PlayStation: Fun facts to know as Sony's console turns 30

Since 1994, PlayStation's five consoles have significantly influenced the landscape of video gaming. From the evolution of the controller to notable incidents in stores and even military applications, here are five intriguing facts:

1. Grey or Bust

The original PlayStation, launched in Japan on December 3, 1994, was grey, inspired by the "workstation" computers of the time, according to gaming historian Hiroyuki Maeda. While Sony's US division preferred a black design, which they deemed more elegant, the Japanese team firmly disagreed. Eventually, they compromised: aside from limited edition versions, the PlayStation 2, 3, and 4 were all black, while the PlayStation 5, released in 2020, is white.

2. Joystick Juggling

When developing the first PlayStation, Sony faced challenges due to its lack of experience in console manufacturing. According to Maeda, they produced over 200 prototypes for the controller. Norio Ohga, Sony's CEO at the time and a skilled pilot, advocated for a more ergonomic design. The controller features the iconic triangle, circle, cross, and square buttons, which have remained largely unchanged. In Japan, the circle signifies approval, making it the "OK" button, while the cross indicated cancel. This was reversed for Western models, but the PlayStation 5 has eliminated this cultural distinction.

3. Game Library

PlayStation's success is largely attributed to its extensive game library. By opting for CDs instead of cartridges, Sony lowered manufacturing costs and shortened production times, encouraging developers to create games for its consoles. Titles like "Ridge Racer" helped popularize 3D racing, while "Metal Gear Solid" blurred the lines between gaming and cinema. "Final Fantasy VII," the first 3D installment not developed for Nintendo, introduced many Western gamers to Japanese role-playing games. Other iconic titles include the survival-horror classic "Resident Evil" and the global phenomenon "Tomb Raider."

4. Store Success

The PlayStation 2 holds the record as the best-selling console in gaming history, with over 160 million units sold. Its ability to play DVDs contributed to its appeal, offering customers added value. The high demand and limited supply led to chaotic scenes at launch events, including fights at the Virgin Megastore on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.

5. War Machine?

In late 2000, NBC reported that Saddam Hussein's Iraq had acquired 1,400 PlayStation 2 consoles to utilize their powerful microprocessors for missile guidance systems. This year, the Japanese government added the console to a list of sensitive items due to its advanced graphics capabilities, raising concerns about potential military applications.