Rare Sega Saturn "Pluto" Prototype Consoles Break Cover

If you're a Sega fan, prepare those salivary glands! In the span of a mere two days, the owners of the only two Pluto prototype consoles have come forward to show off their goods. With a name like Pluto, it should come as little surprise that these were prototypes of the then-upcoming Saturn console. In effect, that's exactly what they are, with Netlink added on and a different chassis design (and internal design, we assume, since these are heavier than the retail Saturns were).

The first owner revealed his rare console over at the popular Sega fansite ASSEMBler, where he acknowledged that he was a previous employee at Sega who got laid off and was able to take the console as a way to lessen the blow. Sega fans might argue that losing one's job to own one of two prototype consoles may be worth it. I do think Sonic would approve.

Image Source: Game Gavel

The second owner posted a YouTube video and shows-off how the Pluto console compares in size and design to the US and Japanese Saturns, and also the Dreamcast. His unit has a slight flaw - the top door won't stay shut. Admittedly, that should be an easy fix, and easy to overlook given the rarity of the console. Oh - it's worth mentioning that he paid a staggering $1 for the console at a flea market years ago.

Anyone else feel sick to their stomachs just now?

Software-wise, the Pluto looks identical to the retail Saturn, although it no doubt has added code to enable the Netlink capabilities.

According to the YouTube video above, the owner of the #01 console is looking to sell his "perhaps on ebay in the next few daze", so if you're a Sega fan, or video game fan in general, and have a wad of cash that needs spending, keep an eye out. Given the rarity, it seems extremely likely that this console will sell for well beyond $1,000.

Image Source: Game Gavel