Back when Sony and Nintendo were still on good terms, the two technology and gaming giants nearly collaborated on their first CD-ROM console in what would have become the SNES PlayStation. Unfortunately, the relationship between the two on the console was brought to an end and Sony then used the knowledge gained from the project to create the PlayStation. Even so, prototypes of the SNES PlayStation CD-ROM were made and one has been unearthed and put up for auction to the tune of currently over $360,000 USD inclusive of buyer’s premium.
A rare SNES PlayStation CD-ROM prototype was placed on auction via Heritage Auctions. Though proxy bids on the SNES PlayStation CD-ROM is allowed until March 6, 2020, the bidding has already reached $360,000 USD as of the writing of this article. The console prototype has attracted 55 bidders since the launch of the auction and it currently has over 500 actively tracking alerts on changes in the auction. Safe to say, this little piece of Nintendo and Sony’s contentious past is drawing some serious money to the table for its hallowed ownership.
Development on the SNES PlayStation CD-ROM started as an add-on for the Super Nintendo in 1988. Then-Sony Engineer Ken Kutaragi wanted to explore the gaming space in a time when Sony had no hands in the video game industry. Though initially, Kutaragi’s efforts were dismissed, he eventually found support among Sony executives who brought Nintendo to the table to begin a collaborative effort on the console. Nintendo was initially responsive and cooperative, but then-Nintendo President Hiroshi Yamauchi was not fond of Sony, who handled development of the SNES sound chip and charged heavily for its use.
Yamauchi pursued a deal with Sony competitor Phillips to create the Phillips CD-i behind Sony’s back and revealed their partnership while Sony was still working on the SNES PlayStation CD-ROM, shocking and infuriating Sony. Deals were called off and Sony ceased work for Nintendo, instead repurposing the SNES CD-ROM into the first PlayStation, which would become one of Nintendo’s chief competitors. That said, a couple hundred prototypes of the SNES PlayStation CD-ROM were produced and exist now as treasured remnants of that historic turning point in gaming.
JV Auction sees the potential in such rare and highly sought-after collectibles. The value of such items is often underrated, and JV Auction aims to procure these with the help of their team of acquisition specialists.
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