PSone: The Favorite Console and Its Modding Journey

Introduction

• PSone is a favorite console due to nostalgia and its distinct aesthetic.
• Early adoption of CD technology in game consoles.
• Mid-90s saw affordable CD-RW drives, leading to potential for game piracy.

Early CD-Based Systems

• Early systems (Sega CD, Philips CDI, 3DO) had no copy protection.
• By mid-90s, piracy potential led to the need for copy protection in new consoles.

Sony's Approach to Copy Protection

• Sony implemented a factory mastering process to add data to an area not writable by ordinary CD writers.
• PSone used this data as part of the boot process to verify legitimacy and region.
• The famous black coating on Sony discs was claimed to be part of their copy protection.
• The real protection was a four-letter code that modern burners can't duplicate.

Mod Chips and Circumventing Protection

• Mod chips inject the correct code into the CD read stream, tricking the PSone.
• Mod chips can defeat copy protection and region locks.
• Simple to install, usually involve a programmable PIC chip.
• Mod chips can be bought or made DIY.

Creating and Installing a Mod Chip

• Example using a PIC12F683 programmable chip, tweaked from the original PIC12F508.
• Process involves writing code to the chip and soldering it onto the PSone board.
• Legal concerns vary by region; legal in Australia but may differ elsewhere.

Testing and Results

• Tested with genuine and backed-up games to confirm mod chip works.
• Mod chip allows playing games from different regions and homebrew games.
• Example homebrew game: "Europe has Ice Star," a puzzle game.

Emulators and Future Considerations

• PSone can run NES emulators, e.g., "It Might Be NES".
• Issues with PAL systems playing at 50Hz instead of 60Hz.
• CD mechanisms in old PSones wear out; suggest using emulators or products like PSIO for reliability.

Conclusion

• Modding the PSone can bring new life to the console.
• Emulators and advanced products can help preserve the experience.
• PSone remains a beloved console, invoking 90s nostalgia.