Looking into a PS1

[Beak]

Hey all,

I was looking into getting a PS1 to play some classic games (mainly FF7, among others).

If I were to buy it from someone, what kind of price should I look for? Also, is it a good idea to be buying a PS1 used? It seems like consoles with disc drives tend to wear out eventually.

I realize I could just get a PS2 and play both PS2 and PS1 games, but I'm really just going for a novelty system (my other big thing is Dreamcast).

Also, any other advice would be welcome. I've never had a Sony console before.

Thanks!

[johnblade]

For the ps1 system, it depend which system you're talking about and what version (if you can call it that) This is mostly for the old ps1. For the psone, the price for it (everything with one controller) should be around 40 dollars. For the old ps1 one, I can't really say but I think starting price at 30 dollars.

As for getting used, I recommend you check the ps1/psone before you buy it. Check to see if it can play, any wear and tear on the laser part, the spring to open the lid and on button for the ps1, and couple more. If you get it from someone who take care of it, it won't be too much of a problem but if the ps1/psone look like it have been hit by a truck few time, maybe it's better to look around. If you want a ps1 that is maybe better over other one, then a psone version should be check out. Also, you can get the offical screen for it if you can get it.

For game, that's another story. They price change a lot so the best way to see if you're buying a good deal, I recommend this site http://www.videogamepricecharts.com/console/playstation. The price is based on ebay price but it will help you a bit to see whether or not it's better to barter the person to drop the price a bit or buy it asap before it's taking. Hope you have a good time if you starting to collect ps1 stuff.

[toredauei]

the play n trade i work at sells used ps1's (the original blocky ones) for 20 bucks so i wouldnt pay over that for one. it shouldnt be too hard to find one either just make sure you test it out before you buy.

[racketboy]

Just a heads-up, we'll have a PS1 101 post in a few weeks

[Cassidy]

My advice is to buy a new PS2 which I've seen as low as $49 right now at retail.

They are backwards compatible with most, if not all, of the PS1 games and carry the full warranty from point of purchase and Sony.

If you're going for the novelty factor, know this - the games boot up exactly the same way with the original PS1 logos/system chime, and you can use the original PS1 controllers with the PS2.

Personally, that's the route I would go just for the piece of mind that the thing isn't going to crap out on you and leave you in the dark. Disc based consoles aren't nearly as reliable as the cartridge based ones, in my experience.

[Reverend]

I just picked up a working PS1 on ebay for 10$. It had all the necessary cables, remote, a memory card, and Need For Speed III.

I don't know if I just got lucky, but it seems like the PS1 is pretty cheap.

[Hatta]

PSXs can be had for dirt cheap, as can PSX modchips. They were extremely popular, so there's millions of them out there. And they were reasonably well made too. Lasers failing on the PSX wasn't as big of a problem as on the PS2. It's a simpler device than the PS2, and that contributes to its durability. So, I really wouldn't worry about it failing, since you can just get another one for $10 if it does.

PSX mod chips are just common PICs. The hex codes are easily available, and anyone with a PIC programmer can make them. Eurasia.nu has them for a few bucks.

I recommend getting an original model PSX. When they made the psone, they moved manufacturing from Japan to Taiwan and crammed a whole bunch of cheap parts into a tiny case. The original is the better made unit, and IMO it looks nicer.

As for prices, I wouldn't pay more than $10-15 for just the console, 20-25 for one with controllers and/or a memory card.

[Beak]

I just picked up a working PS1 on ebay for 10$. It had all the necessary cables, remote, a memory card, and Need For Speed III.

I don't know if I just got lucky, but it seems like the PS1 is pretty cheap.

lol!! I bid on that!

[Beak]

Thanks for all the advice, guys! I'm going to check out a pawn shop before I do anything over the interwebs.

[Flak Beard]

I realize I could just get a PS2 and play both PS2 and PS1 games, but I'm really just going for a novelty system (my other big thing is Dreamcast).

That's one hell of a novelty system.

Seriously, you're going to be opening yourself up to a flood of amazing games. The PS1 is the definitive system in my honest opinion. Anyway, you should be able to snag a PS1 between $15 and $30 easily.