In a recent interview with MinnMax, former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida delved into his fascinating history with the Nintendo PlayStation prototype. This rare glimpse into gaming's alternate timeline highlights Yoshida's early career at Sony, where he worked alongside Ken Kutaragi, known as 'the father of PlayStation.' Yoshida joined Kutaragi's team in February 1993, during the development of the original PlayStation that eventually hit the market. However, new recruits, including Yoshida, were also introduced to the intriguing Nintendo PlayStation prototype.
The Nintendo PlayStation prototype console. Photo: Mats Lindh (Flickr/CC BY 2.0).Yoshida shared that upon joining the team, he was immediately shown the working Nintendo Sony PlayStation prototype. What's more, he had the chance to play an "almost finished" game developed for this system on his very first day. The game, according to Yoshida, resembled a space shooter similar to the Sega CD title Silpheed, which utilized CD streaming for its assets. While Yoshida couldn't recall the developer or the exact location of development, the possibility of this game still existing in Sony's archives offers a glimmer of hope for enthusiasts.
"I wouldn't be surprised," Yoshida remarked, hinting at the potential preservation of the game due to its CD format. The Nintendo PlayStation itself is a highly coveted piece of gaming history, cherished for its status as a never-released console that symbolizes a 'what-if' scenario between Nintendo and Sony. Its allure has made it a focal point in auctions and among collectors.
The prospect of experiencing Sony's space-shooter game designed for the Nintendo PlayStation is tantalizing, especially considering precedents like Nintendo's release of Star Fox 2 years after its cancellation. This raises the exciting possibility that this unique piece of video game history could one day be accessible to the public, allowing gamers to explore an alternate path in gaming's rich tapestry.