Historic Prototype from Nintendo and Sony Collaboration Auctioned for $360,000
Quick Overview
- Unique Nintendo Play Station prototype auctioned for $360,000 at Heritage Auctions.
- This prototype emerged from an unsuccessful collaboration between Nintendo and Sony.
- It was initially designed to introduce CD-based games to the Super Nintendo.
- The prototype was uncovered in an attic in 2015 after remaining hidden for many years.
- It previously received an offer of $1.2 million, which was declined.
A Collaboration That Went Wrong
An unsuccessful collaboration nearly three decades ago between two titans of the gaming world has led to the sale of one of the most unique pieces of gaming technology at auction for a remarkable $360,000. The Nintendo Play Station, initially called the Super NES CD-ROM, was the result of joint efforts by Sony and Nintendo aimed at bringing CD-based gaming with improved animations, music, and sound effects to the Super Nintendo platform.
The Rise and Decline of Nintendo Play Station
Designed as both an accessory for SNES and Super Famicom systems and a standalone Sony-branded unit that could play Nintendo cartridges and Super Disc games, the Nintendo Play Station project soured when Nintendo announced a concurrent agreement with rival Philips at the 1991 Consumer Electronics Show. Although attempts were made to mend the relationship, the manufacturing agreements were ultimately dissolved. In spite of the split, about two to three hundred prototypes were created.
From Attic to Auction
Sony proceeded to independently create the PlayStation, which became a major competitor against Nintendo. The Nintendo Play Station prototype fell into obscurity until November 2015 when a functioning model was found in an attic. It had belonged to Olaf Olafsson, the inaugural president of Sony Computer Entertainment, who had taken it with him to Advanta Corporation after leaving Sony. Eventually, the prototype was sold at a Chapter 11 auction in 2009 and purchased by Terry Diebold. It remained in his attic for six years before its historical importance was recognized.
Surprisingly Operational
Despite its age and the typical discoloration of its ABS plastic, the console was discovered to be functioning. It underwent repairs by Ben Heckendorn, who fixed its CD-ROM drive. Although no CD-based games exist for this prototype, it can play music CDs and SNES cartridges. Its rarity and operational status contributed to its high auction value.
Collector’s Market Value
Collectors are eager to invest hefty amounts for rare video game artifacts. Last year, a pristine original copy of Super Mario Bros. sold for $100,150 at Heritage Auctions, the same auction house managing the Nintendo Play Station prototype. While the rare console fetched an impressive $360,000, it didn’t reach the previously declined offer of $1.2 million that Diebold received from a collector in Norway.
Conclusion
The Nintendo Play Station prototype, a remnant of a failed collaboration between Sony and Nintendo, was auctioned for $360,000 at Heritage Auctions. Initially envisioned to deliver CD-based gaming to the Super Nintendo, the initiative collapsed post-conflict between the two entities. The prototype re-emerged in 2015 and was restored to working order. Its operational capability, despite its age, makes it a highly desirable collectible.
Questions & Answers
Q: What is the Nintendo Play Station?
A: The Nintendo Play Station is a prototype gaming console created by Sony and Nintendo in the early 1990s to enable CD-based gaming on the Super Nintendo system.
Q: What caused the setback in the collaboration between Sony and Nintendo?
A: The collaboration deteriorated when Nintendo disclosed a concurrent partnership with Philips, Sony’s competitor, which resulted in a fracture of their relationship.
Q: How was the prototype found?
A: The prototype was located in an attic in 2015. It was originally owned by Olaf Olafsson, the first president of Sony Computer Entertainment, and was acquired during a Chapter 11 auction in 2009.
Q: Is the Nintendo Play Station operational?
A: Yes, the prototype is operational. It can play music CDs and SNES cartridges, although it currently lacks any CD-based games.
Q: For how much did the Nintendo Play Station sell at auction?
A: The prototype sold for $360,000 at Heritage Auctions.
Q: Were there any higher bids made for the prototype?
A: Yes, the previous owner, Terry Diebold, declined a $1.2 million offer from a collector in Norway.
Q: Who was responsible for restoring the Nintendo Play Station prototype?
A: The CD-ROM drive of the Nintendo Play Station prototype was repaired by Ben Heckendorn, a well-known console modder.
Source: gizmodo.com
