Introduction

The PSOne Combo, a compact and portable version of the classic PlayStation, won the hearts of gamers in the 90s. With its innovative design that integrated an LCD screen, it allowed players to enjoy their favorite games anywhere. For me, this console has a special sentimental value as it was my first gaming console as a child. Restoring it was a nostalgic and personal journey, bringing back many precious memories.

PSOne History

Released in 1994 in Japan and in 1995 in the rest of the world, the original PlayStation marked a revolutionary era in video games. The PSOne, released in 2000, was a compact version of the original PlayStation, offering the same performance in a smaller, sleeker design. The PSOne Combo added an LCD screen, making it portable and allowing gamers to take their favorite games anywhere. With a vast catalog of iconic games such as “Final Fantasy VII”, “Gran Turismo” and “Crash Bandicoot”, the PSOne has cemented its place in video game history.

PSOne Specifications

• CPU: MIPS R3000A-family R3051 @ 33.8688 MHz
• Memory: 2 MB RAM, 1 MB VRAM
• Graphics: Resolution from 256×224 to 640×480 pixels, 16.7 million colors
• Sound: 24 ADPCM channels
• Storage: CD-ROM
• Expansion Ports: 2 controller ports, 2 memory card slots

Initial Diagnosis

Upon receiving the PSOne Combo, the first step was to perform a complete diagnosis to identify the problems:

• LCD screen: It was set to NTSC region and needed to be converted to PAL region.
• Disk Drive: The disc player was worn out, making it difficult to read the games.
• Aesthetics: The console had scratches and yellowing of the plastic.

Restoration Process

1. Housing Replacement: The console’s casing, which was scratched and yellowed, was completely replaced with a new one. The new casing brings a fresh, clean look, as if the console had just come out of the box for the first time.

 

1. Motherboard Cleaning: The motherboard has been carefully cleaned to remove dust and debris that has accumulated over the years. This cleaning helps prevent future malfunctions and improves the efficiency of the console.

 

1. Disk Drive Repair: The disc player has been cleaned and adjusted. We chose to replace the laser lens to ensure accurate reading of games.

 

1. LCD Screen Conversion: The old screen was not replaced. Instead, a wire (chant) was soldered to convert the screen region from NTSC to PAL. This modification was done with precision to ensure correct functionality without damaging the internal circuitry.

Tests and Final Result

After the restoration, we performed a series of tests to ensure that all components were working perfectly. Classic games like “Crash Bandicoot” and “Final Fantasy VII” ran smoothly, showing that the PSOne Combo was back to its original glory.

Final Considerations

Restoring classic consoles isn’t just about repairing parts, it’s about preserving a piece of video game history. The restored PSOne Combo is a testament to how technology and nostalgia can come together to bring back precious moments from the past. Restoring this console was particularly special to me as it brought back memories of my childhood and the joy of discovering the world of video games.