PlayStation
The disc revolution
Sony's PlayStation transformed gaming through CD-ROM capacity, third-party support, and marketing that made consoles mainstream adult entertainment.
Overview
Sony’s PlayStation emerged from a failed Nintendo partnership and transformed the industry. CD-ROM capacity enabled cinematic experiences; developer-friendly architecture attracted third parties; marketing positioned gaming for adults. The PlayStation won its generation decisively, establishing Sony as a gaming giant and proving that console gaming was mainstream entertainment, not just toys.
Fast facts
- Manufacturer: Sony Computer Entertainment.
- CPU: MIPS R3000A at 33.8MHz.
- GPU: custom Sony chip.
- Media: CD-ROM.
- RAM: 2MB main, 1MB video.
- Sales: 102+ million units.
Why it won
PlayStation’s advantages:
- CD-ROM: massive capacity, cheap manufacturing.
- Developer support: reasonable licensing, good tools.
- Third parties: Sony courted developers Nintendo alienated.
- Adult marketing: positioned for older audiences.
- Game library: Final Fantasy VII, Metal Gear Solid, hundreds more.
Industry impact
What PlayStation changed:
- Media format: CD became console standard.
- Demographic: gaming aged up.
- Competition: Sega effectively defeated.
- Franchises: enabled new blockbuster series.