Release Date
US : September 1, 1996
Japan : Limited December 1995, full March 28, 1996
US$599 on launch
Bandai Pippin Game Index
Bandai Pippin
Rated This System
Tsakura
The “Apple” Bandai Pippin was a System that was designed by Apple and Released by Bandai. The Pippin was the 1st CD based System to really do what the Newest Gen Systems can do. It could Surf the Net With a usable E-Mail, Play Music, And Play Games. Sadly, no Movie Capability was ever added. It also had some of the Weirdest controllers. It had a Mouse built in to it! There was a Track Ball in the Middle and two Buttons under it. You had your D – Pad and two sets of Buttons. Four on the front and three Under and to the back. These could all be used if needed. How I don’t know. I think having to use three Buttons with my thumbs would be weird.
To help out with E-Mail and other things, you could buy a Keyboard Controller. This Keyboard flipped open like a Nintendo DS. The Top part was a Touch Pad with a Stylist and the bottom was the full keyboard. You would plug this into the Player 2 Port to use it. It was used for games and more.
To help out with Memory, You could get the Pippin Floppy Dock to add Floppy save option.
Even thou this Systems was a wonderful Idea, Do to the cost and lack of support, this was Apple’s Biggest Flop. It good to see that Apple helped some Ideas get started, and that they did try to join that fight.
This is the sad but fun Truth of The “Apple” Bandai Pippin.
Tsakura