New Genesis/Mega-Drive & 32X FPGA clone console, the GF-1 Neptune, revealed

If you’re a fan of old school Sega and the 32X, then chances are you’ve heard of the Sega Neptune before. It was an official Genesis console with the 32-bit 32X hardware built right in, allowing for Genesis and 32X games to be run from one unit. We all know what happened with the 32X in the end, and with it, so went Sega’s plans to finalize the Neptune and bring it to market. I’m sure 32X fans would’ve preferred a Neptune over installing a 32X into a Genesis with its 2nd power cable though.

The Brazilian company Gamescare seems to agree with that notion, and thus have designed their own, all new FPGA-based clone console based on this unreleased Sega console, called the GF-1 Neptune. This Neptune will be able to run Genesis, Mega-Drive, and 32X games all in one unit, just like Sega’s Neptune was meant to do. It even has the same shape as Sega’s original Neptune prototype. It can also attach to a Sega CD unit with its expansion port on its side, like an original Genesis and, presumably, the original Neptune would’ve done.

Sound exciting to you? Join us past the break, then, and find out more about this promising development.

The GF1 Neptune is poised to feature 1080p upscaled digital video output and clear digital audio through HDMI. It will also feature an SD Card slot meant for firmware updates and WiFi connectivity. Why would the Neptune need to connect to the internet? Because Gamescare plans to launch their own digital games storefront where people can purchase and download new indie Genesis games directly onto their Neptune, presumably to be stored on the SD card. In fact, they’ve also just revealed their first all-new game to be available exclusively on this store: Sword of Apocalypse. Here’s a trailer for that below.

Gamescare have also already prepared their own hardware prototype, which they’ve shown in action below.

This is an exciting time for fans of FPGA consoles, as this is the second Sega FPGA console revealed this Summer, with the other being the SuperSega. People seem less skeptical about the Neptune however, thanks to the already prepared hardware prototype proving that Gamescare is committed to bringing the Neptune to market. Like the SuperSega, I’ve waited until a bit more info was available before reporting on the Neptune, as the hardware prototype was not yet shown off when this was first revealed, just like how the SuperSega has yet to show off a hardware prototype of its own. In my honest opinion, both of these consoles were revealed too early and they needed more to show in order to fend off the cynics.

For now, there is no timeline for when the GF1 Neptune is planned to release or reveal more information (Something SuperSega at least has prepared). When more is revealed, you can bet you’ll hear about it here on SegaBits. For now, tell us your feelings on the Neptune in the comments below.

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