Alternate history: N64 goes with CDs instead of cartridges

[DonFerrari]

curl-6 said:

DonFerrari said:

what is your explanation that Nintendo having all advantages during SNES weren't able to significantly outsell Sega

I'd say they were able to, and that they did; SNES beat the Megadrive 49 million to 29.5 million, so by over 60% more consoles sold. (http://www.vgchartz.com/analysis/platform_totals/)

And Nintendo didn't have "all the advantages" either; Megadrive had a headstart which they fully capitalized on by advertising how much more capable their system was over the ageing NES. The Megadrive was certainly not a weak opponent; Sega were at the top of their game in the late 80s and early 90s, don't let their dismal performance later on fool you as to how formidable they were in their prime.

I don't think sega was a pushover. But that they were ahead of SNES until they lost focus. Which just shows that Sony coming more structured than Sega they would likely oversell N64. Still SNES was stronger, more well know, with more partners, and momentum from NES. They had much more advantages than they would against PS1.