The Sega Saturn came out in the mid-1990s. It wasn’t super popular, but it has some really cool games that people love to collect now. Let’s look at 12 of the rarest Sega Saturn games and where you might be able to find them. We’ll learn about what makes these games special and why people want them so much.
Table of Contents
Key Points: Rare Sega Saturn Games
- The Sega Saturn is one of the most expensive systems to collect for
- Many rare games cost over $100, with some reaching thousands of dollars
- Disc rot is a common issue, making preservation challenging
- Daytona USA: CCE Net Link Edition is the most expensive game, costing nearly $5,000
- Panzer Dragoon Saga is highly sought after, valued at over $1,000
- Limited print runs and low sales contribute to game rarity
- Some rare games have unique content not found in other versions
- Collectors often recommend legal emulation due to high costs
1. Panzer Dragoon Saga: The RPG Masterpiece
Panzer Dragoon Saga is like the king of Saturn games. Only about 30,000 copies were made, which makes it super rare. The game came out in 1998, when the Saturn was losing to PlayStation and Nintendo 64. This meant not many people got to play it when it first came out, making it even more special now.
Why it’s so special: – Amazing story and gameplay that mixes RPG stuff with shooting – Really pretty graphics for its time – Never came out on any other console – Has awesome music that makes the game feel unique
Where to find it: Look for Panzer Dragoon Saga at retro game stores or online. Be ready to pay a lot – it can cost over $1,000 for a complete copy! Be careful of fake copies, and make sure you’re getting a real one.
2. Magic Knight Rayearth: The Last North American Release
Magic Knight Rayearth was the very last game released for the Saturn in North America. Only about 15,000 copies were made, which is really small for a game. This makes it super rare and wanted by collectors who love Saturn games and anime-style games.
What makes it rare: – Based on a popular anime – Came out when most people had already moved on to newer game systems – Made by a company known for making games look and sound great in English – Has special voice acting and better graphics than the Japanese version
Where to find it: Check online auctions and retro game conventions. It usually costs $700 or more for a complete copy. Sometimes it comes with extra stuff like character standees, which can make it even more valuable.
3. Burning Rangers: A Futuristic Firefighting Adventure
Burning Rangers is a cool game where you play as a firefighter from the future. It’s really different from other games on the Saturn. Only about 5,000 copies were made for North America. This makes it very rare and wanted by people who love Saturn games and games made by the Sonic Team.
Why collectors love it: – Fun gameplay that mixes action, exploring, and saving people – Made by the same team that created Sonic the Hedgehog – Really good 3D graphics for the Saturn – Has a special voice system that helps guide you through levels – You can get different endings, which makes people want to play it more than once
Where to find it: Look for Burning Rangers at specialty retro game shops or online. It usually costs between $500 to $1,000, depending on how good the condition is. Some fans have even made changes to make the game look better on new TVs.
4. Daytona USA: Championship Circuit Edition NetLink
This special version of Daytona USA is probably the rarest North American Saturn game. You could only get it by ordering directly from Sega, so very few copies exist. The game was made to show off the Saturn’s online features, which was really new and cool at the time.
What makes it so rare: – Very few copies were made and sold – It had online multiplayer (which doesn’t work anymore, but was amazing back then) – Better graphics and more tracks than the regular Daytona USA – It was one of the first tries at online gaming on a console
Where to find it: This game is so rare that it hardly ever goes on sale. If you find one, it might cost $2,500 to $5,000 or even more. Check specialized retro game dealers and collector forums. Be really careful to make sure it’s real, because some people try to make fake copies.
5. Psychic Killer Taromaru: The Ultra-Rare Platformer
Psychic Killer Taromaru is a game that only came out in Japan. Only 7,500 copies were ever made, making it one of the rarest Saturn games in the world. It’s a 2D action game where you can use psychic powers, which is pretty unique.
Why it’s a collector’s dream: – Never released outside Japan, so it’s extra special for people in other countries – Unique gameplay mixing jumping and platforming with psychic powers – Very few copies were made, even for Japan – Has a cool art style and music that make it different from other Saturn games – Made by a company that stopped making games soon after, which adds to its story
Where to find it: Your best bet is to look for Japanese import shops or online marketplaces that sell retro imports. It can easily cost more than $1,000 for a complete copy. Some collectors have never even seen a real copy in person because it’s so rare!
6. Radiant Silvergun: The Legendary Shooter
Radiant Silvergun is thought to be one of the best shoot-’em-up games ever made. It only came out in Japan for the Saturn, which makes it really special for collectors all over the world. Over time, more and more people have learned how amazing this game is.
What makes it special: – Really fun gameplay that inspired lots of other shooting games – Amazing music by a famous composer who also worked on Final Fantasy games – Never officially released outside Japan when the Saturn was still around – Cool level design that mixes side-scrolling and vertical-scrolling sections – Has a deep scoring system that rewards skilled players and makes you want to play again and again
Where to find it: Check Japanese import stores and online auctions. It usually costs between $200 to $500, depending on how good the condition is. Some fans have even made translations so people who don’t speak Japanese can understand the game better.
7. Shining Force III: The Trilogy Conundrum
Shining Force III is special because it was released as three separate parts in Japan, but only the first part came out in other countries. This makes collecting the whole story a big challenge for game fans. The game’s idea of telling a big story across multiple parts was really ahead of its time.
Why it’s rare: – Only one-third of the game was released outside Japan, leaving the story unfinished for many players – The three parts tell a connected story, with choices in one part affecting others – RPG fans really want to experience the whole story – It was a new way of telling stories in games, especially for its time – The gameplay, which mixes strategy and RPG elements, was loved by critics and fans
Where to find it: Look for the Western release at retro game stores. For the full trilogy, you’ll need to search Japanese import shops. Expect to pay $100-$300 for each part. Some fans have even worked on translating the second and third parts so English-speaking players can enjoy the whole story.
8. Enemy Zero: A Unique Horror Experience
Enemy Zero is a scary game with a twist – you can’t see the enemies! This unique idea, plus the fact that not many copies were made, makes it a game that collectors really want. The game mixes exploring in first-person view with movie-like scenes, creating a special experience that was new for its time.
What makes it rare: – Cool gameplay where you use sound to find enemies, making the game really tense – Not many copies were sold outside Japan – Created by a famous game designer known for making unusual games – Has real actors in video scenes, which was a big deal back then – Uses the Saturn’s abilities to create both 3D environments and play videos
Where to find it: Check online marketplaces and retro game stores. It usually costs between $150 to $300 for a complete copy. The game’s unique approach to horror has made it popular with a small group of fans, and some new indie games have been inspired by its sound-based gameplay.
9. Sonic Jam: The 3D Sonic Museum
While not as rare as some other games on this list, Sonic Jam is still special for many Saturn collectors. It has four classic Sonic games and a 3D “Sonic World” to explore. It’s both a collection of old games and a peek at what a 3D Sonic game on the Saturn might have looked like. This mix of old and new makes it appealing to Sonic fans and Saturn enthusiasts.
Why it’s collectible: – Has a unique 3D Sonic environment, showing what the Saturn could do in 3D – Includes improved versions of classic Sonic games with better graphics and sound – One of the few Sonic games on Saturn, making it important for Sonic fans – Contains lots of Sonic history and artwork, like a digital museum – Shows what might have been if Sonic Team had made a full 3D Sonic game for Saturn
Where to find it: Sonic Jam is easier to find than some other rare Saturn games. Check retro game stores and online marketplaces. It usually costs between $50 to $150. Because it’s not super rare, it’s a good game for people just starting to collect Saturn games.
10. Deep Fear: The Underwater Survival Horror
Deep Fear is often called the “Resident Evil of the sea,” offering a different take on scary games. It was one of the last Saturn games released in Europe and never came out in North America, making it hard to find for collectors in the West. The game’s underwater setting and mix of action and horror make it stand out from other games like it.
What makes it special: – Unique underwater setting that adds extra tension to the scary game formula – One of the few scary survival games on Saturn, alongside Resident Evil and Alone in the Dark – Never released in North America, making it extra rare and appealing to collectors – Has English voice acting, which was unusual for a game only released in Europe – Includes a system where you have to manage your oxygen, adding to the game’s suspense
Where to find it: Look for European versions on international retro game sites. It usually costs between $200 to $400 for a complete copy. The game’s limited release and unique underwater theme have made it popular among fans of scary games.
11. Street Fighter Alpha 3: The Late-Release Fighter
Many people think the Saturn version of Street Fighter Alpha 3 is the best home version of the game, even better than the PlayStation release. It came out very late in the Saturn’s life, which makes it harder to find than other Street Fighter games. This version is special because it plays really smoothly and has extra features that show off what the Saturn could do with 2D games.
Why collectors want it: – Has extra characters not found in other versions, making it the most complete home release – Plays really smoothly and looks great, showing off the Saturn’s 2D abilities – Came out when many people had stopped buying Saturn games, so not many copies were sold – Has extra game modes and options not found in arcade or other console versions – Represents the best of 2D fighting games on the system
Where to find it: Check fighting game community forums and retro game stores. It usually costs between $100 to $200. The game is still popular in the fighting game community, with some players preferring this version for tournaments.
12. Mega Man 8: Anniversary Edition
While Mega Man 8 came out on both PlayStation and Saturn, the Saturn version is much rarer and has some extra content that makes collectors really want it. This version shows how Capcom tried to use the Saturn’s special features to offer something unique to Saturn fans.
What makes it collectible: – Has extra boss battles not found in the PlayStation version, which is exciting for fans who want to play everything – Better sound quality than other versions, showing off the Saturn’s good sound chip – Rarer than the PlayStation release, with fewer copies out there – Has some graphical improvements that use the Saturn’s hardware well – One of the few Mega Man games on Saturn, making it important for Mega Man fans
Where to find it: Look for Mega Man 8 at retro game stores and online marketplaces. It usually costs between $150 to $300 for a complete copy. The extra content has made it a favorite among Mega Man fans, with some thinking it’s the best version of Mega Man 8.
Tips for Collecting Rare Sega Saturn Games
If you want to add some of these rare games to your collection, here are some helpful tips:
- Research a lot before buying. Learn about fake copies and how prices change.
- Join groups of other collectors to get tips and share what you find.
- Think about get a Saturn that can play games from all regions, so you can play more games.
- Always make sure a game is real, especially for expensive ones. Learn how to spot real copies.
- Store your games properly to keep them in good condition.
- Go to retro gaming events to find rare games and meet other collectors.
- Be patient. Building a collection of rare games takes time.
- Get good storage boxes to protect your valuable games.
- Learn how to fix scratched discs to make damaged games playable again.
- Keep an eye on online auctions and set up alerts for specific rare games you want.
Conclusion
The Sega Saturn might not have been super popular when it came out, but it has some really amazing and rare games that people still love today. These games aren’t just valuable things to collect; they’re pieces of gaming history that show how creative game makers were back then. Whether you’re a serious collector or just someone who loves old games, these rare Saturn games are some of the most wanted pieces of Sega’s history. They offer unique experiences you can’t find on any other game system. Remember, it takes patience and research to find these hard-to-find games. The excitement of searching for a rare game and the joy of finally adding it to your collection is what makes collecting old games so fun. Happy collecting, and good luck finding these hidden gems for your Saturn collection!