SEGA 32X
SEGA's 32-bit add-on for the Genesis
- 1994Released
- 4thGeneration
- SEGADeveloper
SEGA 32X Specifications
- Processor
- 2 x Hitachi SH-2 (32-bit)
- Processor Speed
- 23 MHz
- RAM
- 256 KB
- Video RAM
- 256 KB (two frame buffers)
- Colours
- Up to 32,768 on screen
- Resolution
- 320 x 224 and 320 x 240 pixels
Overview
The SEGA 32X is an add-on for the SEGA Genesis, released in November 1994 in North America and shortly afterwards in Japan and Europe, where it was called the Super 32X and the Mega Drive 32X. It plugs into the Genesis cartridge slot and plays its own cartridges.
The 32X was designed to extend the life of the Genesis with 32-bit graphics at a low price. It adds two Hitachi SH-2 processors, the same family used in the SEGA Saturn, and its own frame buffers, which it overlays on the Genesis picture. This allowed 3D polygon graphics and up to 32,768 colours on screen. It could also be combined with the SEGA CD to play the handful of games made for both.
The add-on arrived at the same time as the Saturn launched in Japan, and players and developers were unsure which SEGA system to support. Only 40 games were released, six of them on CD, among them Virtua Racing Deluxe, Star Wars Arcade, Doom, Knuckles’ Chaotix and Virtua Fighter. SEGA dropped the 32X in 1996 after selling about 665,000 units.
The 32X is hard to emulate well, because the two SH-2 processors and the Genesis have to be kept in close step. PicoDrive has long been the most reliable choice and runs on almost any hardware. ares and Kega Fusion also play most 32X games.
Key Features
Genesis Add-On
Plugs into the Genesis cartridge slot and plays its own cartridges.
Twin SH-2 Chips
Two Hitachi SH-2 processors, the same family used in the Saturn.
3D Polygons
Allowed 3D polygon graphics and up to 32,768 colours on screen.
SEGA CD Combo
Could combine with the SEGA CD for games made for both.
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SEGA 32X Emulators
Which one to pick
Known forVery fast emulation of Sega's consoles, with dynamic recompilers for the 32X's processors.
Known forVery accurate Genesis emulation. Version 1.0.0 added the 32X and Sega CD.
Known forA multi-system emulator that puts accuracy and preservation first.
Known forA long-standing all-in-one emulator for Sega's consoles from the SG-1000 to the 32X.
In short
PicoDrive runs 32X games well even on weak hardware. BlastEm and ares are newer, accuracy-focused options. Kega Fusion is no longer developed and is kept here as an archive.
