In the late 1980s, there was a proposed collaboration between Nintendo and Sony. Called the Nintendo PlayStation, it would utilize CD-ROMs as well as cartridges for game software. Overall, the idea seemed promising and innovative. But it never came to pass. Only prototypes were made of it. But now, gaming fans have a chance at owning a piece of this exciting history.
Heritage Auctions will be offering the Nintendo PlayStation for auction in March of 2020. It is the only one of its kind. Hundreds of prototypes were initially made, but the rest were destroyed after the partnership fell apart due to financial issues. The traveling story of the prototype is fascinating, with it initially being kept in the personal collection of former Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Olaf Olaffson. He was on the board of Advantage Corporation, which went bankrupt in 2009. As part of its bankruptcy auction, the prototype was bought by Advanta employee Terry Diebold as part of a box of interesting items.
In 2105, Diebold and his son confirmed the prototype’s identity and that it was still functioning. They then took it on a tour of sorts but are now ready to say goodbye. The Nintendo PlayStation is still usable as a console and can play Super Nintendo game cartridges.
The auction will begin on March 5th, 2020, and last through March 7th. However, online bids will be accepted as early as February 14th, 2020. A lovely Valentine’s activity, it seems. If you want one, you must be ready to pay big money for it. There has already been an offer for the Nintendo PlayStation of $1.2 Million by a collector in Norway, although bidding is not official until the pre-established dates.
With, supposedly, only one of these prototypes still in existence, it’s a rare find indeed for gamers and a fascinating piece of history that shouldn’t be discarded.