Consumer Protection: Sega 32X


The Sega 32X add-on system for the Sega Genesis was one of Sega’s biggest blunders. The system was an attempt to extend the life of the Sega Genesis and provide revenue while the Sega Saturn sales slowly grew. Unfortunately for Sega the 32X was a big cumbersome piece of hardware that to put it frankly; sucked.

There were technological problems too numerous to mention upon launch which instantly turned many people off. The public at large would see the 32X for what it was an inferior product that couldn’t compete with the true next generation consoles such as the Sega Saturn, Nintendo 64 and the Sony Playstation. The 32X at the time would be known as the “poor man’s entry into next generation” games.

As you can tell from the previous two paragraphs I don't think much of the 32X and I certainly don’t advise the purchase of the system for the following reasons. It has small game library (34 Titles not counting CD titles.) Of these games only eleven are worth playing. Those 11 games are going to cost you an arm, a leg and any sense of financial well-being in the case of Spiderman: Web of Fire. Lastly, the 32X looks like a mushroom cloud of black plastic has exploded from your Genesis.

If you choose not to heed my warnings and go through with the purchase of a 32X at the very least you should be informed; an educated consumer is a good consumer.

Where to Find a 32X: eBay

The best place to go when looking for a Sega 32X system is going to be eBay. There are always a number of 32Xs up for auction and can be found for a reasonable price. ($40-$80.) Before leaping in and making the first bid this is the checklist you should run through and make sure the auction includes all of the following:

• Genesis 32X Unit.
• Connector Cable
• Conversion Cable
• Sega A/V Cable
• AC Adapter (The same Adapter used for Genesis Model 2 and Game Gear.)
• Plastic Spacer (For Genesis Model 2)
• 2 Electromagnetic Shield Plates (Metal Tabs, for use with Genesis Model 1)



Once you’ve gone through the checklist and made sure each of those parts is included in the auction here is the 32X compatibility with each Sega Genesis model.

Sega Genesis Compatibility



If you have the Model 1 Genesis, the Electromagnetic Shield Plates slide into the cartridge slot that allow for the machine to fit on top of the Genesis.



If you have the Model 2, there is a plastic spacer that fits in the cartridge part of the 32X that allows it to fit properly into your Genesis.



If you have a Model 3 Genesis you’re shit out of luck. The 32X is not compatible with this system nor with the Sega Nomad. Also steer clear of the CDX because while it is compatible with it you’re going to have a number of problems with spacing and balance.

Along with all the items listed above to get the full benefit of the 32X add-on it is essential to have a six-button control pad as a number of 32X games require it.

11 Sega 32X Games Worth Playing

1. Virtua Racing Deluxe
2. Virtua Fighter
3. Knuckles Chaotix
4. Doom
5. Star Wars Arcade
6. Blackthrone
7. Kolibri
8. Shadow Squadron
9. Tempo
10. Zaxxon Motherbase 2000
11. Spiderman: Web of Fire