People played on ps1 and ps2 instead of n64/gamecube due to lack of 3rd party support because Nintendo didn't have a CD rom on either console (gamecube wasnt dvd). This limited games. Especially jrpgs and during the ps1 motion video. Which at the time was new and better than it was on sega/Tg16 CD.
People could get resident evil on both but only one console had final fantasy 7, metal gear solid, tomb raider, legacy of kain, sotn, mega man legends series, and a megaton of awesome jrpgs.
So you had to choose, super expensive games, Mario and Zelda, Mario cart and a handful of subpar 3rd party games or new awesome unique 3d games along with 1000s of 3rd party games. This continued on the ps2. Nintendo is to blame for its own mess with 3rd parties. Let's not even mention their shitty exclusivity practices during the nes/snes period.
Nintendo got back partially during the wii period but fumbled the ball during the wii u. Which is a shame as it was a cool system with an unfortunate name.