/vr/ - Retro Games

Yes, it's another what if thread. At least this one isn't (specifically) about how the Saturn/Dreamcast could've won - more like how that trainwreck would have done in an environment with less competition.
Let's say everything progresses as normal, except the PS1 just doesn't materialize after the fallout with Nintendo. So no SNES CD, the Saturn releases at the same time and as the same product that it did in reality, probably same-ish for the N64.
My guess is that it turns out similar to how the Genesis did, but with Nintendo in Sega's position - the N64 is huge in the US, Europe is split, Saturn is huge in Japan. The big thing that initially hit Nintendo with the PS1 was the mass exodus of Japanese devs from SFC to PS1 due to Sony being much easier to work with. The PS1 was probably favored over the Saturn due to technical superiority/less mismanagement/wads of cash from Sony, but without a PS1 I can see everyone flocking to the Saturn instead. Meanwhile the N64 is a hit in NA just like it was in reality, driven by Nintendo first/second-party and Western titles, but even bigger without the competition from the PS1. It could be one of the biggest gaps between mainstream console choice in NA vs JP in history, competing only with pre-NES and a certain not-retro period.
There's also the 3DO to consider. Would the PS1's absence give them time to sort themselves out, drop prices and have a shot at being a real contender?