Atari Delays Next Console, Showcases Non-Functional Mockup at Summer 1993 CES
Excerpt from Electronic Gaming Monthly, 6 June 1993 [1]
Hopefully, it doesn't look like this
Among the many showcases that have been present during this summer’s Consumer Electronics Show include what would have been a working prototype of an upcoming console - made by the fallen titan of the video game industry - Atari. Called the Atari Jaguar - this next-generation console was expected to leapfrog the competition with its touted "64-bit" architecture, a significant jump from the 16-bit systems dominating the market. However, attendees were met with a surprising turn of events as Atari unveiled a non-functional mockup instead of the anticipated working prototype.
Atari's decision to delay the Jaguar's launch is seen as a direct response to the recent announcement of the SNES-CD partnership between Nintendo and Philips. This can clearly be seen in this prototype’s deviation from its originally planned medium of ROM cartridges to CDs. Such a move would make it easier for third-party developers to publish games on the Jaguar, potentially opening up a wider range of content and allowing for more complex and detailed games that could compete with the offerings of the SNES-CD.
On the other hand, Atari's situation is further complicated by the financial and developmental hurdles that come with launching a new console. The video game industry is notorious for its high stakes and rapid evolution, and Atari's delay may give its competitors an edge. However, Atari insists that the extra time will allow them to fine-tune the Jaguar, ensuring that when it does hit the market, it will offer a gaming experience unparalleled by its rivals.
Despite the setback, Atari's limited showcase at CES was not entirely without merit. The company provided detailed specs of the Jaguar's hardware, including its custom graphics and sound processors, and a versatile controller designed to cater to a wide range of video games. Furthermore, Atari teased a lineup of games in development…..
Nintendo Punches Up with New Label Deal with Philips Interactive Media
Excerpt from GamePro, 11 June 1993 [2]
For so long, Sega fans have told off Nintendo fans for their games and consoles being for the young and the young at heart - while Sega is the bad boy of the gaming world. But the tides are turning as Nintendo surprised gamers with the unexpected announcement that they’re taking their partnership with Philips - the ones that will be bringing us the Super Nintendo’s CD add-on this Christmas - to a whole nother level.
It’s been a rough last year for Philips since their own console bombed because of their busted controllers and lame game library, but Nintendo is set to change that. Philips Interactive Media is getting a fresh new rebrand with Nintendo buying up half the brand to revamp the game division, ensuring that the issues that plagued Philips' previous console are a thing of the past. With Nintendo's reputation for quality and innovation now backing Philips, the stage is set for an impressive comeback.
Philips Interactive Media, under Nintendo's guidance, is poised to launch a lineup of games that will cater to the tastes of older gamers, a demographic that has been somewhat neglected by Nintendo in the past. These games are expected to feature……..
Ethiopia - Coalition Partner - To Hold Status Referendum in Eastern Somalia Administration Zone
Excerpt from The New York Times, 18 June 1993 [3]
English recreation of initial ballot
In a move that surprised and confused many political observers, Ethiopia - who has prominently participated in the efforts to occupy and rebuild war-torn Somalia - announced a territorial status referendum to be held in the sparsely-populated Eastern Somalia Administration Zone. This zone, which has long been a source of contention between Somalia and Ethiopia, encompasses a vast expanse of territory inhabited primarily by ethnic Somali communities. It has also been the site of numerous border clashes between Ethiopia and Somalia prior to the latter’s collapse of central authority in 1991.
The United States under the Clinton administration has allowed the referendum to take place - under the condition that said referendum is monitored by the United Nations to be free and fair. This is despite Ethiopia’s historically poor human rights record towards its population - particularly among its ethnic Afar and Amhara groups. To geopolitical and human rights observers, their concern is not unwarranted - as evidenced by the strange referendum ballot released as a guide for the upcoming event.
Unlike traditional referendum ballots, which typically present at least two clear options - Yes or No - the two answers are divided into 10 different rankings. 1 represents the least strong inclination towards the option, whereas 10 represents the strongest inclination towards the option. This has yielded questions such as…..
U.S. Strikes Iraq for Plot to Kill Bush
Excerpt from The Washington Post, 27 June 1993 [4]
U.S. Navy ships launched 23 Tomahawk missiles against the headquarters of the Iraqi Intelligence Service yesterday in what President Clinton said was a "firm and commensurate" response to Iraq's plan to assassinate former president George Bush in mid-April.
The attack was meant to strike at the building where Iraqi officials had plotted against Bush, organized other unspecified terrorist actions and directed repressive internal security measures, senior U.S. officials said.
Clinton, speaking in a televised address to the nation at 7:40 last night, said he ordered the attack to send three messages to the Iraqi leadership: "We will combat terrorism. We will deter aggression. We will protect our people."
Clinton said he ordered the attack…..
[1] Obviously the Jaguar went with cartridges IOTL. But whether the console’s use of CDs right out of the gate rather than as a shoddily built add-on will save it and Atari from commercial failure remains to be seen.
[2] Basically, think of Philips Interactive Media to Nintendo as Touchstone Pictures (or 20th Century Studios IOTL modern day) was to Disney - a mature label used on products to avoid spoiling the main brand’s family friendly orientation.
[3] Given Ethiopia’s loss of sea access with Eritrea becoming independent, one would be inclined to hear those concerns out.
[4]
OTL.