The Apple Bandai Pippin, stylized PiP P!N, is a multimedia technology console, designed by Apple Computer. The console is based on the Apple Pippin platform – a derivative of the Apple Macintosh platform. Bandai produced the ATMARK and @WORLD consoles between 1996 and 1997. It was sold at $599. The goal of the Bandai Pippin was to create an inexpensive computer system aimed mostly at playing CD-based multimedia software, especially games, but also functioning as a thin client. The operating system is a version of System 7.5.2, and is based on a 66MHzPowerPC 603 processor and a 14.4 kb/s modem. It features a 4×-speed CD-ROM drive and a video output that can connect to a standard television display.
Marketing
In Japan, Bandai produced Pippin-based systems called the Pippin Atmark. Most of the Atmark systems use the same platinum color used on many of the Apple Macintosh models at the time. In the United States and most parts of Europe, Bandai named the system the Bandai Pippin @WORLD. The @WORLD has the same specifications as the Pippin Atmark, but runs an English version of Mac OS. Most of the western systems use a black color.
History
Bandai manufactured fewer than 100,000 Pippins, but reportedly sold 42,000 systems before discontinuing the line. Production of the system was so limited, there were more keyboard and modem accessories produced than actual systems. In May 2006, the Pippin placed 22nd in PC World's list of the "25 Worst Tech Products of All Time."
Software
Japan
Very little software was produced for the Japanese version on release in early 1996. While some promised software may not have been released, the number that was released is fewer than 80 games and applications.
USA
When Bandai released the U.S. version, it had only 18 games and applications sold separately, and six CDs that came with the Pippin itself. Upgrades to the Pippin Browser were released as a new CDover time, and so was an update to TV Works.
Europe
When the console was released, barely any software was produced for this side of the world. Only 2 out of the 23 games were ever released in Europe. Not much is known about what happened to it in this region.
