Apple imagined the console of the future. Unfortunately, it was 1996

Hidden deep in the annals of Apple’s product history there is an unusual failure that you might never have heard about: the Pippin. The device was supposed to be Apple’s answer to Sony’s PlayStation, with an even greater vision.

According to Cupertino’s plans, the console was supposed to be more than just a game, but rather a multimedia technology platform that could become the equivalent of JVC’s VHS for home entertainment.

The CD-ROM console was developed by Bandai under license from Apple starting in 1994. The Japanese company produced two models, the ATMARK and @WORLD, with Katz Media later adding a third, the KMP 2000.

Despite Apple’s ambitions for it to become part of the consumer home entertainment ecosystem, it sold only around 42,000 units worldwide and was immediately axed when Steve Jobs returned to Apple in 1997.

Its failure is quickly explained by a whopping $599 price tag (roughly $1,200 today), underpowered hardware with no dedicated graphics or sound processors, poor performance with internet content, and costly optional accessories like a floppy drive and RAM upgrade.