I've tried to make it a bit easier to read by breaking up the paragraphs more. I know that last article was a bit daunting to look at. Hopefully you'll find that each article will improve as we go along. So anyway, here you go:
(....Continued from last week)
.... Remember that little plumber named Mario? At one point during Nintendo's reign Mario was better known by young children than Mickey Mouse. The recognition paid off, as Mario was launched in a flagship title again called Super Mario World. The improved graphics, gameplay, and sound combined to make the new game a best seller. Nintendo proved once again that the software sells the system.
In 1995 Sega released their newest system, a 32-bit console known as Sega Saturn. They were not alone, however, as a new competitor entered the ring a couple of weeks later. Sony, the electronics mega-company, had spent millions developing a new system known as the Sony Playstation.
Although in many respects the Saturn was technologically superior to the Playstation, it was more difficult to develop for, and hence had more and better software. The Saturn followed in the footsteps of the Master System, and Sega retreated to concentrate on their Arcade business.
Nintendo, meanwhile, was content to rest in the success of their existing 16-bit Super Nintendo system, but did promise that a new and better system would soon be released.
Known as the Nintendo Ultra 64, it was to be the next-next-generation of video game technology. However, numerous delays and broken promises soured the public's perception of Nintendo, and the Playstation continued to gain popularity.
Initially promised to arrive in late 1995, the Ultra 64 was finally shipped in the U.S. on September 29th, 1996, now known simply as Nintendo 64 (N64). Over a year later than the launch of the Playstation, Nintendo had some serious ground to gain, and some wondered if even a 64-bit version of the famous little plumber could help them.
Although the N64 broke initial launch records in both Japan and the USA, it was slowed by low amounts of software, and sub-par launch titles. The cartridge format was expensive and restrictive for game creators, and was met with some skepticism. Although there were many benefits, the higher costs caused some customer frustration, and sales suffered.
