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| A screengrab from Delisoba Deluxe's English-translated Sega Saturn release |
In the vast library of the Sega Saturn, filled with cult classics and hidden treasures, few games are as enigmatic as Delisoba Deluxe. A title so obscure it never officially hit retail shelves, it has long been the holy grail for hardcore Saturn collectors. That mythic status was underscored recently when a physical copy sold on eBay for a staggering $8,300. But now, thanks to the dedication of a fan translator, everyone can experience this bizarre slice of 90s Japanese game show history without spending a small fortune.
The $8,300 eBay Auction: A Collector's Dream
The recent sale has sent shockwaves through the retro gaming community. For a game to command a price tag higher than most iconic titles from the era, it must be exceptionally rare. Delisoba Deluxe fits that bill perfectly. Originally developed by the legendary studio Cave—better known for bullet-hell shooters like DoDonPachi—in 1996, the game was never available for public purchase.
So, why is it so rare? The game was a promotional item tied to the TBS television show Tokyo Friend Park 2. Copies were given only to a select number of contestants or lucky audience members. Industry estimates suggest fewer than 100 copies were ever produced, with an even smaller number surviving in complete condition today. This ultra-rarity explains why auctions regularly crest the $8,000 mark, placing it among the most expensive Saturn games ever.
What Is Delisoba Deluxe, Anyway?
For the uninitiated, the game's concept is as wonderfully Japanese as it gets. Based on a challenge from the TV show, players take on the role of a soba noodle delivery person on a moped. The goal? Race through chaotic Japanese streets, weaving through traffic and navigating obstacle-ridden construction sites to deliver your order to the TBS headquarters as fast as possible.
But this isn't just a simple driving sim. Delisoba Deluxe cranks the weirdness to eleven by including hazards like a giant gorilla hurling bananas at your bike. It expanded the TV concept with additional modes, including a time-attack for high-score chasers and a surprisingly robust custom track editor, allowing players to design their own chaotic delivery routes.
Bridging the Gap: The English Translation Patch by ExxistanceDC
For decades, the game's inaccessibility was twofold: physical rarity and a language barrier. With all menus, dialogue, and text in Japanese, it was a daunting prospect for non-Japanese speakers. Enter ExxistanceDC, a fan translator who has broken down that final wall.
On December 25, 2025, ExxistanceDC released a complete English translation patch for Delisoba Deluxe. The patch meticulously translates the core game experience, including:
- A redesigned English title screen
- Fully translated option and pause menus
- Translated text for the track editor
- New, easy-to-read fonts
The patch is available for free, allowing this lost curiosity to be enjoyed by a global audience for the first time.
You can find the translation patch and installation instructions on the project's GitHub page here: Delisoba Deluxe English Translation on GitHub.
How to Play Delisoba Deluxe Today
You don't need an $8,000 disc to play. Fans can apply the English patch to a ROM image using tools like the Sega Saturn Patcher or XDelta. The patched game can then be played on Saturn emulators or on modern hardware like MiSTer FPGA consoles, which accurately replicate the original system's hardware.
For those looking to dive into the Saturn's unique library, starting with a console is easier than ever.
Find a refurbished Sega Saturn console to begin your retro journey here: Shop Renewed Sega Saturn Consoles on Amazon.
A Lost Piece of Gaming History Preserved
The story of Delisoba Deluxe is a perfect capsule of retro gaming culture: extreme rarity, bizarre concepts, and a passionate community that refuses to let history fade. The astronomical eBay sale highlights its status as a collector's legend, while the new English patch ensures its legacy as a playable, hilarious artifact of its time. It’s a reminder that in the digital age, even the rarest games can find a second life in the hands of dedicated fans.