YouTuber builds PlayStation Hybrid combining PS1 and PS One, consuming less than 2W of power.

This project is a continuation in a series of videos about creating a PlayStation that combines elements of the original PS1 and PS One to deliver the best experience without any drawbacks.

The first PlayStation gaming console, released in 1994, revolutionized the gaming industry by making 3D graphics the new standard. Six years later, Sony released the PS One – a smaller version of the system with a more compact design, cooler operation, and better power efficiency. However, the PS One had inferior audio processing capabilities compared to the original, creating a gap for a device that could combine the advantages of both versions. This is the goal that modding enthusiast thedrew, also known as Secret Hobbyist on YouTube, is pursuing with his 'PlayStation Hybrid' project.

This project is a continuation in a series of videos about creating a PlayStation that combines elements of the original PS1 and PS One to deliver the best experience without the drawbacks. In the previous video, Secret Hobbyist redesigned the PS One motherboard and shrunk it to about a quarter of its original size, but the system still required many external components to function. In this latest installment, he further refines the design to create a more complete and compact motherboard.

The main idea of ​​the project was to leverage the best components from two versions of the PlayStation. Secret Hobbyist took the CPU, GPU, and RAM from the PS One for their high energy efficiency, while retaining the audio chip, CD drive controller, and BIOS from the original PS1 motherboard to ensure sound quality and compatibility. All these chips were removed from the old motherboard and soldered onto a completely new, custom-designed PCB.

This custom motherboard also integrates two key modules: the XStation and an HDMI board from Hispeedido. The HDMI board uses an FPGA to connect directly to the PS1's GPU, allowing for HDMI output at resolutions up to 1080p, instead of the previous 480p. Meanwhile, the XStation replaces the traditional CD drive with the ability to run games from a microSD card, making the system more stable and convenient.

After completing the soldering of the components, Secret Hobbyist tested the PlayStation Hybrid. Because the project is still under development, the system doesn't have a complete casing and is powered directly from the PCB using alligator clips. However, when connected via HDMI and a DualShock controller, the device worked stably and ran many games smoothly with sharp graphics, even adding CRT monitor emulation effects.

Most impressively, the entire board consumes less than 2 watts of power and can operate at 3V, demonstrating extremely high energy efficiency. This opens up the possibility of turning the project into a handheld gaming device in the future.

There are still some details to be finalized, such as integrating controller and memory card ports directly into the motherboard, but the most important part of the project has been completed. At the current pace, the PlayStation Hybrid is likely to soon become a fully customizable console, a testament to the boundless creativity of the retro hardware and gaming community.