Picking up a PlayStation

[The Manimal]

I'm not quite ready to delve into the PS2 yet...so I'm going to buy a PS1.


I think I am going to buy the redesigned PlayStation. Good idea, bad? I've read that these are much better units in terms of quality than the older units, as many of those failed or had to be placed on their side in order to work. Sometimes I tend to buy the original and later redesigned versions also....for both collecting I guess and for the differences better or worse that they have. (for example, NES 2 works better, and is less likely to fail than NES 1, however has inferior picture and sound). However, how can the power and reset buttons on the PSOne (as they call it) be the same button? Any issues that are going to arise because of this combining of buttons.


I don't think I will purchase both versions. Actually, I think there's 3. One with A/V ports, one with Sony 'plug', and the redesign with the 'plug'.

Anything I should know ahead of time?


It's $50 new or something. Does it accept batteries (relate to next question)? I am considering paying $150 and getting that portable 7" or whatever LCD screen that they sell bundled with it. Does that screen have an AC adaptor and battery slot? I'm thinking this might come in handy, as it's backlit and if power goes out, I can use it (though I doubt it). Just something to have and throw on the pile, I guess.

[bargora]

I don't know about the quality, but then, the redesigned PS1 may not have been out long enough for us to really know if it will on average be more durable than the older PS models.

I do know, however, that they removed the port (serial port?) from the PS1 that allowed you to play link cable games (using two copies of the game, two consoles, and two TVs). If that's not a concern for you, then you might as well get the sexy little PS1.

As far as batteries, I've seen a couple of third-party rechargeable battery packs for sale that are supposed to provide a couple of hours of play time when used with a PS1 and the LCD screen. I think those run about $50. As far as I know, there's no official Sony brand battery pack for the PS1.

I'd like to get the LCD screen as well sometime. I'm just waiting for Sony to drop the price. Pleeease.

[The Manimal]

I'll wait for more replies, but the 'serial port' for link games is the only difference? If so, that's fine with me. I doubt I will use it. Hell, I've NEVER 'linked up' with anyone for a Game Boy game...ever. At my age, I doubt I'm going to call gaming buddies up to link up our systems and stuff. I really doubt it :/

I know for the redesigned NES, they took off the A/V connection and left on the inferior RF switch connection...why? I understand ridding off the expansion port as it was never used, though...


I think I will pick up a PlayStation system in the next month or so. I have like 5 games that I've had for 5 years, and I still have yet to play them.

[davidbrit2]

Okay, the Power/Reset button is just a power button. I don't know why they labeled it as both. There's basically no real reset button.

And basically, here are the 4 main categories of PSX:

Original: RCA A/V outputs (plus combined cable,) serial link port, "parallel" (bus) port
1st redesign: RCA A/V outputs removed
2nd redesign: Bus port gone as well
PSOne: Serial port gone

It's just been a progressive stripping of features. If you want to run imports, look for either the original or 1st redesign. You can slap on an Action Replay style cartridge that will let you do a super easy swap trick to play them. Otherwise, just get the PSOne if you don't need the serial port.

[The Manimal]

So you can't play imports on the PSOne?

[davidbrit2]

You can, but it's not as convenient. You need either a mod chip (pain in the ass,) or PSXChange boot disks (slightly less of a pain in the ass.) The downside to PSXChange as opposed to a game enhancer cartridge is that it won't save any unprotect codes you might need to play a certain game, so you'd have to enter them every time.

[Jorpho]

So are any of the versions more durable than the others? I heard that the PSOne had heating issues.
________
Homemade Vaporizer (http://vaporizerinfo.com/)

[The Manimal]

Gotta 'bump' this up, as it's good for me to do before I plunk down the cash.

[bargora]

So are any of the versions more durable than the others? I heard that the PSOne had heating issues.
The new one? I hadn't heard that.

If I were you, Manimal (i.e., I didn't have any Playstation systems at all, and don't have any interest in doing link cable games, and transform into animals), then I'd just go ahead and get the PSone. You can get them new (unabused, I mean), they are cute, they are delicious. If I hadn't already gotten a modded PSone, I'd probably get the PSone/LCD screen combo. Hell, I still will one day, when they (the combos) get cheaper.