroRGB Sorry can you explain that further? I've ripped all my retail games to BIN+CUE will they work?
Is it possible to use fenrir and keep having a working cd at the same time?
look for the saturn switcher -- requires some extra installation, including 1 wire to solder: ua-cam.com/video/P2Be19xJGtw/v-deo.html
5:46 laughs in FRAM
While it's great to see another Saturn ODE, that compatibility list is an absolute deal breaker for me. I'll be opting for the Terraonion MODE instead
It's not nearly complete. I tested a ton of games that aren't on the list that work just fine.
If I wanted to buy a Saturn and this device, which model should I buy, 1 or 2? I live in the UK 🇬🇧
Buy model 1 has better picture from what I heard
Going with MODE, but cheaper options are always good.
Still waiting for my order. No tracking in Canada
What games are multi-disc that don't allow saves prior to a disc swap?
From the compatibility list they have published, it affects a lot of games.
@@MobiusStripTech ah give it time. I just wasn't aware of disc swaps for Saturn where you can't save prior to disc swap
I need to get a model 1 Saturn ugh. I only have model 2s.
I wonder if I should be getting a US or Japanese Saturn for this?
Depends on which color or model you like.
Is there anyone that has a list of HST model numbers that are compatible with this (20 pin)? I've been searching everywhere and initially I thought I was okay with any console with oval power/reset (Model 1). I just bought a Japanese grey HST 3210 Model 1 and I'm afraid it might actually be a 21 pin once it comes in from ebay.
evilboris.sonic-cult.net/saturn/
Only the first two revisions out of the 16 Sega made have the 20 pin CD Rom Drive, the other 14 are all 21 Pin. And that includes plenty of Model 1 Saturns.
To bad it's only for earlier revision Saturns :( Terraonion MODE is the option for me then (have multiple Saturns all above VA1).
The link is broken, is there a listing for this on ebay?
shop.fenrir-ode.fr/
Is there any solution or alternative to Fenrir that ommits load times altogether?.. like an emulator maybe or something that cuts the load times or reduce them?.. thnks!
whats the song playing, it sounds so familiar is it from virtua fighter ?
I have a Fenrir I dont need, if any1 wants one.
Buggy, expensive, doesn't work as well as the two other solutions. I can't see how this is a relative thing.. it's just not ready yet and that's what should be said.
The hardware ia very simple! Is a ESP32 WROOM. But, the real core is the firmware!
It's just an ESP32 lol
Seems unready for primetime. Not sure why this review seems so glowing, given the limitations of the device. Crazy you have to go to the system (spaceship) menu after selecting a game!
Going to the menu after selecting the game is what allows Action Replay to work, as well as some other features. Nothing "crazy" about it.
@@RetroRGB I get that is a required step to make it work, I'm saying it's poor UX. That's just one of the drawbacks you called out.
From the available information, this device needs a lot of work still. I'm glad there's another option, but I don't see this moving the needle:
Not as functional or mature as the Rhea/Phoebe (granted a lot of people can't acquire them)
Not as slick as MODE
Not as easy as Satiator (assuming it really comes out)
I don't think it's really cheap enough to justify the tradeoffs. All things being equal, I'm curious what the Saturn ODE landscape looks like in say October of this year.
Anyone know which SD cards are supported?
All the ones I tried on it worked: www.amazon.com/shop/retrorgb?listId=2ZTMQP0SZ7GRK
@@RetroRGB Thank you.
Hmm. It should be possible to use the SD card for save data. That seems like a huge missed opportunity.