PlayStation: The Complete Buyer's Guide
Sony launched the PlayStation in North America on September 9, 1995. Its CD-based games and 3D graphics helped move gaming toward a wider audience, and it is remembered for Final Fantasy VII, Metal Gear Solid, Gran Turismo and Crash Bandicoot.
Quick facts
| North American launch | September 9, 1995 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Sony Computer Entertainment |
| Media | CD-ROM |
| Controller ports | 2 |
| Best-selling game | Gran Turismo |
| Worldwide sales (with PSone) | 102.49 million |
| Discontinued | 2006 |
Models and what changed
North American PlayStation models run from the launch SCPH-1001 through the SCPH-9001. Earlier units have extra RCA output jacks and a parallel port, while later units dropped those ports and use revised disc drives and power supplies.
The PSone (SCPH-101), released in 2000, is a smaller white redesign. It has no reset button, no serial link port and no parallel port, but it plays the same games.
The PlayStation 2 and all PlayStation 3 models can also play most PS1 discs, which is an option if you already own one of those consoles.
Tips for buying one today
- Test the disc drive with a few different games. Laser wear is the most common failure, and symptoms include skipping audio, long load times and discs that will not start.
- Buy a memory card. PS1 games save to removable 15-block memory cards, not the console.
- Some games, such as Ape Escape, require the DualShock or Dual Analog controller, so check which controller is included.
- The PS1 uses the same AV multi-out connector as the PS2 and PS3, so those cables fit. The PS1 outputs composite and S-Video, which work through an HDMI converter or upscaler on a modern TV.
- PS1 discs are region locked, so North American consoles need North American discs.
Games to play first
- Final Fantasy VII
- Metal Gear Solid
- Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
- Gran Turismo
- Crash Bandicoot
- Spyro the Dragon
- Resident Evil 2
- Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2
Shop by genre
PS1 Action & Adventure Games · PS1 Platformers · PS1 RPGs · PS1 Shooters · PS1 Fighting Games · PS1 Sports Games · PS1 Racing Games · PS1 Strategy Games · PS1 Puzzle Games · PS1 Simulation Games · PS1 Party & Family Games
Guides
- Every Crash Bandicoot Game in Order: Release Dates and Where to Start
- Every Final Fantasy Game in Order: Numbering, Release Dates and Where to Start
- Games Like Final Fantasy VII: 10 RPGs to Play Next
- Games Like Symphony of the Night: 10 Metroidvanias to Play Next
- Games Like Resident Evil: 10 Survival Horror Games to Play Next
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the PlayStation and the PSone?
The PSone is a smaller 2000 redesign of the PlayStation. It removes the reset button and some rear ports but plays the same games and uses the same controllers and memory cards.
Can a PS2 or PS3 play PS1 games?
Yes. The PS2 plays most PS1 discs, and every PS3 model can play PS1 discs as well.
How do PS1 games save?
PS1 games save to a removable memory card that holds 15 blocks. Some games use several blocks per save, so a spare card is useful.
Is the PlayStation region locked?
Yes. Unmodified consoles only play discs from their own region.