Ken Kutaragi Reveals Ownership of Rare Nintendo PlayStation Prototype

Ken Kutaragi, widely recognized as the 'father of PlayStation' and former Sony Computer Entertainment executive, has revealed that he personally owns a rare Nintendo PlayStation prototype, securely kept in his possession.

This revelation shines new light on one of the most iconic 'what if' stories in gaming history, underscoring the storied origins of Sony’s influential home console brand. The Nintendo PlayStation prototype represents a pivotal moment in the gaming industry.

In the early 1990s, Nintendo and Sony commenced a collaboration to create a console that would combine Nintendo’s Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) with Sony’s CD-ROM technology.

However, the partnership ultimately dissolved, leading Sony to pursue its own vision, resulting in the debut of the original PlayStation in 1994—an event that reshaped the gaming landscape and established a legacy that remains strong today. Tokyo Retro Gamer reporter Julian Domanski recently disclosed this remarkable piece of news through his official X (formerly Twitter) account.

Domanski had the unique opportunity to meet with Mr.

Kutaragi, during which he not only viewed but also photographed the extremely rare hardware.

According to Domanski’s account, the chance to interact directly with the Nintendo PlayStation prototype was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

He noted that the last known unit sold at public auction garnered a price of approximately $300,000, highlighting its enduring value to collectors and historians alike. Domanski reported, 'Experiencing such a rare artifact firsthand was a surreal moment.

Ken Kutaragi, who played a central role in shaping modern video gaming, keeps this remarkable device safely stored at home.' Domanski further shared that Kutaragi personally signed his PlayStation 1 console during the encounter, emphasizing the ongoing reverence for this historic technology. The Nintendo PlayStation prototype has long fascinated retro gaming enthusiasts and hardware historians, representing the unrealized partnership that could have changed the course of video game history.

The device, reportedly one of the last of its kind in private hands following the highly publicized 2020 Heritage Auctions sale, continues to serve as a tangible reminder of the industry’s innovative and sometimes unpredictable path. Ken Kutaragi’s confirmation of his ownership provides new insight into the hardware’s legacy and reinforces the enduring relationship between Nintendo and Sony, despite their eventual rivalry.

As such, the Nintendo PlayStation prototype’s place in video game history is more significant than ever, a testament to the creativity and ambition that defines the industry’s greatest minds.

Nintendo PlayStation Sony Rare Ken Ken Kutaragi PlayStation Prototype Nintendo PlayStation Julian Domanski Tokyo Retro Gamer