Bringing the Original PlayStation into the Modern Era with HDMI and Wireless Support

Although my current focus is on PC hardware, I spent a significant portion of my early career writing about PlayStation. As such, I could not resist the siren song of this ambitious hardware project that brings the original PlayStation 1 bang up to date. This modder's vision includes HDMI output, USB power, and full wireless controller support, all housed in a snazzy blue shell inspired by the original dev kits.

The journey begins with Elliot Coll from the YouTube channel The Retro Future, who delivers an engaging teardown of a crusty-looking SCPH-5502 PAL region PlayStation. This unit reveals layers of history, resembling fossil-rich strata in sedimentary rock, including previous mod work for NTSC compatibility and CD burning capabilities. However, rather than building on that foundation, Elliot opts to work from a blank-ish canvas by desoldering all the old modifications from the PCB.

The PicoStation ZeroWire: A Modern Modding Catalyst

Elliot's choice of modification is driven by the PicoStation ZeroWire, the true catalyst for this video. This elegant kit allows modders to launch games on the PlayStation via an SD card, utilizing a Raspberry Pi Pico to simplify the complex soldering process required to connect both PCBs. While it involves connecting one remote contact with a single wire—a detail that makes "OneWire" just as fitting—this setup is vastly preferable to folding the motherboard in half like a book.

The ZeroWire project requires disconnecting select pins on the CD-ROM controller chip so that the PicoStation can seamlessly take over console operations. Just for context, this approach modernizes the experience without the bulk of older handheld PS1 projects. The result is a sophisticated integration that respects the original hardware while injecting contemporary functionality.

Essential Upgrades: HDMI and Controller Integration

The scope of this "Ultimate" PS1 project becomes clear when examining the specific technical challenges involved. Elliot's build includes several critical upgrades that transform the 32-year-old console into a modern gaming machine:

  • HDMI Output: This mod features a ribbon cable with almost 50 contact points soldered directly to the original video chip, eliminating the need for external adapters or component cables.
  • Wireless Controller Support: By taking apart the original controller ports and introducing a bespoke PCB, users can now play their PS1 games using modern controllers like the PS5's DualSense.
  • USB-C Power: A fresh power board enables the entire console to be powered via a USB-C connection, a feature that particularly appeals to fans of the svelte 2000 redesign.

While an external adapter exists to convert the native 480p output to 1080p via component cables, most enthusiasts prefer to avoid introducing yet more cables to their retro gaming setup. The direct HDMI mod ensures a clean, modern video signal without the clutter of legacy connections.

A Modular Revival for Retro Enthusiasts

The modular guts of the original PlayStation make this project look surprisingly approachable, even for those who haven't touched a soldering iron since school Design Technology lessons. The Retro Future's in-depth video, paired with its lo-fi beats to solder to, only stokes the ambition to undertake such a build.

It is fascinating how a complex modding endeavor can generate more excitement than waiting for the hypothetical PS6. By preserving the original form factor while integrating HDMI, USB-C power, and wireless capabilities, this project proves that the classic PlayStation 1 is ready for the modern age without losing its soul.