Just into my inbox, yet another enthusiastic communique from the long-derided SuperSega Team, who *still* claim that their FPGA project is viable. Bizarrely, they’re issuing press releases in newsletter form, and… well, let’s dissect this press release with the appropriate level of skepticism, shall we? Because frankly, this whole thing reads like a fever dream.
So, we’re told that the “SuperSega” team, the same folks who brought us the spectacularly failed “SuperSega” (remember, the one that got Sega Japan’s legal department all riled up, resulting in a mass destruction of units?), are back. This time, they’re promising a “cheaper” device. Yes, “cheaper,” as if that somehow absolves them of their previous debacle.
Here’s the gist: they’re ditching the expensive AMD Ultrascale+ chipset from their vaporware predecessor and opting for something “similar” to the MisterFPGA’s chip, coupled with an ARM core for Linux-powered emulation. They’re aiming for a €200-€250 price point. Which, let’s be honest, is still a hefty chunk of change for something that exists, at this point, purely as a press release.
“Through a partnership venture to be decided among a few known asian companies,” they say. Ah yes, the classic “we’re totally in talks with people, trust us” maneuver. No names, no specifics, just vague promises.
And then there’s the “open source” angle. “Coders or third parties may be able to reprogramm existing cores.” Translation: “We’re hoping someone else will do the heavy lifting for us.”
The always-changing SuperSega Team
Martin, whoever that is, has a particularly… interesting plan. “Some prototype units will be released worldwide, between 10 and 20 in order for popular youtubers can testify on their hands this new release, and then, after initial reviews launch via Kickstarter on a 1111 units basis batch limited edition, with a maximum of 3.333 units to be ever released.”
Right. So, they’re going to rely on YouTube hype, then launch a limited-edition Kickstarter. Because nothing screams “reliable product” like a limited run after a history of failed launches. And apparently, Martin has a thing for the number three. He even wants to sell his old taxi phone number for €333,000.
Is this an illuminati thing?
“That number were used by Alejandro to assist the people who were not able to recover the 375€ paid for the early version of original supersega scale+ never released series.” This is where the red flags really start waving. If you’re still owed money from the last SuperSega fiasco, you’re advised to contact Alejandro via WhatsApp on his “gold” phone number. Good luck with that.
Fernando from Argentina, representing the LATAM community, chimes in with, “Con buen precio, será más accessible entonces. Y lo mejor, si sigue con el nombre de SuperSega.” (“With a good price, it will be more accessible then. And the best, if it keeps the name SuperSega.”) Which is… optimistic, to say the least.
Unfulfillment department
And then there’s the question: “Will this supersega mini, or supercónsola mini, comes one day this year alive or is this an excuse from the Team who bring the supersega.com website 23 years ago?”
Frankly, at this point, I’d bet on the latter. We’ve seen this movie before. Vague promises, lofty goals, and a history of unfulfilled commitments. And the question that they pose to the public is “Provided more than 10 or 20 units be reviewed by popular youtubers, will you back through Kickstarter, a new supersega mini, with some emulation done for consoles like dreamcast, but open sourced with a cheaper arm fpga chipset along with cartdridge slot readers, optical unit and similar chassis, provided a target price of around 200-250€ so you’ll be able to run your own games or copies with fpga cores or emulation whatever they be released over in time?”
My answer? I’ll believe it when I see it. And even then, I’ll probably still be skeptical. This whole project reeks of vaporware, and until they can prove otherwise, I’m keeping my wallet firmly closed.
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Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.
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