A hobbyist has completely modernized a defective first-generation PlayStation. In addition to current connections such as USB-C and HDMI, the conversion now allows games to be loaded via an SD card. Even modern gamepads work via Bluetooth.
A hardware enthusiast has breathed new life into a badly dirty and broken first-generation PlayStation. The goal of the project was to adapt the hardware, which is over 30 years old, to today’s standards. To do this, the hobbyist integrated current interfaces such as HDMI and USB-C into the classic housing. The conversion also enables games to be loaded via an SD card and the use of current wireless gamepads. The basis was a European PAL model of the console. First, the YouTuber removed old modifications that previously allowed copied games to be played. Thanks to the modular structure of the original hardware, it was relatively easy to restore the original condition. The main circuit board (PCB) offers good conditions for such repairs.
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As The Retro Future explains in the video (via Hackaday), a board called PicoStation ZeroWire is used to load the games. The module is based on a Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller. Contrary to the name, the installation requires soldering on an additional cable. In addition, contacts on the console’s CD-ROM chip must be lifted.
An internal HDMI module ensures image output in 1080p resolution. To do this, the hardware modder removed the console’s original serial port to make room for the new socket. Connecting the module to the video chip requires soldering a fine ribbon cable to almost 50 contact points. This offers a significantly sharper image than external adapter solutions. In order to be able to use modern input devices such as the DualSense gamepad, The Retro Future installed a Bluetooth module. A disadvantage of the conversion is the complex installation.
Parts of the original controller connections must be dismantled and old components transferred to the new board. The completion of the technical modernization is a new power supply, which now supplies the console with power via USB-C. Visually, a blue paint finish completes the project. The color is based on the early developer consoles that were in circulation before the PlayStation was launched. The case was completely sanded and repainted to cover up old scratches. And the result is absolutely impressive – inside and out.
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