Playdia

Background

The Playdia is an interactive video game console manufactured by Bandai under the codename "BA-X", and released exclusively in Japan in 1994, dubbed as a "quick interactive system". The games of the console were similar to interactive movies, mostly for infotainment and edutainment purposes, utilizing 32-bit full motion video technology - its library notably contains several licenses from large-selling anime and tokusatsu franchises including Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball Z, and Ultraman. A simple, wireless infrared controller is used with the console. Production of the console was discontinued in 1996, with remaining units later re-purposed by Banpresto for kinetoscope machines. Its successor was the failed Apple Pippin that Bandai co-developed.

Logo (September 23, 1994-1996)

Visuals: Over a white background, a rounded rectangle containing a gray border and a marble material appears. In front of it, there's the text "Q.I.S" (acronym for Quick Interactive System), with each letter in red, yellow, and blue, respectively.

Technique: A still graphic, mostly with fading effects.

Audio: None.

Availability: Seen whenever booting up a Playdia game. The console sold very few copies due to its specialized anime and edutainment games, and importing from Japan is highly suggested.