As both consoles approach their 30th anniversary, Argonaut Games founder Jez San has weighed in on a long-standing debate: the Sega Saturn was “more powerful than the PlayStation,” according to the developer.
In an interview (thanks Time Extension), timed alongside the upcoming release of Croc: Legend of the Gobbos, San discussed various topics, including the technical capabilities of the Sega Saturn. His comments sparked a renewed conversation about the two consoles, particularly regarding the often underestimated power of the Saturn.
The Power of the Sega Saturn
San was unequivocal in his assessment: “Saturn itself is a very good system, and more powerful than the PlayStation.” While this statement may ruffle some feathers, given that many have long believed the PlayStation outperformed its Sega competitor, San’s perspective aims to shed light on the Saturn’s potential.
For San, the key to understanding the Saturn’s strengths is not just its hardware, but the complexity that many developers overlooked. He pointed out that the real issue was how difficult it was for developers to make the most of the console’s power. The Saturn’s hardware was more complicated than that of the PlayStation, which made it harder for developers to work with. On the other hand, the PlayStation was known for being easier to develop for, which made it a more attractive option for many.
Challenges in Development
Despite its superior power, the Saturn’s complicated hardware made it harder for developers to fully tap into its potential. This challenge contributed to the console’s struggles in the market, as many games couldn’t take full advantage of its capabilities.
San, who has had his fair share of development challenges—starting with Starglider at a young age and later pioneering 3D technology in titles like Star Fox and Stunt Race FX—underscores the Saturn’s potential in the context of gaming history. While Croc: Legend of the Gobbos was ultimately released on the PlayStation, San’s admiration for the Sega Saturn’s capabilities remains clear.
In the end, San’s reflections on the Saturn serve as a reminder of the console’s often overlooked strengths and the complexities of game development that shaped its legacy.
