Sony selected AMD to design the custom processor for the PlayStation 4. This deal came at a critical time for AMD. The success of the PlayStation 4, with nearly 120 million units sold, became a major turning point. The revenue generated from supplying these processors provided AMD with a much-needed financial boost. According to a senior AMD employee, the PlayStation 4 played a pivotal role in preventing the company’s collapse.
This story highlights the power of strategic partnerships in the tech industry. The fortunes of a company can hinge on the success of a single product, especially when it reaches such a massive audience. The PlayStation 4’s immense popularity not only propelled Sony’s gaming dominance but also secured AMD’s future, allowing them to develop the innovative Zen architecture that continues to power their processors today.