Sega Genesis vs. Sega Saturn vs. Sega Dreamcast - Retro Bird

Arguably Sega's three most popular consoles: Genesis, Saturn and Dreamcast. How do these systems compare to each other and what does each one do best? I cover some of the key similarities and differences between these consoles, as well as my take on what makes them likely worthwhile for any Sega fan.

Sega Genesis vs. Sega Dreamcast vs. Sega Saturn - Retro Bird / Which Sega System is the Best? / Sega Mega Drive

New discussion videos uploaded every Tuesday, and my normal videos uploaded every Friday! Be sure to ring the bell if you subscribe!

#retrobird

[RetroBirdGaming]

Games played: Jet Grind Radio (0:12), Gunstar Heroes (0:30), Sonic 2 (0:40), Darius Gaiden (1:08), Decathlete (3:14)

[GoodVibeCollecting]

I'd rank them Genesis, Dreamcast, then Saturn. The Saturn has amazing looking 2D games but the high prices are keeping people from experiencing them. It had trouble competing with the PS1 but still managed to grab an audience. The Dreamcast was ahead of it's time and was practically a consolized arcade machine but once again Sony dominated that generation. The Genesis is Sega's most popular system for a reason. Tons of great games to rival the SNES and it really made Sega a household name. It brought attitude to game industry.

[edwardwalker]

1. Saturn 2. Dreamcast 3. Genesis The Dreamcast life was just too short. If Sega had the money to keep fighting for at least another year or two it likely would be number one for me.

[CheddarbaconStudios]

Recently picked up a Sega Dreamcast and I wish I had bought it years ago! So many great games in such a short lifespan. If only its potential could have been fully realized. Thankfully, there are games being developed for the dreamy boy even to this day! Long live the Dreamcast!

[LevelSword]

1. Genesis
2. Dreamcast
3. Saturn
And how DARE you not include the SG-1000...

[RedNeon]

I agree with Genesis > Saturn > Dreamcast. Funny thing is that I actually did grow up with the Genesis and Saturn, we even had the racing wheel. My fondest but dumbest memory is playing Virtua Fighter against my brother using the racing wheel because we didn’t have a second normal controller. When I got my PS2, entirely because of FFX, we all made fun of the one Dreamcast kid, but in retrospect he was definitely much happier than all of us. To put it in perspective the Dreamcast sold so poorly that I bought mine new, from Amazon in 2008 for about $60 and it’s had pride of place ever since.

[immitationstation]

I got Dreamcast on 9/9/99 and it is my favorite console of all time. Not only am I procuring every game in the NA library (only 3 left) I'm attempting to complete every game as well and the DC has a ridiculous amount of hidden gems

Not only does it have such a good library of games but such a diverse one as well and I'm shocked at how well the graphics hold up as well. I truly hope they make a DC mini soon so more people can experience the pure awesomeness of the Sega swan song

[matthewheupel]

I absolutely love the Genesis, that was the 1st console I ever had and there's a lot of nostalgia that goes with that. But nostalgia aside, it's still a great console with a great library. I love the Saturn too. I was one of the weirdos that had one when it was commercially relevant and didn't know anyone else that had one. I had a lot of good times with that too. The Dreamcast passed me by though. I don't know how I missed it, but I did get one later on and don't regret it at all. There really is something for everyone on the Dreamcast. Especially if you like shooters, it had some of the best ever made.

[brianhatcher]

Man, you’re always cracking me up with those hilarious facial expressions, dances, and comparisons. Thanks for all the witty humor!!

[chansadres]

I'm gonna be rebellious and say 1. Genesis/Megadrive 2. Master System 3. Dreamcast 4. Saturn. Never put the Master System in a corner! In my country the Master System outsold the Nes. I have so much fond memories playing the Castle and Land of Illusion games. But the Genesis is the best Sega console. I think these two were just different. It had a lot of different en quirky games. The Saturn missed those games. It was too much arcade ports. Dreamcast did it better but when powerhouse PS2 came, it was too late.

[UnevenPavement]

One of my biggest complaints about the Dreamcast controller was the cord placement at the bottom. I owned the system for about 20 years before I realized there was a notch in the back of the controller for you to place cord into so it was out of the way. Changed my life...

[SuperNicktendo]

Genesis, Dreamcast, Saturn. While I really dig the Saturn aesthetic now, I'm still not really interested in the games offered on the system. Dreamcast had such a great framerate in their games and the Genesis was that one system I got for Christmas and couldn't put it down. Even begged my mom for a Sega CD which I actually got. Will never let that system go

[Tetsu]

Loved the Dreamcast and Genesis. Sonic was the first video game I ever remember playing. Heck, my parents bought me a brand new SNES and a few weeks later I traded it in for a used Genesis because Sonic was so much cooler than Mario. The Dreamcast is tied with the PS2 for my fondest memories. Skies of Arcadia, Jet Grind Radio and Sonic Adventure were simply amazing.

[howdypeeps]

What I like best about Retro Bird is that he’s talking to me about video games.

[ktg]

Honestly I think the Saturn is really good because it’s the middle ground, having both 2D and 3D games. It’s just a shame that it didn’t really catch on in the US.

[colinewan]

I have the Sega Megadrive, Saturn, & Dreamcast and love them all equally. You won't force me choose between them.

[johnbowles]

My beloved Sega Mega Drive will always be king, but I've also loved collecting for my Sega Saturn the last few years. The Saturn has to be one of, if not THE most underrated consoles of all time with an incredible library of games. Whether you're into shooters, RPGs, beat-'em-ups or arcade ports the sleek sexy Saturn has you covered. Maybe one of the main reasons it doesn't feature in many people's retro games collections are the prices. Seriously, the prices of Saturn games have been going through the roof on Ebay for a few years now, and show no signs of slowing down.

[francescosmith]

Yeah definitely Genesis, Saturn then Dreamcast for me too. I’m in that group that was done with Sega by the time the Dreamcast came out. I loved my Genesis, had the Sega CD and then the 32X. I was still hoping for more 32X games and my buddy had a Saturn that it felt like we were just starting to enjoy and Sega canned everything and we definitely felt a little stiffed.

[Ghostcharm]

The Genesis is GREAT but for whatever reason I love my Dreamcast the most. Personal attachment and association always wins the day, I think for most of us

[blackwalls]

Your first date bit cracked me up. Great vid as usual!