Hmmmmm... Well, it's a little too late to be in a position where you RRRREALLY want this thing. The 32-bit generation sure is over, definitely. But rest assured, the "retro-appeal" has got to have SOMEthing to say about the lowly Sega 32X, the 32-bit upgrade add-on for the Sega Genesis.


Well, there's no long story here. The 32X was released in 1995, right around the time that Sega was ready to unleash their much anticipated Sega Saturn, their raging secret project that promised to change the face of home video game consoles as we knew it. Well, we're not here to diss the Saturn, God rest it's soul, because it WAS great. The thing is is that the Sega Saturn was quite pricey. Well over $400 if you can believe that. And Sega knew that with this kind of much wanted technology only being available to people with huge bags of money, they needed something to sell on the side that was very affordable, and brought more campaign strength and spotlight to the already 8-year-old Sega Genesis/Megadrive system. The 32X was a very small and sleek add-on that was sold at $159.99, and was meant to plug into the cartridge slot of the Genesis, now turning your Genesis into a 32-bit beast!

Inside the 32X are two Hitachi 32-bit RISC processors that even though run on the pathetic 68000 Motorolla processor at the heart of the Genesis, actually boasts a somewhat impressive 32,000 polygons per second while still allowing Genesis carts to go right in the same slot as 32X carts. This means that once your Genesis 32X is in place, you would never have to remove it to play Genesis games.

BUILT TO LAST?: The 32X doesn't just go in like a cartridge. In finding a 32X for purchase, it's very helpful to get either a brand new one, or as new a one as possible. Every 32X system must come with the unit, the 2 electro-magnetic plates that are positioned in the Genesis cartridge slot which deflect any possible radio frequency interference, a synchronizing cord that connects from the 32X unit to the Genesis 2 (an additional adapter cord to connect to the Genesis 1), an A/V cable to connect to the 32X, and an additional AC adapter to power the 32X. Some of these contents are not easy to find anywhere which include the 32X to Genesis sync-cord and especially the magnetic plates.
If the plates you receive are bent or warped, it's alright. In fact, I discovered that they're not even necessary to use the 32X. But when using an RF adapter, radio frequency disturbance can occur, in which case you'll be glad you have them (perhaps some tin foil could even be used in replacement???). The 32X unit itself is nice and sturdy. But take care of the little guy.

32,000? THAT'S MUCH LESS THAN PLAYSTATION OR SATURN. ARE THE GRAPHICS ON THIS THING ANY GOOD?: Well, the 32X's game library didn't pump out the most graphically amazing games on the planet. But it can actually do great things. It was just never given the chance. It's strongest titles are definitely right smack from SEGA. Virtua Fighter was an absolutely perfect translation from the Saturn version (although just a touch slower), Virtua Racing Deluxe was definitely a impressive polygonal game for 32X as well, and by far, Shadow Squadron is the best looking game that was ever released for 32X. It's a completely original 32X exclusive and is an arcade style polygonal dogfighter that takes place in outer space against a humongous clan of enemy starfighters, ships, battle stations, etc. If any of us EVER saw The Last Starfighter and wanted to own that video game that Alex Rogan played by the shop, this 32X sleeper hit is everything that game was but better! Lots of incredible graphics and perfect control. Let's just say a 6-button control pad is a must.

TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE GAMES. ANYTHING ELSE?: Well, as far as sports go, it was pretty pathetic. Although punching out some good titles like World Series Baseball, FIFA soccer, and ......hmmm, that's it. Heehee! There was a tremendously bad boxing game (Toughman Contest), and Virtua Racing was considered a sports game. But these games were just the same game that was on every other system with only slightly better graphics. OH!!! I almost forgot. Fred Couples 36 Great Holes. Yes. Great golf game. This was that 32X exclusive that had some incredible use of the system's vast color pallete with rich photo realistic backgrounds and CG-rendered players that utilized actual tru-motion captures of real game actors. And Fred's actual voice and face greeted you at the beginning. And overall, it was a great game. Yeah.

Well, Sega also focused somewhat on getting arcade games on this thing. And we can't forget that 32X had the best Mortal Kombat 2, T-mek, Primal Rage, WF Wrestling. It gave it's owners the best available versions of home-arcade translations (when compared to 16-bit systems, that is.).

I'M A BIG SONIC FAN. TELL ME SONIC MADE A GAME!: No! He didn't! It was pretty stupid, I know. Especially, when I read time after time again about an upcoming 32X Sonic exclusive. I even saw pics from it! But whatever it was, it was scrapped, and in it's place, the only Sonic-related game that graced the 32X was Knuckles's own adventure entitled Knucles Chaotix. It was a decent game. Lots of really colorful levels, the most amazing bonus levels I've ever seen done on a Genesis system before, but it was rather lackluster overall. Find a review for it on the web. I'll bet it won't be good.


IT SEEMS LIKE THE 32X AND SEGA CD COULD'VE JOINED TOGETHER TO MAKE SOME GREAT CD GAMES FOR 32X TOO: Man, when you're right you're right. They really should have. The 32X was capable of crisp full motion video as nice as PS1 and Saturn, the polygonal power might have been utilized in making some really original or perhaps zany RPG's, but SEGA made absolutely no new or original CD games for 32X at all. At the very least, recycling old Sega CD games with slightly better video quality. Collectable, maybe. But nothing to jump up for in the least.


WELL, 32X HAD SOME GREAT GAMES. DID IT PIONEER ANYTHING ELSE BESIDES BETTER GAMES? A DANCE PAD? SOME LIGHT GUN? 3-D GLASSES?: No, this isn't a Sega Master. The 32X just gave Genesis owners a 32-bit upgrade while they saved up money for a high-end system. It's just too bad that most of 32X's games were just ports of regular old Genesis games. Sometimes with practically nothing new or changed at all, despite maybe a 32-bit'ish introduction or something. It was really dissapointing.

WELL, WHERE AM I GOING TO GET ONE?: Huh! Beats me. Good luck. Heehee.



















Naw, seriously, you may come across one at any number of used game stores (vintage stores at this point in time), or you'll inevitably have to search online for a good deal. EBAY is not a bad place to go. But like I said, keep in mind everything I said about the quality of the connections you get with it. Make sure you get everything listed. The 32X is a hassle hooking up, especially if you don't have everything you need. If you find the deal of a lifetime, but somethings missing like the AC adapter, don't worry about that. Any AC adapter for the Genesis 2 or Game Gear will work perfectly with the 32X. But if you have a 32X, even if it comes with all necessary components, remember that you'll also need that little piece that clips under the 32X so that it fits perfectly onto the Genesis 2. There's this little sorta "booster seat" piece since carts don't go as deep down in the Genesis 2 as they do in the Genesis 1.

Well, don't worry about regretting anything. The Genesis 32X is a fun collector's item, and finding a Genesis is definitely not hard if you live near a Goodwill or Salvation Army somewhere. They're simply everywhere. And if you don't pay too much for it, then it's yours to enjoy forever. Just make sure you llllllllllove your Genesis and have always wanted to upgrade it somehow with something kinda campy and neat.

Recommended: Yes