Nintendo PlayStation Prototype Controller Up for Auction

In the 1990s, a historic collaboration between Nintendo and Sony resulted in the creation of the prototype controller for what was to be called the Nintendo PlayStation. However, Nintendo ultimately decided against pursuing this venture further, allowing Sony to forge ahead on their own path, becoming a major player in gaming history.

The prototype controller is now up for auction at Heritage Auctions, scheduled for August 22-24, 2024. This rare piece of gaming history has previously fetched high prices and is expected to attract serious collectors once again.


What do you think of the prices for these rare items? And how do you think the gaming world would be different if we’d have got the Nintendo PlayStation?

  • the_crotch@sh.itjust.works
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    4 months ago

    I get that it’s historically significant, but this looks exactly like a standard SNES controller with different badging. I can’t imagine why someone would pay “big bucks” for it. It’s kind of boring as a collectable.

    • ramble81@lemm.ee
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      4 months ago

      Then you definitely aren’t the target of this. There is tons more to it besides “does it look interesting “, most prototypes and mules don’t. But what if symbolized is massive. If this had gone forward it could have completely changed the landscape of gaming as we know it, and I’m not using hyperbole there.

      • the_crotch@sh.itjust.works
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        4 months ago

        The system would have changed the landscape, sure. There’s nothing unique about the controller. It’s a standard SNES controller with a Sony logo on it

        • ramble81@lemm.ee
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          4 months ago

          Do you know how mules and prototypes work? It quite common to use existing chassis and parts for testing the core, then you follow up with those things.

          • the_crotch@sh.itjust.works
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            4 months ago

            I get that. What that means is this isn’t a prototype controller. It’s a regular SNES controller with a different logo on it. The only thing that makes it special is that they used to to test something unique and interesting. Might as well buy the AC outlet the system was plugged into.

            • TimeNaan@lemmy.world
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              4 months ago

              Not really, since this controller was made specifically with the prototype in mind.

              Just because it only differs in branding from the mass produced original doesn’t mean it’s not a unique item of historical value.

            • ramble81@lemm.ee
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              3 months ago

              It just sold for $35,000… so I’d definitely say it was a unique piece someone wanted.

    • MrSpArkle@lemmy.ca
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      4 months ago

      You understand it’s historically significant, but don’t know why anyone would pay for it?

      Not an inkling?

      If your empathy isn’t broken, this is a good troll.

      • the_crotch@sh.itjust.works
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        4 months ago

        You understand it’s historically significant

        Being attached to something historically significant (in certain parts of the internet, we’re not talking about the magna carta here) by itself doesn’t make a collectable interesting

        If your empathy isn’t broken

        lmao