Chapter 178: International Electronics Exhibition
CES(Consumer Electronics Show: ).
Since its first event in 1967, this annual event has been held alternately at the Las Vegas Convention Center or the Hilton Hotel.
This year's venue was the Las Vegas Convention Center. Over 200 companies worldwide had already completed conference registration, and attendees were expecting it to be the largest event ever.
I doubt that so many people gather because of companies like our Pentagon or Mintendo. That's an exaggeration.
Though NEGA officially announced the debut of their new device, Saturn, at CES, some were anticipating it. Sadly, the most notable item at CES '94 was the "mobile phone."
Mobile phones, as we know them, have a surprisingly long history.
The early '80s saw the use of the DynaTAC portable phone, weighing a hefty 4kg, almost requiring shoulder support to carry around.
It wasn't until '88 when Motorola's "TEC8000," the first truly handheld phone retailing for 2.4 million won, changed the game, weighing 771g.
Even though it was durable and waterproof, incidents of assault using the phone were common, almost treating it as a "weapon."
From '92, Motorola's MicroTAC 2 with a flip and reduced weight of 219g laid the foundation for the phones we know today.
Initially limited to corporate and high society due to its high cost, the barrier began to break down around '94-'95.
"Boss, did you see the new phone Motorola released?"
"Yeah, I did."
Kaori, who had been to the Motorola booth, approached me excitedly.
Even though Japanese carriers offered zero-interest installment plans to promote phone access, the basic call rates remained expensive.
Today is the first day of CES. Since it's closed to the general public, it's mainly for broadcasters and corporate individuals.
Thanks to this, despite the vast venue, there wasn't the usual congestion or discomfort.
During the morning, I leisurely toured various booths with Kaori and Miyazaki trailing behind me, gradually getting accustomed to the atmosphere.
"It feels like what I imagine stepping into an old electronics museum would be, despite this being a showcase of future appliances."
The conference was a spectacle for them, but for me, it evoked a sense of nostalgia.
"I can't share this moment with them in this situation, which is a bit sad."
Taking them along, I headed towards the game-exclusive section at the far end of the event hall.
There were four video game console companies at this CES. Nintendo, the leading game console company, had the largest booth, bustling with people due to its solid foothold in the US.
"Is Nintendo planning a surprise show?"
"Maybe they'll unveil a new device?"
"I read an article recently saying Nintendo and Sony are jointly developing a new console."
"No, I heard there was a conflict after Sony announced CD as Nintendo's new storage medium."
"Really? Does that mean Nintendo won't use CDs?"
"Well, we'll have to wait for the conference. So far, Nintendo hasn't said anything about the new device."
Amidst the buzzing crowd, I noticed Sony's booth adjacent to Nintendo's.
Sony, starting with the Walkman and expanding into AV devices and TVs, stood shoulder to shoulder with top global companies.
Due to the close relationship between consoles and TVs, Mitsubishi and Korean companies like Eunsung and Daehoo, specializing in displays, were placed next to Sony's booth.
Korean electronic products gained prominence in international exhibitions in the '90s, making their presence a delightful sight.
Meanwhile, while Nintendo's booth was quiet due to its confidentiality, NEGA's booth garnered significant attention from attendees.
Since the release of the arcade board "MODEL1" with "Virtua Fighter" at the end of last year, it had gained immense popularity in the US.
"Wow, this is amazing. It feels like playing a game in 3D graphics from the future."
A user playing Virtua Fighter at NEGA's booth exclaimed in awe, manipulating the lever. The character on the screen navigated the 3D space, engaging the onlookers with thrilling moves.
Though the Saturn's release wasn't planned due to the game's popularity, users hoped the game would be available once Saturn launched.
If NEGA were to announce, "Virtua Fighter won't be available for Saturn," they'd surely face the users' wrath.
Therefore, although Saturn's release was set for the end of '94, they hadn't announced the price or simultaneous release titles yet.
"I guess tomorrow, even if I don't want to, I'll have to reveal it..."
After briefly touring NEGA's booth, I shifted my steps toward the Pentagon booth, situated opposite Nintendo's.
Much like Nintendo, Pentagon Soft's booth was preparing for a closed conference, bustling with shadowy movements behind the white curtains.
Given its portable advantage and success in the North American market, many were secretly hoping for an announcement regarding TV compatibility from Raon at this conference.
"Wow, there are so many people on our side."
"I didn't realize Raon was this popular even in the US, it was only in Japan, you know?"
Miyazaki, the manager of the Pentagon shop, started filming the crowd gathering around the Pentagon booth.
Presumably, he intended to show it to the Pentagon shop's employees when he returned to Japan.
...
The next day.
Due to the influx of general attendees to the convention center from the morning, the venue was quickly bustling with people.
Observing the sight outside, different from yesterday, Kaori approached us with a visibly pale expression.
"Th-the crowd outside... It's massive."
Checking the progress of the event with Kawaguchi, I chuckled at Kaori's words in response.
"Well, considering there's no bigger global event than this at the moment, it's natural for attendees to overflow."
Morita, standing beside me, nodded in agreement to my statement.
"Indeed, but it seems there's more interest in the console side this year. Probably due to rumors about the next-gen models."
"Our conference is scheduled for 3 p.m., right?"
"Yes. First, NEGA has a presentation at 11 a.m., followed by Mintendo at 1 p.m. 3DO at 2 p.m. We're last at 3 p.m."
"Alright. Since we've wrapped up the preparation for our presentation, I'll check on the situation with NEGA."
Seemingly nervous about the afternoon presentation, Kawaguchi took a short breath, nodding.
"Please do."
It's quite comforting having a vice president in such times.
Passing the event documents to Morita, I lifted the curtain behind our booth and stepped out of the venue. As I turned the corner to head towards the NEGA booth, I felt suffocated amidst the bustling crowd.
"No wonder Kaori looked so pale..."
Even Laon's launch event, which went through the night with numerous users, didn't attract as many people.
Was it as Kawaguchi said, the anticipation for the announcement of the next-gen models? This year's CES seemed to draw more gamers than regular attendees.
"In a few moments, the presentation for NEGA Saturn will commence at 11 a.m. I repeat, starting at 11 a.m..."
Listening to the announcement, I glanced at my wristwatch, which already pointed to 10:58 a.m.
Despite NEGA showcasing the revolutionary 'Real Fighter' alongside the powerful 3D capabilities of the MODEL1 arcade board, they faced a setback in Japan against the 'Super Family', though thanks to 'Sonique', they gained a considerable fan base in the North American and European markets.
Navigating through the crowd, I finally reached the vicinity of NEGA's presentation.
Shortly after, under slightly dimmed lighting, NEGA's lead game director, Mr. Suzuki, took the stage.
"Wow~! It's Suzuki Ryu!"
Having conceptualized numerous arcade games and the first 3D fighting game, he had already secured a prestigious reputation as one of the industry's leading directors, alongside Mintendo's Mr. Kumamoto Shigeru. Accompanying him on stage was NEGA's CEO, Mr. Yamanaka Hayao.
The presentation by the prominent director and CEO of NEGA created tremendous anticipation from the start.
As they announced not just 'Real Fighter' but also the innovative off-road racing game 'Daytona 3D', the atmosphere ignited with excitement.
"This is amazing!! That's seriously amazing."
"It seems like NEGA is well-prepared for the next-gen console war."
"Can you experience such graphics at home!?"
Amidst the cheers and excitement of NEGA users, CEO Yamanaka wore a satisfied smile. However, was it just my imagination that his smile seemed a bit forced?
Amidst the escalating excitement, people quickly began to anticipate the price reveal of NEGA Saturn.
"So, what's the price tag on that?"
"If the previous NEGA Drive was $249, wouldn't it be around that range?"
"For a home console, that price seems reasonable."
Considering the massive backlash faced by the first 32-bit game, 3DO, released last year at an outrageous price of $699, the cautiousness in revealing the price was understandable.
After NEGA's promotional video ended, CEO Yamanaka, holding a mic, cautiously stepped towards the center of the stage.
"The launch price of the new console, NEGA Saturn, is..."
Finally, the moment of destiny arrived...
The atmosphere within the hall turned eerily silent, almost hearing the foreigner's breath next to me, and finally, CEO Yamanaka began speaking.
"It's $399."
"."
Simultaneously, the atmosphere within the hall became incredibly tense.
>
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