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Sega NetLinkFrom Sega Retro
Sega NetLink (Sega Saturn Modem in Japan) is a modem attachment for the Sega Saturn which allows the system to connect to the internet. It is a continuation of the XB∀ND project, originally released for the Sega Mega Drive in North America. The Sega NetLink came in two flavours, a black 28.8 kbps model for North America, and a grey 14.4 kbps model for Japan (at the time, home computers were reaching 33.6 kbps). Both contained a simple web browser and email client and both were designed to be placed in the Saturn's cartridge port. No models were released in PAL regions, bar a small test-run in Finland which proved to be unsuccessful. As with most older online services, the Sega NetLink will no longer function correctly in the modern age. It should also not be confused with the DirectLink, also released for the Sega Saturn.
ReleaseNorth AmericaThough heavily advertised, the Sega NetLink is seen as a failure in North America, mostly due to its high price point and lack of games to support it. At the end of the console's run, less than five million people had purchased a Sega Saturn console, with significantly less having a Sega NetLink modem as well. Originally the unit was priced at $400 USD when bundled with the console, $199 by itself. Later a package also existed including just NetLink software, which found itself priced at $200 before being lowered to $99 in the months that followed. While the NetLink was not the first piece of hardware to allow American gamers to get online (or at least play against others online/direct dial*), it was the first to allow players to use their own internet service provider (ISP). While Sega recommended Concentric as the ISP of choice (similar to the Sega Dreamcast when released in this region), they allowed for any ISP that met their technical specifications. Sega's target for North America was 100,000 NetLinks, however records show that only 15,000-25,000 were actually sold. Only five games supported the peripheral in this region. JapanLittle is known about the Sega Saturn Modem performance in Japan, however the unit was engineered slightly differently. There is a card "holder", designed for use with "Saturn media cards" (priced at 2,000 yen each) containing pre-paid credits. One game credit was worth roughly 20 yen. There are more Japanese games which make use of the peripheral. Games that support it sport a "SegaSaturn Networks" logo on the box. Compatible HardwareThe NetLink is compatible with a variety of other peripherals, most of whom also failed to sell in large quantities. These include a mouse, keyboard, floppy drive and printer cable. Packages existed bundling several of these peripherals together. Setting up the Sega Saturn NetLink ModemConnecting the Sega Saturn NetLink modem is very simple. Make sure that your Sega Saturn game system is correctly attached to your TV and is working properly (consult your Sega Saturn Owners Manual for help). Then locate the phone outlet closest to your Sega Saturn.
You can leave the NetLink modem attached while you're using normal Sega Saturn games; the games will not damage the NetLink, and the modem will not affect the games. However, you won't be able to use a Sega Saturn Backup RAM cartridge unless you remove the NetLink modem. NetLink SoftwareNetlink WebBrowser 2.0Comes packaged with the NetLink itself. Supports all HTML 2.0 tags, and most HTML 3.0 tags. Unable to view framed webpages, and does not support IRC chat. Somewhat comparable to early versions of Netscape. NetLink WebBrowser 3.0Comes packaged with the NetLink game package. Adds support for the viewing of framed pages, sorta. All it really does is allow you to access each frame individually, but not view them all at once. Also adds a fairly basic IRC client. This IRC client is crippled in that it can't connect to major servers like DALnet and EFnet. NetLink WebBrowser Golden 1.135Same code as 3.0 except no CD was ever pressed and it does not include the "NetLink City" front page. Available for download from Planetweb's site. NetLink Beta 4.035Adds SSL support for secure online ordering. Available for download on Planetweb's site. This is the final version of the NetLink Browser that will be offered. No CD was ever pressed, meaning you have to redownload it each time you want to use the NetLink (It's not worth it in my opinion). Technical SpecificationsInterface
NCU
Modem
Operating Conditions
Compatible GamesNorth AmericaJapan
Gallery
Physical Scans
US Quick Start Card
External Links
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