Chapter 89. Come Try If Your Dare
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Pokeni.
President's office.
"Eh? Really?!"
Upon hearing Kiyoshi Yuuma reveal that [Sega, Sony, Pokeni, and DUN would jointly develop a new handheld game console], Katayama Reiko was completely stunned.
She quickly turned to the photographer beside her. He gave her an OK sign, indicating that everything had already been recorded. No problems there.
"If this is true, it will definitely become sensational industry news." Katayama Reiko's eyes widened, and the pen in her hand trembled slightly.
Moreover, if this turned into an exclusive scoop, Goraku Tsushin's sales might surge to a new level. No, it could very likely explode in popularity.
Coupled with the coverage of Nintendo tearing up its cooperation contract with Sony earlier, the whole thing felt almost too dramatic.
After all, Sega was Nintendo's mortal enemy.
In this report, Pokeni wasn't the major player—Sega and Sony alone could carry the entire story.
As for DUN, wasn't that a blue film company?
How were they involved in game development?
"The contract's already signed. Next comes the R&D process. If everything moves smoothly, we might see a prototype by the end of the year."
Kiyoshi Yuuma revealed a smile that said he was certain of victory.
Although the GP handheld was being developed from scratch, the technical foundations had already been tested. Sega's GG handheld already had a color screen; aside from battery life issues, it outclassed Nintendo's GB in every other aspect. Sony's lithium-ion batteries were also their ace in the hole.
So according to everyone's expectations, GP's R&D would progress rapidly.
"Wonderful, President Kiyoshi. Thank you for providing us with such valuable information!" Katayama Reiko's eyes gleamed.
The value of the report was simply too high.
If Goraku Tsushin could be the first to break the story, it would definitely ignite heated discussions.
"Not at all, not at all." Kiyoshi Yuuma smiled.
He needed them as much as they needed him.
In Katayama Reiko's eyes, that smile was almost dazzling.
President Kiyoshi felt like an angel.
...
August 21, 1991. The newest issue of Goraku Tsushin published a bombshell:
[According to reliable sources:
Pokeni, Sega, Sony, and the famous blue film company DUN will jointly develop a new handheld game console.
Tentatively named "Game Pocket."
This handheld...]
Once the issue hit the shelves, the gaming world erupted.
"What? Sega and Sony are joining forces to develop a new game console? And it's a handheld?"
"Seriously? That's wild. After Nintendo dumped Sony, they ran straight into Sega's arms. This is peak breakup drama."
"If that's true, the Game Boy is in danger."
"A color screen handheld sounds amazing. I'm tired of Tetris already."
"Sega's GP, hurry up and release it!"
"I'm suddenly interested in this handheld. If it's really like Goraku Tsushin claims—a color screen with long battery life—I'll definitely buy it."
"But something feels off… What is Pokeni? Can they even help with R&D?"
"Pokeni makes galgames. Whatever else, they're really good at that. You could even call them the king of galgames right now."
"So if GP comes out, we might get to play fun galgames on it? That makes me want it even more."
"I can understand Pokeni joining, but DUN? That's not even a game company, right?"
"Yeah, DUN is obviously…"
...
As public discussions intensified, the news of Sega developing a new handheld spread rapidly and eventually reached Nintendo President Yamauchi Hiroshi.
"What?! Sega and Sony are actually developing a new handheld?!"
At a company meeting, Yamauchi Hiroshi's fury was unmistakable. Even his normally calm expression couldn't hide the way the corners of his mouth twitched.
"Apparently the contract's already signed. It seems to be a done deal," Iwata Satoru replied. To some extent, Sega and Sony were pushed together by Nintendo. If certain things hadn't happened back then…
Sony might still be developing game consoles for Nintendo.
But what happened was inevitable. The loopholes in the contract had revealed that Sony wasn't a harmless little partner at all, but more like a scheming predator.
"Still, this might not necessarily be a bad thing," Iwata Satoru continued. "Sony has always wanted to enter the gaming market. Working with us was just using Nintendo as a stepping stone. They might end up turning on Sega later."
"Hmm..."
Hearing Iwata's analysis, Yamauchi Hiroshi calmed down slightly.
The corners of his mouth curved into a cold smile. "President Nakayama is really confused. How could he allow others to meddle in his game console projects?"
"I don't think we need to worry too much. Honestly, we should be happy if they all go make color screen handhelds." Gunpei Yokoi, Head of Development, spoke up. "Color screens consume a ton of power. Their battery life can't compare to ours. Even with a black-and-white screen, we remain highly competitive. We don't need to lift a finger—Sega's new handheld will fall apart on its own."
...
Later, Yamauchi Hiroshi was questioned by reporters:
"President Yamauchi, what are your thoughts on Sega developing a new handheld with Sony?"
"Do you believe Sega and Sony's GP could become a threat to Nintendo, or even replace the Game Boy as the new king of handhelds?"
"Many players say the Game Boy's black-and-white screen and performance are outdated. They believe Sega's GP will succeed. What is your response?"
"Has Nintendo considered making a color handheld to counter this challenge?"
...
Though irritated, Yamauchi Hiroshi remained composed:
"At present, Nintendo has no plans to make a new color handheld. We have our own considerations and do not believe the handheld developed by Sony and Sega poses a threat."
"Let me put it this way: When you're not number one, you have only one opponent—the one at the top. When you reach the top, everyone becomes your enemy."
"Nintendo has held the number one position for nearly twenty years. We've never feared any challenge, because our strength and confidence speak for themselves."
"If anyone wants to challenge Nintendo, come try if you dare!"