A Blast from the Past: Sony’s Love Affair with PC Gamers in the ’90s

It’s amazing how much can change in just three decades! Back in 1996, Sony was all about winning over the hearts of PC gamers right after the launch of its first PlayStation console. In stark contrast to their current stance in 2026, where they’re doubling down on physical media for the upcoming PlayStation 6 and have pulled back from launching major titles on PC, the Sony of the ’90s was eager to shout from the rooftops about its gaming prowess on multiple platforms.

To woo PC gamers, Sony even published a lavish 16-page ad in a magazine, showcasing its “PlayStation mega-hits” alongside the promise of “CD-quality audio.” The ad confidently proclaimed that Sony was committed to enhancing the PC gaming experience, especially with its acquisition of notable PC publisher Psygnosis as a subsidiary. Readers were treated to grand claims about how the high-end design work from Sony Interactive was set to revolutionize the PC gaming world.

While some of the titles advertised might not have gone down in history as classics, it’s fun to reminisce about games closely tied to the PlayStation brand, like WipEout and Twisted Metal. They were even promoting a title called Eastern Mind: The Lost Souls of Tong Nou, hailed as “one of Japan’s most popular CD-ROM titles,” despite its lackluster success according to other sources.

Fast forward to today, and it’s evident that Sony’s relationship with PC gaming has dramatically shifted. Stumbling upon this old ad while flipping through past issues of PC Gamer brought a wave of nostalgia. There was a time when games were celebrated for their vibrant graphics and expansive worlds. Remember when “over 40 huge mazes to explore” was enough to get gamers excited? Ah, those were the days!

Whether you’re a nostalgic gamer or just curious about the evolution of Sony’s gaming strategies, this glimpse into their past is a reminder of how far we’ve come in the world of video games.