We all live with the knowledge that everything that comes together eventually falls apart, but in the case of comfort based on social media, the argument is right. Modified driving is prone to all kinds of problems – especially when they're over 20 – and as a result, many CD-driven programs out there will improve the complexity that can lead them to become obsolete.
That's where the boys in Tassonion came in. The company has already solved this problem on PC Engine and Mega Drive / Genesis, but its next project is on a whole new level – it's an opical disc emulator that effectively transforms the d isc drive into your Sega Saturn or Dreamcast, giving your machine a new lease health.
The The Theronion ModE (Multi Optical Disc Emulator) works on both devices and is compatible with hard drives, thumb drives and MicroSD cards. It boasts region-patching to play games from any region no matter what console you have, and it automatically detects what program it's installed on. No soldering is required, but you will need to have enough confidence to clear your conical drive and attach the MODE to the main board.
Due to using the FPGA chip, Terraonion promises 100% compatibility with all Saturn and Dreamcast software and also claims that the search time will be reduced to zero as there is no disc download.
Of course, such a device requires you to use disc images, which you can create for yourself in your game collection or get online if you feel confident. If you're a big collector and worry about hurting your expensive games by playing with them, this could be the ticket to dreams.
Cost of Terraonion ModE € 182.00 / £ 160 / $ 197 and is expected to be delivered in late June or early July. Can we see the same tool built for GameCube? Time will tell.