In a fascinating interview with MinnMax, former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida delved into his intriguing history with the Nintendo PlayStation prototype. Yoshida, who has been a key figure in Sony's gaming division, shared insights into his career that dates back to his early days working alongside Ken Kutaragi, known as 'the father of PlayStation.' Yoshida joined Kutaragi's team in February 1993, during the development of the original PlayStation, which eventually became a household name. However, he also had the unique opportunity to explore the lesser-known Nintendo PlayStation.
Yoshida recounted, "Everybody who joined [Ken Kutaragi]'s team around that time, the first thing they showed us was that Nintendo Sony PlayStation, like a prototype already working." Not only did he get to see the prototype in action, but he also played a nearly completed game on it the very day he joined the team. This game, which Yoshida compared to the Sega CD title Silpheed, utilized CD streaming technology for its assets. While he couldn't recall the developer or the specific region where it was made, the possibility of this game still existing in Sony's archives remains a tantalizing prospect. Yoshida mused, "I wouldn't be surprised... You know, it was like a CD, so… yeah."
The Nintendo PlayStation, an unreleased gem, represents a fascinating "what-if" scenario in the gaming industry's history. As a collector's item, the prototype has garnered significant attention in auctions and enthusiast circles. The allure of experiencing a version of Sony's space-shooter designed for the Nintendo PlayStation is undeniable. Given that Nintendo eventually released the long-canceled Star Fox 2, there's hope that this piece of gaming history might one day see the light of day.
