Step into a time machine with us as we revisit one of the most iconic ads from the golden age of gaming — the original Sony PlayStation launch promotion featuring Ridge Racer. This ad wasn’t just selling a console; it was ushering in a new era of gaming.
"Gameplay will never be the same!"
That bold statement wasn't just marketing fluff — it was a promise that Sony’s entry into the console wars meant serious business. With its sleek, futuristic design and tech specs that blew 16-bit systems out of the water, the PlayStation hit the market like a meteor.
Let’s break down the magic this ad was hyping:
🎮 Breakthrough 32-bit Processor
At a time when gamers were still rocking sprites, the PlayStation brought true 3D graphics into living rooms. This meant smoother animations, larger game worlds, and a whole new visual language for developers.
💿 Stereo CD-Quality Sound
Out with the cartridges and in with the CDs — not only did this mean lower production costs, but it also allowed for epic soundtracks and full-motion video that felt like Hollywood had finally met gaming.
📺 Full Frame Video at 30 Frames Per Second
Silky smooth for its time, this feature pushed the boundaries of what players expected from home consoles.
🌈 16.8 Million Simultaneous Colors
Simply put, games looked better — richer environments, more expressive characters, and immersive settings that invited players to get lost in the experience.
🕹 Custom Ports for Two Controllers and Memory Cards
It might seem standard now, but having the ability to plug in two controllers and save your game progress was a big deal in the mid-’90s.
And to top it all off, this particular bundle came with Ridge Racer, a blisteringly fast arcade-style racing game that showed off the console's power right out of the box. With four different routes and eight different race tracks, Ridge Racer was the perfect showcase for the new generation.
Price Tag in 1995:
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With Ridge Racer: $349.99
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Core System: $299.99
Imagine calling a 1-800 number to find your nearest store to pick one up — no online orders, no restock alerts, just raw anticipation.
Today, this ad is a piece of gaming history — a reminder of when the PlayStation was the bold new kid on the block. For many, it was the beginning of a lifelong love affair with gaming.
Did you have one back in the day? Or did this ad make you wish you had? Let us know your memories in the comments!
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