A veteran game developer has revealed that there was once a DualShock controller with the entire PlayStation 1 built in and powered by batteries.
Often, console manufacturers have to find innovative ways to reach different markets globally, as the base console’s reach is limited by import restrictions imposed by various countries. The DualShock with a PlayStation inside was a solution cooked up for the Brazilian market, called PlayStation PUGA.
Sony’s DualShock with a Built-In PlayStation Never Released Because of Royalty Issues
Spotted by GamesRadar+, a new video on the Retro Collective YouTube channel features renowned game developer Brian ‘Biscuit’ Watson. In the video, Biscuit discusses a unique DualShock controller that includes a built-in PlayStation. He explains that this device is a plug-and-play solution, essentially a DualShock controller with a PS1 integrated inside. Additionally, Biscuit showcases a prototype of this device, which is battery-powered and specifically designed for the Brazilian market.
The device included an SD card, and Biscuit noted that “it was working really well,” with about “ten games on a 4GB card.” However, the project ultimately did not launch because “Sony licensing couldn’t get their act together about the royalty terms for each of the games.”
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The issue with royalties involved both third-party and first-party developers: third-party developers sought excessive royalties, while the separate unit of Sony was dissatisfied with the royalties they were receiving. Additionally, the low MSRP meant that “royalties would have been roughly 10 cents per unit.” The project’s development ended due to internal disputes, nearly prompting Biscuit to leave Sony.
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