Seeing the message “Internal RAM is not initialized. Use the SEGA-CD control panel to format the RAM” on your Sega CD Model 2?
Don’t worry; this is a common issue that simply means your console’s save memory needs to be formatted. In this quick guide, we’ll show you how to identify the problem, format your system, and get back to gaming in just a few minutes.
The Table of Contents
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How to Fix the “Internal RAM Is Not Initialized” Error on a Sega CD Model 2
How to Tell if Your Sega CD Model 2 Needs a RAM Format
- Insert Your Game Disc – Place the Sega CD game into the console’s disc drive.
- Press Start – The game will attempt to load.
- Look for the RAM Error Message – If you see: “Internal RAM is not initialized. Use the SEGA-CD control panel to format the RAM”, your system needs to be formatted before you can play.
Prefer to watch the process? Here’s a video walkthrough you can follow along with as you format your Sega CD Model 2 RAM.
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How to Format the Internal RAM on a Sega CD Model 2
- Remove the Disc and Restart – Open the disc tray, take out the game, and restart the console.
- Access the Sega CD Control Panel – Press Start. You’ll see the control panel with “No Disc” displayed.
- Reinsert the Game Disc – Place the disc back into the drive, but remain in the control panel menu.
- Open the Memory Menu – At the top of the screen, select Memory and press any button.
- Select the Format Option – Choose Format the Console (Internal RAM), then confirm Yes.
- Wait for “Format Complete” – When you see the confirmation, select Exit.
- Restart and Play – Restart the console, press Start, and your game will load normally.
The Retro Wrap Up & Final Thoughts
Once you’ve completed the format, your Sega CD Model 2 will save games and run without the RAM error.
If you’re looking to expand your Sega CD library or trade in old titles, check out our Sega CD game trade-in service for quick quotes and fast payments.
And if you want a visual walkthrough, watch the tutorial video below and follow along with the steps above.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What does “Internal RAM is not initialized” mean on Sega CD?
- The backup save memory isn’t set up (or was wiped by a dead battery). You need to format it in the Sega CD Control Panel.
How do I format the internal RAM on a Sega CD Model 2?
- Remove the disc → restart → press Start to enter the Control Panel → Memory → Format the Console → Yes → Exit → restart and play.
Will formatting erase my saves?
- Yes. Formatting deletes all data in internal RAM. Back up to a RAM Cartridge first if you want to keep saves.
How do I format a Sega CD RAM Cartridge (Memory Card)?
- From the Control Panel: Memory → Format the RAM Cartridge → Yes. This only wipes the cartridge, not the console RAM.
My Sega CD keeps asking to format every time—how do I fix it?
- Replace the internal backup battery, then format again. A failing battery won’t retain save data between power cycles.
