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A 32-bit fifth-generation video game console that was first released by Sega on November 22, 1994 in Japan, May 11, 1995 in North America, and July 8, 1995 in Europe.

Not reading CDs / playing

Hi

I have a model 1 Saturn which I bought as untested. I found it would not read CDs or spin. I bought a new untested drive that spins but won't read CDs. Bought another drive which was advertised as fully working but still have the same issue.

I have also fitted a new laser but again same issue.

I am starting to think the issue is with the door lid open close switch. It seems to operate correctly I e. Spin when lid closed and stop when lid is opened. However the Saturn never displays drive door open or drive empty. I assume it should?

Anyone else have this issue and found a solution?

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Check the games for things like "holes" in the media - Saturn games are somewhat more liable to disc rot than, say, PlayStation games were in this period. If there are holes, the games are bad. Make sure you use the VA0, VA1 or VA2 and you've matched it up as they used 3 different lasers on these.

Because Saturn games are more prone to disc rot then other consoles of the era seem to be, I am going to propose an alternative solution: Given the console's age, consider using a modchip like the Phantom modchip (or the Pseaudo Saturn cart) and burn your games to high-quality CD-R blanks, such as NOS Japanese-made JVC Taiyo Yuden (this will be NOS, so what's left is left) or Falcon Media CD-Rs. Since these games are old and prone to deterioration, burning them to a good CD-R is the best way to circumvent the issues with these consoles. I don't necessarily condone piracy, but at some point (like, say, with a Sega Saturn), it's more okay to modchip it and pirate your games because it becomes a necessity with time due to early CDs having varying production quality, which causes issues. It's legally problematic to a degree, but it's also at the point where the games are abandonware anyway. Just don't sell pirated media, and you're kosher when it comes to abandonware.

If you want to play imports, rip the disc and run Saturn Region Patcher to modify the region - at least with the Phantom modchip, the region lock is still enforced.

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Thanks, I've tried a number of different CDs original games and audio CDs but none will read. I noticed there is no logo animation on boot up only the static screen logo then the cd player screen. There is no notification of door being open or not a recognisable disc. Discs will spin and carry on spinning but games won't boot or will not play audio CDs. I've used a few different laser units so don't think it's that unless am really unlucky with the lasers.

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