Did You Know? Today we are checking out some awesome Facts About The PlayStation 1. From its creation, to where they all ended up, the PlayStation 1 has some crazy facts you might never know.
A Nintendo Collab?
The original PlayStation was almost a Nintendo console. In the early 90s, Sony and Nintendo teamed up to create a new gaming console. Sony was set to develop a CD-ROM add-on for the Super Nintendo. The collaboration led to the development of a prototype called the ‘Nintendo PlayStation.’ However, the partnership fell apart due to disagreements over licensing and profit sharing. Sony decided to go solo, and in 1994, the PlayStation was born, changing the gaming world forever. Imagine if history had been different. What games would we be playing today?
Sony’s Start in Game Development
Sony’s journey into game development started with a quirky racing game called Motor Toon Grand Prix? Developed by a small team called Poly’s, this game set the foundation for something much bigger. This team evolved into Polyphony Digital, the creators of the iconic Gran Turismo series. Gran Turismo revolutionized racing games with its realistic simulation and has become a legendary series in the gaming world. From cartoonish races to driving simulators, Polyphony Digital has made an incredible journey!
A Golden PlayStation
In 2013, Sony did something special, they gave Minecraft creator Notch Person, a Golden PlayStation One! This was a VIP invite to the to their big E3 presentation that revealed the PlayStation 4. Only 50 of these were ever made and sent out! Imagine getting such a unique gift from Sony that would be Pretty cool right?
The REAL Reason For Using Black Discs
The black discs of PS1 games are a nostalgic symbol for many, but: they didn’t need to be black. Sony chose black for aesthetic appeal rather than any technical necessity. The black color made them stand out and gave the discs a unique look compared to other CDs of the time, which were typically silver
An Adventure in Space
On January 6th 2006, NASA launched a space probe powered by a modified Playstation CPU. The same tech that powered your childhood was changed to withstand space radiation and was sent to Pluto! The Probe as called the New Horizons, and it took over 9 years to reach the now dwarf planet. Once there, it captured stunning images of Pluto and its moon, Charon, revealing details we’ve never seen before. This wouldn’t be the last time NASA used PlayStation hardware for their space adventures.
A Collectors Dream
The PlayStation 1 had around 8000 games released in its lifetime, but one of them stands out as the rarest of them all. The Elemental Gearbolt Assassin’s Case is the jewel for the collectors. Only 50 copies were ever made. This unique edition was given as a prize during E3 back in 1999. Each copy came in a special briefcase with some exclusive goodies, so if you are a collector, this is the ultimate crown jewel.
They Had 3 Mascots!
Crash Bandicoot is the iconic mascot of the original Playstation, but this wasn’t Sony’s first choice. That honor went to Polygon Man, a purple floating head designed to showcase the Playstation’s 3D power. Unfortunately, his appearance was less “Powerful” and ended up being just plain ugly. And then there is Toro, a charming white cat from a Japan-exclusive game called “Doko Demo Issho”. While he was beloved in Japan, Toro remained unknown in the rest of the world.
The First Milestones!
In 1994, Sony launched the PlayStation in Japan and by 1998, it had already sold over 50 million units worldwide. Just 10 years after its launch, the PlayStation became the first ever game console to sell over 100 million units, something that only the Playstation 2 managed to beat by doing it in 5.
Some Best Sellers!
Leading the pack as the best-selling game on the PlayStation 1 is Gran Turismo, the ultimate racing sim, shifting over 10 million units! Following closely are Final Fantasy VII, Resident Evil, Tekken 3, Tomb Raider, and Crash Bandicoot. The last game released for the original PlayStation in Japan was the exclusive Strider Hiryu in 2006, but in the rest of the world, FIFA 2005 was the last to hit the shelves, closing an era in 2004.
The Meaning Of The Buttons
The Triangle button represents a viewpoint, the tip of the arrow going forward. The Square button is seen as a piece of paper, representing a Menu. While the Circle is Yes and the X button is no. Most of us probably call it the “EX” button, but officially it’s called the Cross button.
If you’re looking for more games to add to your collection, be sure to check out some of our other gaming lists. From in-depth reviews to top 10 type lists, we’ve got plenty of content to keep you entertained and informed.
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