Price War

The ripples emanating from KiShin's latest offerings, the KSP and KS2, were undeniable. Both products had firmly snagged the attention of the gaming community, particularly the highly anticipated KS2 console. The buzz around it was palpable, a testament to its potential to become a game-changer in the industry.

"Undertale," a seemingly unassuming title, was captivating players and developers alike. Its unique selling point? Branching narratives that allowed players to forge their own path, choosing good, neutral, or even evil routes. This unprecedented level of player agency had never been seen before, and it was turning heads.

"Undertale" wasn't just a charming pixelated RPG; it was a bold experiment in storytelling that challenged the very notion of what a video game could be. Other studios, including the video game giants Tora and Suzuki's, could not ignore the creative spark it ignited. The game's success, built on innovation and originality, served as a stark reminder of KiShin's dominant yet constantly evolving presence in the industry.

Tora and Suzuki, spurred by the arrival of KiShin's KSP and KS2, stepped up the development of their own 128-bit console. Recognizing the potential of this new generation, they aimed to capitalize on the growing excitement while carving out their own niche in the market.

The first to strike was Tora, launching their console in January 2000. Priced slightly lower than the KS2, Tora boasted it was comparable performance to KS2 and targeted KiShin and Suzuki loyal fanbase. The launch generated significant buzz, with gamers eager to experience the new era of gaming.

Suzuki's offering, arriving shortly after, took a different approach. Priced slightly lower than both Tora and KiShin in Japan, it sought to democratize the 128-bit experience for a broader audience.

With these three powerhouses throwing their hats into the ring, the year 2000 marked the true kick-off of the 128-bit era. This new generation promised not just a graphical and technical leap, but also a wider range of gaming experiences and increased accessibility for players of all backgrounds.

The 128-bit era roared to life, sending ripples through the global gaming landscape. Studios scrambled to adapt, shifting their focus to developing for the powerful new platform. Excitement crackled amongst gamers, particularly in the US and parts of Asia, as they eagerly awaited the launch of the latest consoles.

Marketing battles raged fiercely, with KiShin facing formidable competition from Tora and Suzuki.

While KiShin leveraged their Hollywood prowess and established stars to promote KS2, the two rivals adopted bolder strategies. Suzuki secured a coup by landing Michael Jackson as their brand ambassador, his iconic image gracing their advertisements and promotional materials. Tora, not to be outdone, recruited rap giants Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre. Their catchy tunes mentioned Tora's console with subtle digs at KiShin and Suzuki, further heating up the marketing war.

The gaming community was captivated by the spectacle. KiShin, a giant in the handheld market and claiming early dominance in Japan's 128-bit arena, was facing a real fight. Tora and Suzuki, far from being underdogs, landed significant blows in the marketing ring, proving they were forces to be reckoned with. The battle lines were drawn, and the stage was set for a thrilling 128-bit clash.

The calendar flipped to February, and anticipation reached a fever pitch in the US, Europe, and swathes of Asia. Three behemoths poised to unleash their latest 128-bit consoles upon the world. Tora and Suzuki, eager to strike first, staged their press conferences across the US, their affiliated magazines buzzing with hype. KiShin, meanwhile, maintained an enigmatic silence, fueling further speculation.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived: price reveal. Tora unveiled their offering, met with enthusiastic applause from gamers enthralled by the competitive price tag. Suzuki followed suit, undercutting Tora by a mere $10, drawing even more cheers.

The air crackled with anticipation as Shinro took the stage. Then, with a nonchalant flick of the microphone, he uttered a single number: "299."

A stunned silence descended, followed by a realization that spread like wildfire across the faces of the gathered gamers. Jubilant cheers and thunderous applause erupted. After all, many had expected KiShin to stick to their Japanese price of $350, especially with Tora and Suzuki's offerings hovering around the $300 mark. Shinro's single word, however, had shattered the pricing war before it even fully began.

In one fell swoop, KiShin had stolen the show, delivering a masterclass in undercutting their competitors and securing a psychological edge. The battle for console dominance had just taken a dramatic turn, leaving both gamers and industry insiders breathless with anticipation for what was to come.

Tora and Suzuki's marketing teams watched KiShin's response, particularly the surprise announcement from its young chairman, Shinro Suzuki, with a mixture of admiration and apprehension. While impressed by the audacity of the low price tag, they understood the potential impact on their own strategies. Within just a few days, magazine headlines echoed with reports of KiShin's bold move, seemingly turning the tables on the pricing war Tora and Suzuki had initiated. The KS2, once overshadowed by its competitors' aggressive campaigns, was now surging in popularity across the US market with Tora and Suzuki's hyped helped.

Meanwhile, Shinro felt a quiet satisfaction. The unexpected price reveal mirrored a legendary moment from the gaming community he had witnessed in his past life, and seeing it play out anew, this time with him at the helm, brought a subtle smile to his face.