Tristan Donovan, author of "Replay: The History of Video Games," joins to discuss the dramatic history of the PlayStation and Xbox rivalry. He reveals how a failed partnership between Sony and Nintendo could have dramatically altered the gaming landscape. Listeners will be intrigued by the nostalgia of gaming, the evolution of consoles, and the seismic shift toward mobile gaming. Donovan also explores Nintendo's lasting legacy and the potential pathways that could have changed today's market dynamics. Get ready for a gripping dive into gaming history!
38:49
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Nintendo's Betrayal
Nintendo betrayed Sony at the 1991 Consumer Electronics Show.
They announced a partnership with Philips instead of Sony, shocking the gaming world.
insights INSIGHT
Reasons for Partnership Failure
The failed partnership between Nintendo and Sony stemmed from disagreements over money and control.
Nintendo also grew paranoid about Sony's increasing interest and knowledge of video games.
insights INSIGHT
Kutaragi's Vision
Ken Kutaragi, the "grandfather of the PlayStation," pushed Sony into video games.
He convinced Sony's president to compete with Nintendo as a revenge project after the betrayal.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
In 'The Small Big', Steve J. Martin, Noah Goldstein, and Robert B. Cialdini explore how minor adjustments in approach can dramatically impact outcomes. Drawing from extensive research in persuasion science, the book presents over 50 small changes that can lead to substantial shifts in results, emphasizing the importance of context over information in decision-making.
Replay
Ken Grimwood
In 'Replay', Ken Grimwood tells the story of Jeff Winston, a 43-year-old radio journalist who dies of a heart attack in 1988 and wakes up back in his 18-year-old body in 1963. Jeff relives his life multiple times, each time retaining the memories of his previous lives. He attempts to change various aspects of his life, including trying to prevent historical events and accumulating wealth through his knowledge of future events. During one of his replays, he meets Pamela, another replayer, and together they explore the complexities of their situation and try to find other replayers. The novel delves into themes of love, regret, responsibility, and the search for meaning in a life that is repeatedly relived.
Can you imagine video games without Sony? A partnership between Sony and Nintendo could have changed the future of Playstation — and the video game industry — as we know it… if the deal hadn’t ended with a dramatic betrayal. Tristan Donovan, author of Replay: The History of Video Games (and writer of this season of Business Wars), joins David to tell us about the console that almost wasn’t. You’ll also hear why Nintendo is so hard to predict, and where the video games market is going next.
For the full story on what went down with Playstation in the early 1990s, listen to the Business Wars Nintendo vs. Sony season, also written by Tristan.
Listen to Business Wars on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/business-wars/ now.
Business Wars 
