{"id":35882,"date":"2026-05-01T20:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-01T18:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/?p=35882"},"modified":"2026-08-27T22:30:59","modified_gmt":"2026-08-27T20:30:59","slug":"saroo-sega-saturn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/en\/saroo-sega-saturn\/","title":{"rendered":"Saroo [Sega Saturn]"},"content":{"rendered":"<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SAROO \u2013 An affordable alternative to the ODE for the Sega Saturn \ud83c\udfae<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph translation-block\">When it comes to flash carts and ODEs, the Sega Saturn has had quite a lot to offer in recent years. With devices such as the <strong>Fenrir<\/strong>, the <strong>MODE<\/strong> or the <strong>Satiator<\/strong>, retro fans have been able to enjoy their favourite games without needing the ageing CD drive \u2013 and save themselves the expense of collecting the original games on the secondary market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph translation-block\">But now a new contender has entered the fray that could really shake up the market: <strong>SAROO<\/strong>, an open-source cartridge that is technically both a flash cart and an ODE \u2013 and all for a competitive price of around <strong>\u20ac65<\/strong>! \ud83d\ude32<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What exactly is SAROO?<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph translation-block\">SAROO was developed by <strong>TPUinx<\/strong> and is based on a clever principle: the device uses the Saturn\u2019s <strong>cartridge port<\/strong>, thereby bypassing the CD drive entirely. This makes it \u2013 much like the Satiator \u2013 an attractive option even for beginners, as the CD drive <strong>does not need to be removed<\/strong>. A huge advantage!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph translation-block\">You can store your game library on a <strong>MicroSD card<\/strong> (which supports BIN\/CUE files, amongst others), and launch games via a simple user interface. What\u2019s more, games from <strong>all regions<\/strong> run without any problems \u2013 regardless of whether the console is from Japan, Europe or the USA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph translation-block\">SAROO serves as a <strong>RAM expansion<\/strong>, <strong>memory module<\/strong> and <strong>flash cartridge<\/strong> all in one \u2013 impressive versatility in a compact package!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Open source has its pitfalls<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph translation-block\">However tempting it all sounds, you need to be aware of the pitfalls of an open-source project. Since the project really took off in 2023, there have been countless versions from China \u2013 some of which vary greatly in quality. My version from <strong>AliExpress<\/strong> arrived in a stylish transparent case with several stickers \u2013 well-made and visually very appealing. \u2705<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Saroo-Oberseite-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Saroo\" class=\"wp-image-36250\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Saroo-Oberseite-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Saroo-Oberseite-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Saroo-Oberseite.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Saroo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Setup &amp; Configuration \ud83d\udee0\ufe0f<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Installation is child's play. The SD card should be formatted as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code>[SD card root folder]\n  + [SAROO]\n      + ssfirm.bin\n      + saroocfg.txt\n      + mcuapp.bin\n  + [ISO]\n      + [Game1] \n          + game1.cue\n          + game1.bin\n      + [Game2] \n          + game2.iso\n  + [update]\n<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph translation-block\">Set language: <code>lang_id = 1<\/code> for English or <code>lang_id = 4<\/code> for German<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"translation-block\">Set language: <code>lang_id = 1<\/code> for English or <code>lang_id = 4<\/code> for German<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"translation-block\">Enable alphabetical sorting: <code>sort_mode = 1<\/code><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph translation-block\">\ud83c\udfb5 You can even set your own <strong>background image and music<\/strong> for the menu \u2013 a nice little feature!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Everyday life with SAROO<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph translation-block\">Games load <strong>in a flash<\/strong>, much faster than with the original CD drive. You\u2019ll also notice shorter loading times whilst playing \u2013 although this can unfortunately lead to <strong>compatibility issues<\/strong> with some titles. However, these issues are being resolved with each new firmware update.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph translation-block\">I find the <strong>save system<\/strong> particularly handy: SAROO automatically creates a save file on the SD card for every game \u2013 so you no longer have to worry about limited internal storage or incompatible memory cards. \ud83c\udfae<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph translation-block\">If you do need to use the internal storage, simply hold down the <strong>X button<\/strong> when the game starts.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"818\" height=\"609\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Saroo-Auswahlscreen.jpg\" alt=\"aroo - Auswahlscreen\" class=\"wp-image-39641\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Saroo-Auswahlscreen.jpg 818w, https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Saroo-Auswahlscreen-300x223.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 818px) 100vw, 818px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Saroo \u2013 Selection screen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Minor flaws \u26a0\ufe0f<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph translation-block\">The Saturn\u2019s <strong>cartridge port<\/strong> is notorious for being fussy \u2013 in my case, I had to plug and unplug the SAROO several times before it was reliably recognised. Even if you try to leave the cartridge plugged in permanently, this can lead to contact problems in the long run. So you\u2019ll need to be patient from time to time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph translation-block\">Another point: although SAROO does not block the CD drive, it does block the <strong>Video CD\/MPEG extension<\/strong>, which runs via the same block. Anyone using this will need to weigh up the pros and cons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph translation-block\"><strong>Burned CDs<\/strong> are also supported \u2013 in this mode, SAROO is recognised as a <strong>1\/4MB RAM expansion and memory card<\/strong>. A nice extra feature!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Saroo-Unterseite-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Saroo - Unterseite\" class=\"wp-image-36251\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Saroo-Unterseite-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Saroo-Unterseite-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Saroo-Unterseite.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Saroo \u2013 Subpage<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Firmware-Update \ud83d\udce5<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Updating is simple:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"translation-block\">Download the latest version from the <a href=\"https:\/\/github.com\/tpunix\/SAROO\" target=\"_self\">TPUinx GitHub page<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"translation-block\">Copy files to the <strong>SAROO folder on the SD card<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"translation-block\">Adjust the configuration file (<code>saroocfg.txt<\/code>) if necessary<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">My conclusion \ud83d\udd79\ufe0f<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SAROO isn\u2019t perfect \u2013 but it\u2019s unbeatable for the price! \ud83d\udcb8 Whilst Satiator, MODE and Fenrir are significantly more expensive and usually require a more complex installation, SAROO offers a thoroughly reliable solution that is constantly being improved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph translation-block\">The large community that is constantly working on <strong>improvements<\/strong> gives me hope that SAROO could establish itself as the standard solution for Saturn in the future \u2013 <strong>especially for those who don\u2019t want to invest a fortune.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re keen to experiment a bit and don\u2019t mind dealing with the occasional firmware update and connectivity issues, you\u2019ll get a lot of enjoyment out of the SAROO!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udc49 I highly recommend it \u2013 especially for budget-conscious retro fans!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8VIE47nBa7A?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-GB&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>SAROO \u2013 G\u00fcnstige ODE-Alternative f\u00fcr den Sega Saturn \ud83c\udfae Wenn es um Flash Carts und ODEs geht, hatte der Sega Saturn in den letzten Jahren \u2026<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":36250,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":true,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[4775],"tags":[4843,4737,4738,626],"class_list":["post-35882","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sega-saturn","tag-englisch-verfuegbar","tag-hardware","tag-how-to","tag-sega"],"modified_by":"Jungsi","wp-worthy-pixel":{"ignored":false,"public":"93582ffd1a9b4d69ba8e117d818ea6aa","server":"","url":"https:\/\/vg08.met.vgwort.de\/na\/93582ffd1a9b4d69ba8e117d818ea6aa"},"wp-worthy-type":"normal","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Saroo-Oberseite.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35882","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35882"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35882\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":42419,"href":"https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35882\/revisions\/42419"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36250"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35882"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35882"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35882"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}