PlayStation

Sony entered the fifth-generation console wars with a machine that prioritized 3D polygon graphics over the cartridges of its rivals. Released in Japan on December 3, 1994, and arriving in North America later that September, the PlayStation offered a distinct alternative to the Nintendo 64 and Sega Saturn. Ken Kutaragi led the design team, creating a system that made game development easier for third parties by using compact discs instead of expensive ROM chips. This strategy attracted a massive library of titles while keeping retail prices lower than competitors.[edit]