As the world seems to slowly return to normal, it seemed fitting to provide a little update on what’s been happening.
Things have progressed very slowly, there’s no doubt about that. Initially things started off quickly but just as quickly lost that momentum. A few reasons: moving the project across the world; members leaving and personal life events.
The mistake from our side was not communicating this with people that are/were interested in the project. That’s where you deserve an apology, we’re sorry and will improve communication about updates and post them more frequently.
And finally, an update…
Last week a new prototype controller was received from our manufacturer. The build quality isn’t up to standard right now but it feels really good holding it. For large hands and small hands. This may look like the classic Mega Drive / Saturn controller but take note of the 6 reverse buttons. The reversed angle improves the ergonomics when used in conjunction with the analog sticks. If the angle remains the same as a classic Mega Drive or Saturn controller, either the 6 buttons need to be a lot smaller or the controller must increase quite significantly in size.
Where to from here?
Right now, the design and development is managed from the United Kingdom and a factory in China which assists in manufacturing prototypes. Things have finally settled and the project can steadily progress. This is a self funded project, this means that any deadlines or expectations that are set are not determined by investors or the public.
Over the past year and a half we’ve been rebranding and redesigning the console. This had to be done in order to keep up with current hardware.
To give fans a better idea of what is happening, we’ll be giving a biannual road map. Every 6 months the progress will be reassessed and based on feedback the way forward can be determined. Saying this, the next update will be the roadmap.
Any feedback/comments are welcome 🙂
I’m glad you’re back in action!
Good to see you up & running again!
That controller looks sick! If I may throw in a thought that came to mind about this design; what if you made attachable/detachable controller grips for the side of it? That would be cool for those who like having grips on the sides, as well as those who like the classic design as they could leave them off.
That’s a sick controller!! If I may throw in a thought that came to mind; What if you made attachable/detachable controller grips? This would be beneficial to people who enjoy having grips on the sides, as well as those who prefer the classic controller design.
That’s a brilliant idea and will be included in the next iteration.
That’s awesome to hear, Spartan team! Glad to see you’re back.
I’ll be honest, I preferred the previous controller design. It was perfect for modern games, in addition to retro titles. An evolution of the Dreamcast controller, if you will. This looks be primarily suited to Retro titles.
The button layout is another problem, since it’s understood that A and B are “Forward” and “Back”, respectively. C should be A, at least, so the finger naturally rests on both A and B.
Omg I was soooo shocked to see this! I’m so glad you all are still putting your heart and soul into this project! Considering that SEGA has been developing hardware lately with the Mega Drive Mini, the Astro City Mini, the Game Gear Micro, and the upcoming Dreamcast Mini, the possibility is even higher than before! Granted the greenlight for this console has a lot of deals and other possibilities for it, but I can see it happening.
I agree with this comment. It should be an evolution of the Dreamcast to be able to compete with current generation consoles. Use a unique modern design with little hardware hints of past sega consoles.
i like te first versoin better
I think of have to agree that the button angle feels off.
Does this mean the console is smaller in size, smoother in design and also have retro look? The controller looks great, but could you have done the same with the other design too?
The console design has undergone a revamp to keep things consistent. 🙂
For the past few weeks, I’ve been reviewing and going over some ways that Sega could return back to the console market. This Spartan console is impressive and has captured my interest, yet I can’t help but feel as if the approach is not feasible. The console market is simply too crowded, and with Stadia and now attempting to enter with their own cloud gaming “console”, that market is becoming oversaturated and fractured. This doesn’t mean I’m against Sega returning back or that I’m not willing to help out however possible, but after some discussion with quite a handful of Sega fans and console enthusiasts, it seems the best way Sega has is by taking some inspiration from Nintendo.
What I mean by this is releasing a dedicated handheld, maybe a console hybrid, so that way Sega can reduce manufacturing costs and not sell their system at a loss. The PS5 and Xbox Series X, and earlier generations like Xbox One X and PS4 Pro, were sold at a loss. Sony and Microsoft are able to take that hit and make that loss back from software sales. I’m afraid Sega might not be able to if they release a console with beefy technical specs. And a large majority of gamers, like me, aren’t interested in 4K or having the highest graphics but want games. The only problem is Sega’s first party output. I’m not dismissing Sega’s ability to make great games or that Sega doesn’t have a roster of amazing IPs that could be utilized for their advantage. I’m just curious with this console prototype, what games would be “available” with the Spartan?
Anyway, I’ll be keeping my eye on this and I want to help as well. This really seems like a cool project and I hope Sega does end up coming back.
This is completely valid. The hardware is simple enough to do. It’s the launch titles that are a problem. Sega has many untapped IPs, it’s just a matter of convincing them. Hence this proposal console.
Great update! The controller looks really awesome! Good to see you back. ?
You will still probably be earlier then the Atari VCS. If this is your project, its okay if you take your time. If this is based on money from other People, like Kickstarter, indigogo, Paypal etc., its not okay to disapear, also if private life is conflicting. To the Controller, its Great. I would probably prefer the round Saturn 3D Pad Design, but thats me. 6 Buttons and L+R are important for all Sega Fans, as also the D Pad. You got That 😉
@Steven did you seriously just say that? Roflmao. When this “project” is NOTHING more than that. A “project” that will most likely go no where (n proof is all on, how long has this been going? Still no actual “proof” of concept aka the system running/working/ being ANYTHING more than an “idea”) it’s not hard to make controllers and system shells/casings (especially with 3D printers etc now-a-days) and that’s ALL this “project” has “shown” for YEARS now. N for your info (as a backer) the Atari VCS came out 🙂 so suck a d*ck bitch and keep hoping this “project” will ever be anything. You’re talking about a “self funded” “project” from no names, that again, have given you ZERO proof, within years, compared to ATARI! U dumb fuck. Aka an ESTABLISHED COMPANY!!!! That at one point in time RULED the video game market. N they actually SHOWED you the console in action etc (if u were a backer) so u can’t even compare the two. Just sad that a loser like you would. Sorry the Atari VCS actually beat your “project”. Your “project” over here hasn’t even gotten anywhere, in YEARS. So ?u loser. Atari is better than u think and better than anything this project will ever be. public launch for the VCS is right around the corner but the fact is, for BACKERS we got ours, which makes it a real thing and it means it “beat” this project by a landslide. Enjoy waiting for this “project”. I’ll be on my Atari VCS ??????????
Wow JC, relax friend.
@Steven. Atari VCS is already out ??? looks like they beat your “project” enjoy waiting. I’ll be on my Atari VCS. ?????????
We’re not in competition with Atari VCS and we’re ONLY building a prototype as a proposal.