Sega’s missing link Saturn 'TRIP accelerator' project was real — 1996-era plans revealed by engineer for the first time

An ex-engineer from Hitachi, Sega, and Sony revealed the existence of the TRIP accelerator project for the Sega Saturn, aimed at boosting graphics with a Hitachi SH-3 processor. Sega initiated the project in 1996 to enhance the Saturn's capabilities amidst competition from the PlayStation and emerging 3D accelerators. The TRIP project aimed to improve graphics and geometry calculations on the Saturn, potentially launching games like Virtua Fighter 3 and Shenmue alongside it. Despite development efforts and a prototype board, the TRIP project was abruptly canceled for reasons that remain unclear, leading to its obscurity among Sega alumni.