Steve Jobs, Co-founder of Apple, Once Demonstrated a PS1 Emulator for Mac

For years, Apple prohibited developers from releasing console game emulators on the App Store; however, this policy was altered earlier this year in light of antitrust probes in the EU. Years before the App Store controversy, Steve Jobs notably introduced a PlayStation emulator for the Mac during an Apple event.

Apple once endorsed game emulators for the Mac

In 1999, Apple was poised to unveil enhancements to the iMac G3 and the new Power Mac G3 at Macworld Expo. At the event, Steve Jobs frequently asserted that Macs were excellent gaming devices, although there is one specific demonstration that merits revisiting.

Jobs, alongside Phil Schiller, presented Connectix's Virtual Game Station (VGS) on stage. It was the inaugural PlayStation emulator capable of executing games at full speed across any platform. VGS was initially introduced on the Mac, and to demonstrate this, Schiller showcased Crash Bandicoot: Warped emulated live during the keynote presentation.

“Our objective is to create the premier gaming machine globally,” stated Jobs while contrasting the Mac with the original PlayStation, which was regarded as the most popular gaming console at the time. “Would it not be advantageous to engage with some of those titles as well?” Jobs stated prior to the announcement of VGS. “It is an exceptional concept,” Schiller subsequently remarked.

VGS was priced at $49 and was officially compatible solely with original PlayStation game CDs. Sony, predictably, opposed the concept and initiated legal action against Connectix for copyright infringement.

What is the plot twist?

Connectix prevailed in the litigation, prompting Sony to acquire the emulation software to terminate its operation.

Years later, Apple fundamentally altered its regulations regarding game emulation. Initially, the App Store prohibited emulation software. It is intriguing to observe Jobs and Schiller's enthusiasm for game emulation. However, we are referring to the same period when Macs were included with Microsoft's Internet Explorer.

Although Apple remains reticent on the subject, game emulators are now permitted on the App Store, and numerous options are accessible for download.