Alejandro Martin, creator of the controversial SuperSega FPGA console, is back with a new project that shifts away from FPGA technology toward a wooden PC case supporting original Sega cartridges. The SuperSega V3 aims to combine retro gaming with modern hardware in an unconventional design.
SuperSega V3: A Wooden PC with Sega Cartridge Support
The SuperSega V3 is a custom wooden PC case that allows users to install their own high-end components. It supports original game cartridges from classic Sega consoles such as the Mega Drive, SG-1000, SC-3000, and Master System. Additionally, it includes optical drives compatible with Mega CD and Sega Saturn games.
This new iteration abandons the original FPGA approach, instead focusing on raw PC power wrapped in “Spanish wood.” A standout feature is its flexible, curved 2480 x 1860 AMOLED display, which bends around a corner of the case, offering a unique portable gaming experience. Related coverage: Functional Clear Shell Kits Now Available for Nintendo 3DS.
From FPGA Console to Custom Gaming PC
Martin markets the SuperSega V3 as delivering “an unparalleled gaming experience that no FPGA console could even come close to,” combining retro gaming with modern technology. The project emphasizes handcrafted production, with no pre-orders or upfront charges; customers are billed only after their units are completed.
The wooden case design echoes Martin’s previous Compuwood project, launched after the original SuperSega console failed to reach completion. The earlier venture faced delays, prototype concerns, and legal challenges, including a cease-and-desist over the SuperSega name.
What This Means for Retro Gamers
For retro gaming enthusiasts and PC builders, the SuperSega V3 offers an intriguing concept: a powerful PC that can play original cartridges alongside modern games, with a built-in portable screen. However, skeptics note that the concept resembles a high-end PC running standard emulators, something achievable on many existing machines.
Pricing details have not been disclosed, but the combination of custom woodwork, cartridge hardware, and the specialized curved AMOLED display suggest a premium price point. Production is reportedly limited to small batches initially, with plans for larger runs in 2027 if the project progresses as intended.
SuperSega V3 Wooden PC: A Risky Return
Following a controversial history and a failed first attempt, Alejandro Martin’s SuperSega V3 presents a unique but uncertain proposition. While it promises to blend nostalgia with modern PC capabilities in a handcrafted wooden enclosure, potential buyers should approach with caution given the project’s unproven track record and limited availability.
(Via)
