PlayStation 2 design was based on the not-released Atari Falcon 030/040 Microbox casing

[parallaxscroll]

Almost unbelievable, until you see the striking resemblance.



(left) Atari Falcon 030/040 Microbox computer (not released) vs (right) original PlayStation 2.


http://www.theunheardnerd.com/consol...playstation-2/

CONSOLE HISTORY | PLAYSTATION 2

Introducing a new series to The Unheard Nerd where we take a look at some of the rarities and odd stories from the world of games consoles.

Upon launch Sony’s sequel to its hugely popular Playstation evolved significantly over its predecessor in design. Uniquely gamers had the option to place the unit flat or stand it proudly upright with a vivid blue triangular stand, paving the way for others to follow. One might imagine that a team of designers spent huge amounts of time honing the look of the Playstation 2 … Or did they just ‘jack it from Atari?

It seems that Sony owes a significant debt of gratitude for the design of their console to, then competitors, Atari. In 1992 Atari Corporation produced their final home computer, the Falcon 030. Similar in style to previous models from the company, the product was criticised for it’s poor choice of internal components and compromised functionality. Shortly after in 1993 Atari underwent a significant re-structuring of the company and diverted their focus to the burgeoning console market and their own project, the Jaguar. As a result the Falcon was discontinued, but not before creating prototype Falcon 030/040 models based upon a Microbox case.

The Microbox case took the machine in a different direction style-wise, borrowing in part from a traditional desktop casing but with a compartmental aesthetic which demonstrates clearly where the inspiration for the Playstation 2 came from when released some eight years later. Side by side the similarities are undeniable, and indeed Sony pay reference to the Atari’s Falcon 030 and 040 in their patent for the console.

[Greg2600]

Interesting, never knew about that.

[parallaxscroll]

Heh, neither did I, til this morning.

[CRTGAMER]

That is interesting.

Here is another PS2 design influence possibility. I saw a very similar upright console in an earlier PS1 game called The Spider, years before the PS2. An uncanny resemblance of the PS2 console in the game with a hint of blue just like the PS2 chosen color if its blue CD games.

[slip81]

That's cool, but the Atari looks a little cooler. Sony should have kept the floppy drive.

[BlastProcessing402]

Good call Sony on changing it so the top was wider than the bottom instead of vice versa. Much more aesthetically pleasing that way.

Doesn't matter much in "tower mode" but screw tower mode, consoles should lay flat!