The Battle Of The Late '90s
The late '90s sparked a legendary battle between two gaming giants: Sony’s PlayStation and Nintendo’s N64. Each system had its loyal fans and unique strengths, but there was only room for one winner. This list breaks down the top reasons that swayed gamers worldwide to pick either side. Let’s begin with why many gamers chose the PS1.
1. CD-ROM Technology Changed The Game
The PS1’s switch to CDs unlocked a leap in game complexity. Thanks to the 650 MB of storage per disc, titles could feature voice acting and orchestral scores. Meanwhile, N64 cartridges capped out at 64 MB, limiting how far developers could push the experience.
playstation PSone Cd-rom and psio co-exist、ps1、psone DIY-【part2】by DIYGameModz
2. A Library For Every Kind Of Gamer
With over 2,400 titles across every major genre, the PS1 became a one-stop shop for players. Racing fans had Gran Turismo, and sports fans got hooked on Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. Horror lovers had Resident Evil, and platforming purists had Crash Bandicoot.
PS1 Game Collection | Console Collector by Console Collector
3. Mature Themes Hit Home
Sony didn’t shy away from darker, more adult content. Games like Silent Hill and Metal Gear Solid explored themes far beyond cartoon villains and princess rescues. It resonated with teens and adults craving more than kid-friendly adventures.
Metal Gear Solid Part 1 PS1 Gameplay *HD* 1080P by ZephyrMantis
4. RPGs Found Their True Home
The PS1 was a golden age for RPG fans. Final Fantasy VII, VIII, IX and Chrono Cross set new standards for everything—storytelling, music, cinematics and character development. These deep, emotional games weren’t available on the N64, giving Sony the genre’s crown.
Final Fantasy VII (PS1) Gameplay by chaffXgrenade
5. Lower Prices Made It Easier To Build A Collection
CDs were cheap to produce compared to cartridges, and that savings showed up at checkout. PS1 games often sold for $40–$50, while N64 titles hovered around $60–$70. Over time, the price gap gave PlayStation owners more bang for their buck.
Playstation 1 / PS One - Video Game Collection 2023 by davidakhoa
6. Load Times That Made Room For More
Yes, CDs meant load times—but they came with trade-offs. Developers packed in longer animations and immersive intros that cartridges simply couldn’t handle. Many top-tier PS1 titles minimized loading delays through clever programming and smart disc access.
Chrono Cross (PS1) Gameplay by chaffXgrenade
7. Third-Party Developers Flooded In
Sony gave developers more freedom and support, winning over major studios like Square and Konami. This opened the door to hit franchises, including Resident Evil and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. The N64’s stricter publishing model pushed many devs away.
Longplay of Resident Evil (1996) by LongplayArchive
8. More Than Just A Game Console
The PS1 doubled as a music player—just pop in an audio CD and press play. In some regions, it also supported video CDs, giving it added appeal for tech-savvy households. It felt like a mini entertainment hub.
Playing audio CD with PS1 by Sunaudio
9. Easy Saves And Shareable Progress
Memory cards revolutionized game saving. No more relying on passwords or limited cartridge save slots. Players could swap saves with friends, back up their progress, replay a favorite moment, or transfer unlockables between games for added bonuses.
10. Global Popularity Built A Bigger Community
The PS1 sold over 100 million units worldwide. It was everywhere! That dominance translated into more game options and a thriving online and offline fan base. Owning a PS1 meant you were part of something massive.
PSOne Console (SEALED) Unboxing by Jason Le
However, some gamers went for the N64 instead. So now, let’s look at the ten reasons that pulled them in.
1. Nintendo’s First-Party Games Were Unmatched
The N64’s first-party lineup was pure gold. Titles like Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Mario Kart 64 set new standards for platformers, action-adventure, and racing. These games became instant classics that critics and fans still rank among the greatest.
Mario Kart 64 (N64 Gameplay) by xJZL93x
2. 3D Gameplay Became A Nintendo Trademark
Super Mario 64 reexamined what 3D movement and level design could look like. It introduced freedom of movement that hadn’t existed on consoles before, and Ocarina of Time raised the bar again with lock-on targeting and cinematic depth. These innovations became templates for an entire generation of 3D games.
3. Four-Player Fun Built Right In
The N64 was built for couch multiplayer. Its four controller ports turned many games into social staples. Think GoldenEye 007, Super Smash Bros., and Diddy Kong Racing. It brought living rooms to life with competition and laughter—no adapter required.
4. Cartridges Were Fast And Tough
Instant loading gave the N64 a seamless gameplay advantage. Unlike CDs, cartridges didn’t scratch or require careful handling. Parents appreciated their durability, and kids could pop in a game and jump straight into the action.
5. The Analog Stick Revolutionized Control
Nintendo changed how gamers moved through 3D worlds. The N64’s analog stick made characters feel responsive and movement feel natural. As a result, players got precise control. It became the industry standard years before Sony’s DualShock took off.
6. Graphics That Looked Smoother In Motion
Though limited in storage, the N64’s hardware delivered fluid visuals. Games like Banjo-Kazooie and F-Zero X featured cleaner textures and effects that avoided the jagged edges often seen on PS1 titles. Its visuals held up surprisingly well in fast-paced, dynamic settings.
F-Zero X - The Best Racing Game Of All Time by Many A True Nerd
7. Accessories That Upgraded The Experience
The N64 wasn’t just innovative—it was modular. Add-ons like the Rumble Pak introduced haptic feedback years before it was standard, while the Expansion Pak boosted graphics in games like Majora’s Mask and Perfect Dark. These upgrades kept the console evolving throughout its lifespan.
N64 Rumble Pak: Review & Retrospective by Svenny McG
8. Nintendo’s Loyal Fanbase Stayed Strong
Decades of trust carried weight. Fans who grew up with the NES and SNES felt confident that Nintendo’s quality and creativity would continue with the N64—and it did. That brand loyalty kept players coming back for more.
Let's Check Out My Old NES - Nintendo Entertainment System :D - Tech - Video Games by Quiet Nerd
9. A Console Built For All Ages
Nintendo leaned into its identity as a family-friendly powerhouse. Games like Pokémon Snap, Yoshi’s Story, and Kirby 64 offered accessible fun for kids and parents alike. That welcoming tone gave the N64 a broad appeal that contrasted sharply with the PS1’s edgier vibe.
Pokemon Snap (Nintendo 64) Complete Walkthrough (All 63 Pokemon) by JackLiberty0
10. Its Classics Still Shape Game Design
Ocarina of Time, GoldenEye 007, and Star Fox 64 inspired decades of design across genres. Developers still study these games for mechanics and level structure. The N64’s influence lives on in ways that stretch far beyond its original lifespan.
Star Fox 64 - Complete 100% Walkthrough - All Routes, All Medals (Longplay) by ModernXP
