Christmas '96 - Haggling Over a Sega Saturn

I was going to ask for a Sega Mega CD for Christmas 1996.

A terrible idea given that it was a failed add-on to a last-gen machine, but I'd become accustomed to being a generation behind. I'd received a Master System II for Christmas in the early 90s, at a time when the Mega Drive was readily available and some of my cooler friends already had one. Didn't matter, as I loved my Master System and didn't pay much attention to the cutting-edge.

On December 25th 1994, I got a Mega Drive II. I was finally joining the 16-bit era, just as the 32-bit gen was getting started. Again, didn't care; loved it.

It made sense that I'd remain behind in my console ownership. I'd seen the Mega CD talked up in my Sega magazines, and although I don't recall being greatly fussed about any one game, I do remember being impressed by the mature artwork for Snatcher that I'd seen plastered on a full-page ad in one of my well-read mags. Ultimately, I was talked out of it by friends and reviews. Get a Saturn, they all said. I was doubtful.

Too expensive, I figured. 32-bit, shoulder buttons on controllers, graphics - this was big-boy shit! But I really wanted one, and that was very understandable. By winter 1996, the Saturn already had an enviable library of games, and being that I didn't read multi-platform publications, I had no concept of the console war that was raging, and how SEGA had essentially already lost. Sega Rally, Virtua Fighter 2, Resident Evil, Virtua Cop, and hopefully a new NBA Live to satisfy my new-found fondness for basketball - so much to get excited for.

I don't remember the details, but the decision was made that I could get a Saturn for Xmas. I imagine there was a certain amount of negotiating, and teen temper tantrums, but mostly I would have reasoned that my Mega Drive was soon to be obsolete, and that all my other friends had upgraded to Saturn or PS1. Ultimately, I probably confused my mum into twisting my dad's arm. "Mum, this will help me with my studies! Can't you see?"

They said yes, bless 'em.

My younger brother would inherit my Mega Drive, and was free to add 16-bit games to his Christmas list. Everyone was happy and it was time for my dad to shine.

My dad built a business from scratch. He didn't have much growing up, and prided himself on being able to provide a comfortable upbringing for us. He was never one to lose a negotiation or come away from a deal feeling hard done by. The older I get, the more I appreciate what he and my mum did for us, as I and my wife now strive to provide the same comforts for our daughter.

Anyway, when it came to buying my Saturn bundle, I was blessed to have dad in my corner.

While I don't remember the moment that they caved and said I could get a Saturn, I do remember the phone call he made to our local game shop, when he secured my new console. He sat at his desk, papers scattered about, as he would when speaking with customers or suppliers in his daily work. This was all-business and there was no doubt he was going to get me a good deal. I was on-hand, ready to answer any questions and provide moral support. 

Looking back, I feel sorry for the store manager on the other end of the phone who was gretting properly fleeced. The console, Sega Rally Championship and Virtua Fighter 2 was what I wanted, but thanks to my dad's haggling the bundle continued to grow. Dad kept pushing, threatening to buy from a different shop, and the store kept giving. "What else would you like?". I suggested a memory card; he nodded. "Keep going". I asked for a second controller, and I got it. Keep going, keep going.

That Christmas, I was a very lucky lad. I got my Saturn, Sega Rally Championship, Virtua Fighter 2, Alien Trilogy, Olympic Soccer (a small victory for the store), a second controller, a memory card, and the official racing wheel. I seem to recall £350 being the budget, but I couldn't swear by it. However, I know my dad would've done some research going in, and wouldn't have agreed to anything less than a steal.

Unbeknownst to us, the store was probably desperate to clear as many Saturns as possible that holiday season, to make space for PS1 and the forthcoming N64, so we would have had the upper hand. That being said, I doubt many other kids got such a good deal that Christmas.

I loved my Saturn. But more than any recollection of playing it in my youth, I cherish that memory of my dad. Him in his absolute element and me, an impressed 13 year old, taking notes.

*****

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a happy holidays. I'll see you just before New Year for my Best & Worst of 2022.