PS1 was kind of a slow starter compared to todays consoles. N64 shipped more in it's first 2 years than PS1 did... just that by the time N64 launched PS1 was just hitting it's stride.
So:
Earlier release (or more specifically late release of N64... PS1's competion was the Saturn & the aging SNES)
Discs (allowed for better sound & more space but also allowed them to sell the games using the video cutscenes)
Discs again, as they were cheaper for 3rd parties = more incentive for publishers to make games for it.
Nintendo's prior treatment of 3rd parties no doubt also played a factor
Sony's already existing huge worldwide brand power, Nintendo only really had a strong Japanese & US presence. This also extends to availability, I think back then apart from Japan, USA, & the big 5 in EU Nintendo didn't directly sell in any other countries... I think they had a partnership with a company to cover Scandanavia, and maybe Canada came under NoA umbrella... the rest of Europe & rest of the world would only be able to get grey imports.
Last edited by HigHurtenflurst - on 18 November 2020
