Sony PlayStation
Release: September 9, 1995
aka: Sony PSOne
Sony was working with Nintendo to produce a CD-ROM add-on for the Super NES. After the add-on fell through, and Nintendo ventured off on other projects, Sony continued the work with LSI Logic, a computer chip designer. The two companies worked on the system, which evolved into the Sony Playstation.
The original release featured the system, one controller, an A/V cable, a sampler CD and a power cable. An advantage to the PlayStation is the low cost of CD manufacturing.
The Sony Playstation quickly became the best-selling product in the company's history. With hundreds of titles, constant progression and amazing features, the Sony Playstation continued to thrive, even in the next generation of gaming.
This system was re-released in 2000 as the PSOne, in smaller, more portable casing. The PSOne is designed for portabiltiy and a small LCD screen can be purchased to take the system on the road.
Upgrades & Accessories
Memory Cards
The PlayStation has no built in memory storage, so memory cards which plug into the main system are essential for saving game data.
Multi-Tap
Multiplayer fans appreciate this device, which lets you plug an extra 3 contollers and memory cards (total of 5) into the PlayStation. Great for sports titles.
PlayStation Mouse
Released for specific strategy games, this 2-button mouse & pad is used for games such as SimCity 2000, Myst, Die Hard Trilogy, Arcade's Greatest Hits: Atari Col. 1, Lemmings 3D and Tempest X
Dual-Shock Analog Controller
This controller features two analog control sticks, as well as a built in vibrator that responds to game action. The vibrator is similar to the N64 rumble pack, and the analog control stick is better quality than that of the N64. The controller is essentially the same, but the two sticks are added alongside the original buttons. Later PlayStation systems come with an analog controller.
Steering Wheel
Third-party steering wheels are available for the PlayStation which enhance driving sims.
PocketStation
Only released in Japan, the PocketStation is a small game system that appears similar to the Sega Dreamcast's Visual Memory Unit. One game for this little venture is 'Chocobo World' which can be downloaded from the Squaresoft game, Final Fantasy VIII.
PSOne
A compact version of the Sony PlayStation, the PSOne wasdesigned to be portable, and interfaces with a small LCD screen to take the games on the road.
Top Games
- Final Fantasy VII–IX
- Crash Bandicoot Series
- Gran Turismo
- Tekken 3
- Resident Evil
- Spyro The Dragon Series
- Parasite Eve