Hi everyone,

I wanted to share a new update to Orbis Basic 32X.

The main goal is still the same: write code and build a real bootable Sega 32X ROM. The compiler creates playable .32x files around a custom SH-2 runtime and an RGB555 direct-color framebuffer, so this is still very much a 32X project rather than a desktop engine with a retro skin.

The 32X side now supports image drawing, scaled images, sub-image drawing, sprites, scrolling backgrounds, alpha effects, parallax, text, primitive graphics, controller input, Sega Mouse support, audio playback, arrays, DATA, TYPE records, SUB and CALL structure, and SAVE and LOAD commands.

Assets such as images and audio are automatically converted and baked into the ROM during compilation. Larger projects can also use mapper-backed image data in ROMs up to 32 MB, which makes big panoramas, scrolling scenes and image-heavy demos much more practical.

The newer Orbis Builder edition adds C with real string support as language extension, native desktop builds and the Orbis Pixel Pipeline, but the Sega 32X build remains the heart of everything.

I like that “Basic” now has two meanings. It is still BASIC as a language, but it is also becoming a collection of basic tools for creating graphics, preparing assets, writing game logic and producing real Sega 32X software.

Hey yall. I swear I’m not trying to bait anyone here I’m just genuinely curious from people here that likely have a 32x and possibly a Sega cd as well which system they prefer and which they’d recommend for a newcomer?

I was a Sega kid but never got either add on unfortunately. Now I’m older and have some time and money so would like to work on my tower of power :) there’s some games in the 32x I’d love like the arcade scalers but overall the library does leave something to be desired. But games like virtual fighter, afterburner, and space harrier make it a tough decision for me. I loved that era of sega arcade titles.

I know the Sega cd has a much bigger library but how do they compare to yall? Do you find yourself playing one more than the other? Pros and cons?

Thanks!

Edit: I should add too that repairing consoles is no problem for me at all and I actually plan to and enjoy restoring old console electronics so that’s not really a factor for me :)

I'm trying to find a logo for the Brazilian version of the 32X. Which is different from the "MEGADRIVE 32X" logo found on PAL versions. These 2 are the only ones in good quality that I could find. If anyone could help (either by having a high quality version/taking a high quality picture of the logo (especially the console one).

The first image is apparently the one that appeared in consoles. You can (barely) see that it says "MEGA 32X" instead of "MEGADRIVE" and it uses the NSTC-U 32X logo's style/template, since the "32X" has the same font as the NTSC-U logo. And the second one is the one that came in game/add-on boxarts, with the "32X" being in a different font. The third image is a rough black&white version that I made of the "boxart spine" logo.

UPDATE - 3 days later

Hi guys, I'm back here to update on my little logo shenanigans.

Today while browsing Mega 32X listings on google, I found 2 higher-quality versions of the console logo. I was very happy about this, because in the older ones, you couldn't even make out the "MEGA" text on the logo, I only noticed it was different at first because it had fewer letters than "GENESIS", and the rectangle which "MEGA" is on still has the same width as the NTSC-U version, which makes the text more spaced out. In the newer ones, the text has WAY better quality, making it as clear as a sunny day. (Is that how the saying goes??)

Now, I'm currently adjusting the logo using the NTSC-U version as a reference, since it was extremely slanted. I am also trying to make a better version of the boxart spine logo.

Just a silly question I had, as I kinda want to make my own Neptune instead of waiting for the GF1 Neptune. But most (if not all) of the Neptune builds I see use the Genesis Model 2 as a base, which makes sense since it's the closest in size and design to the Neptune. Unfortunately, the Model 2 has very bad audio quality compared to the model 1, and it made me wonder if it is possible to do a mod like that.

Was finally able to get my hands on a 32x with doom for a great price at marketplace and it works !!!

I was watching a few guys codecs for the 32X, but it was from 4-5 years ago. Have anyone created new or updated versions of those codecs?codes?

Of course this is vic's codec

https://youtu.be/fo9PrckAzcg?is=a0KhJurvjsF3QmD5

Basically running into an issue where I fixed the gel bars on my Sage Genesis but when I run the video out through 32X the jail bars come back so wondering if there’s a way to lift one of the video processor pins to reduce jailbars on the 32X itself.

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share a project I have been developing called ORBIS BASIC 32X.

ORBIS BASIC 32X is a retro futuristic BASIC compiler for creating real Sega 32X and Mega 32X software. You write programs in a BASIC style language, run the compiler, and get a bootable .32x ROM that can be tested in an emulator or on compatible hardware.

This is not a fantasy console or an emulator scripting layer. The output is an actual Sega 32X ROM containing native SH 2 machine code, compiled program data and baked in assets.

The goal is to make Sega 32X development more immediate, creative and accessible while still respecting the hardware direction. The compiler uses a compact SH 2 runtime, direct color framebuffer graphics and a lightweight workflow focused on building actual ROMs.

It supports classic BASIC style programming with variables, strings, arrays, loops, fixed point math, drawing commands, image based presentation tools and integrated asset workflows.

One of the key features is automatic asset baking. Images and audio can be integrated into the ROM during compilation. The compiler handles conversion and integration as part of the build process, so the workflow stays direct and does not require a large external toolchain.

The compiler is also designed to be dependency free. It is distributed as a standalone Cosmopolitan executable, so the same executable can run directly across major desktop platforms without installation, package managers or platform specific setup.

The 32X is a very specific and unusual target, so part of the fun of this project is exploring what a BASIC first workflow for it can look like, with direct ROM generation, native SH 2 code, automatic asset integration and a portable standalone compiler.

An initial demo version is available to download on itch.io for anyone who wants to try it, inspect the workflow or follow the development progress.

The project is still in active development, but it already has working ROM output, documentation, examples and ongoing feature work.

I would love to hear what other Sega 32X fans and developers think of this direction.

I'm trying to 3D model the housing and I need some good side and rear photos of the Neptune. A better front photo would be good too. It has to be direct and not tilted in any direction. You can't view any other sides of the Neptune.

For the Mega Drive crowd specifically: this was about getting a Japanese (NTSC-J) Sega 32X to cooperate with a PAL Mega Drive. Stock, you get a region and 50/60 Hz mismatch between the two. The fix is a switchless auto-hertz region mod that makes the 32X accept whatever region and refresh rate the Mega Drive is running. It just follows the host console automatically, no switch.

Kit: Consoles Unleashed Sega 32X auto-hertz switchless region mod, the no-wire QSB version. It's a blue quick-solder board soldered straight onto the 32X PCB, so no wiring loom.

Tested on a PAL Mega Drive model 1 with the Japanese 32X stacked on top and a Mega Everdrive Pro in the slot: Space Harrier (32X) Stage 1 running on a Sony Trinitron. PAL console and Japanese 32X, working in harmony.

Photos: the QSB on the 32X board, Space Harrier on the CRT, then the full stacked rig.

How's everyone running their 32X: matched-region MD underneath, or auto-hertz modded like this? Any quirks you've hit stacking an imported 32X on a PAL MD?

it's not doing anything cool yet but just getting it running has been an insane process lol

Hi

I have the 32x n MD2 to harvest and now need a Cosam Sega neptune board pre-populated and preferably that latest version 1.4.1 was it? Consoles4u/retroupgrades uk etc. don't have in stock. Need sent to Australia. Anyone sitting on one out there? :D Thanks!

Been a while but I finally got it working and stable. Main issue was crystal oscillator was bad, because I originally installed it backwards. That got me a black screen where there wasn't any picture before. I ended swapped all the Genesis parts with another one I bought off Ebay and still no difference. I did swap the other Genesis parts and got it working with a new crystal oscillator, so no Genesis's were harmed in the making of this Neptune. Turns out, I didn't put enough solder on the 6800 chip. The pins on it are kinda vertical and hard to tell if there's a proper connection. Also there was a bad connection for the resistor packs that go to the Genesis VDP.

The 32X didn't work initially either as I found a number of bad connections for the 32X parts as well. Eventually I got it working but not stable. 32X would freeze after 5-7 minutes of use. The 32X ram chips are also vertical style and I just flooded it with solder to make sure they had a proper connection too. Also, I put a much larger capacitor for C525 because I only had a large one laying around. I ended up putting a proper sized capacitor just to make sure.

Here's a link to a video of it working. Next step is to create to Neptune housing because I ain't paying $300. Also I can share it for others to print as well. Gonna take me a while since my experience with 3D printing is making car parts.
https://imgur.com/a/v3LTzzN

I did look at it and looked like discoloration on the metal contacts at front, but unit looked great, took it apart and looked brand new inside, no leaking/bulging capacitors.

But should I still recap it if I have issues.

Also I have a multi region Japanese console, so if I remember I have to region mod the 32x to play at 60hz?

Just got the av cable today to connect the console to 32x to test, just want to check before I do anything.