[Console Games] On Sony, Microsoft, and the future of game consoles.

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This is The Stepback, a weekly newsletter breaking down one essential story from the tech world. For more on the intersection of gaming and technology, follow Sean Hollister. The Stepback arrives in our subscribers’ inboxes at 8AM ET. Opt in for The Stepback here. How it started They used to be called the “console wars,” and to the victor went the spoils. When Sony’s PlayStation and PlayStation 2 dominated the Sega, Nintendo, and Microsoft competition, selling over a hundred million boxes into our living rooms — each! — they created a profitable virtuous cycle. More consoles meant selling more games, which meant attracting more developers to make even more games, which meant big dollar signs for Sony. The box will continue to be the tip of the spear, but it’s no longer the point. But to getThis is The Stepback, a weekly newsletter breaking down one essential story from the tech world. For more on the intersection of gaming and technology, follow Sean Hollister. The Stepback arrives in our subscribers’ inboxes at 8AM ET. Opt in for The Stepback here. How it started They used to be called the “console wars,” and to the victor went the spoils. When Sony’s PlayStation and PlayStation 2 dominated the Sega, Nintendo, and Microsoft competition, selling over a hundred million boxes into our living rooms — each! — they created a profitable virtuous cycle. More consoles meant selling more games, which meant attracting more developers to make even more games, which meant big dollar signs for Sony. The box will continue to be the tip of the spear, but it’s no longer the point. But to get those dollar signs spinning and keep them spinning, console makers greased the wheels. The console wars were initially fought with exclusive games, tempting you to buy the only system that could play Final Fantasy VII, or Super Mario 64, or Halo. Later, the “wars” enlisted your friends, too. Microsoft turned the tables in 2005 with the Xbox 360, which made both local and online multiplayer easier than on PlayStation, just in time for the explosion of online gaming and four-player couch titles. Were you really going to buy the “wrong” console and miss out on games with your pals? What if they insisted on PlayStation? The world’s internet forums erupted in debate about the merits of each brand and technical capabilities of each console. But a funny thing happened after Sony introduced the PlayStation 3, the most powerful hardware yet. Subscribe to The Verge to continue reading. More in Column The strongest argument for smart glasses is accessibility The strongest argument for smart glasses is accessibility James Cameron on AI: it’s ‘just as creative’ as people, but with no ‘unique lived experience’ James Cameron on AI: it’s ‘just as creative’ as people, but with no ‘unique lived experience’ I sat down with Mark Zuckerberg to try Meta’s impressive new Ray-Ban Display glasses I sat down with Mark Zuckerberg to try Meta’s impressive new Ray-Ban Display glasses Charlie Kirk’s death got complicated by gamer brainrot Charlie Kirk’s death got complicated by gamer brainrot Phone batteries are getting more compact, but the US is missing out Phone batteries are getting more compact, but the US is missing out It’s time for Meta to add a display to its smart glasses It’s time for Meta to add a display to its smart glasses Advertiser Content From Sponsor Logo This is the title for the native ad Top Stories 7:20 AM PDT Trump’s H-1B visa fee isn’t just about immigration, it’s about fealty 5:00 AM PDT The best smart glasses got a little better Sep 20 The US government is taking a second stab at breaking up Google Sep 20 Henry Halfhead is full of heart Sep 20 Republicans’ political purge is just getting started 31 minutes ago The foldable iPhone might look like two iPhone Airs stuck together Contact Tip Us Community Guidelines About Ethics Statement How We Rate and Review Products Manage Privacy Settings Terms of Use Privacy Notice Cookie Policy Licensing FAQ Accessibility Platform Status © 2025 Vox Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved Continue reading The Stepback with a Verge subscription Tech season sale: For a limited time, get unlimited access 

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