[rfrancois]

I think the interest comes from the fact that it is the last "home" console by SEGA before going software only. It's also due to the fact that Sega gave its approval to release disc images that allows emulation. A big Japanese company approving this kind of work is kind of unprecedented.

[mounds]

Exactly this. I think too there's some homage to those who were die-hard Sega fans, and who continue to be, that find this piece of hardware an extraordinary find.

There's a few dedicated communities to hacking on old Sega hardware and walking through the architecture from the time. Pretty cool stuff all things considered, in a community always watching out for the next shiny thing.