Best way to play PS1 imports?

[eldad9]

So... there are a couple of PS1 imports I'd like, and naturally I've been looking at ways to mod my PS2.

It just seems like a huge hassle. There are 12 models of the PS2 (I have the newest, the slim one) and all kinds of products - mod chips, weird disc/slide card combos, USB/hard drive combos and other strange stuff.

In addition, it seems that unlike any other console, modding the PS2 can seem to work at start but cause some long-term damage to the console, which I'm not willing to risk.

I should repeat at this point: this is just for PS1 titles. There are no PS2 titles I really want (but feel free to recommend any all the same).

So right now I think the best way is to buy a PS1 and mod it - it won't cost much more than a PS2 modchip (especially if you factor in the extra controller) and is probably going to be much more reliable - but now I can't seem to find any stores that still carry psones! They seem to have been phased out completely at this point (I'm looking for a new one, I know I could get a used one at ebgames/gamestop).

So, what do you think is my best option?

[eldad9]

Anybody?

[zewone]

Well, you could buy a PS1 off of someone on this site (like me). And you could buy a device that plugs into the back of the PS1 that lets you play imports (like I have). The best part is both of these items are for sale from me.

[eldad9]

I might even have a silly device like that lying around. One of those gameshark code things that plug in the back? It doesn't work with the PSone, does it?

I really want a new PS, though, since used units are more prone to failure (the motor only has so much hours of life in it).

[CoffeeEdge]

Well, you could buy a PS1 off of someone on this site (like me). And you could buy a device that plugs into the back of the PS1 that lets you play imports (like I have). The best part is both of these items are for sale from me.
If you want to use one of the external devices, you need an pre-90xx series Playstation. 90xx and PSones don't have the parallel port.

The Gameshark won't do what you're looking for, eldad9.

[CaseyRyback]

there is no need to mod a newer PSOne. You can use a boot disc to play imports. Defender used to sell them at VGD, but since it went out of business I do not know where you could get one, though I am sure they still sell them somewhere

[eldad9]

It looks like finding a new PS1 is hard part... best I could find so far is $60 at toysnjoys.com - before shipping which may make this even worse.

[zewone]

I might even have a silly device like that lying around. One of those gameshark code things that plug in the back? It doesn't work with the PSone, does it?

I really want a new PS, though, since used units are more prone to failure (the motor only has so much hours of life in it).

No, it doesn't work with the PSone, but they do work for the older ones and you don't have to go through the trouble of modded it. My device is called Dragon Hacker, I got it from a Japanese hobby shop, works great. Like Casey said, you can use a boot disc for the PSone. If your having trouble finding a new PSone I know that Targets are selling PSones with a 3 pack of games for $79.99. Kind of pricy, but I haven't seen any new PSones at a retail chain for sale for a while.

[Oktoberfest]

You can also install a Flip Top Cover or use a Slide Card and get Breaker Pro, it's just like Swap Magic except it's for PS1 games...

[Apossum]

you can rig up a slim ps2 pretty easily and without voiding the warranty. then you'd have to use breaker pro (~25) to play PS1 imports. then you could also use swap magic for ps2 imprts.

[62t]

you could just use an emulator and save yourself from all te trouble.

[Socheata]

No, it doesn't work with the PSone, but they do work for the older ones and you don't have to go through the trouble of modded it. My device is called Dragon Hacker, I got it from a Japanese hobby shop, works great. Like Casey said, you can use a boot disc for the PSone. If your having trouble finding a new PSone I know that Targets are selling PSones with a 3 pack of games for $79.99. Kind of pricy, but I haven't seen any new PSones at a retail chain for sale for a while.

TVN Sports? ^_^

[eldad9]

you could just use an emulator and save yourself from all te trouble.

I guess... do PCs now emulate the PS1 perfectly? Also, I have a top of the line PC, but not a gaming one (standard graphics card).

I don't like discussing emulation here because somebody always does the "emulation = piracy" thing.

[Apossum]

yes, but you'll have to get a controller for it.

rigging a ps2 really is the way to go.

[62t]

Right now the best PS emulator plays almost anything. There might be one or two games that won't work but most are great. If you have a modded xbox you can even use the PS emulator!

[eldad9]

yes, but you'll have to get a controller for it.

rigging a ps2 really is the way to go.

I already bought (from play-asia) an adaptor that lets me use a saturn/ps/DC pad on a pc, because as we all know the saturn had the best digital controller evah.

[zewone]

TVN Sports? ^_^

Exactly.

[Apossum]

I already bought (from play-asia) an adaptor that lets me use a saturn/ps/DC pad on a pc, because as we all know the saturn had the best digital controller evah.

well, then i guess you may as well get a ps1 emulator. it runs smooth and hey who doesn't like free games?! (I know I know, for posterity, i'm sure you'll be legitly importing, but let's face it, we all use bit torrent every now and then)

as far as controllers go-- believe it or not, over the years, i've become so used to shoulder buttons and triggers that i can't play as well at an arcade or with a 6 button layout anymore! and on a stranger note-- my friend cleans up with a keyboard at most 2-d fighters O_O btw, i always thought the "d" stood for "directional."

[eldad9]

The saturn pad does have shoulder buttons.

[gameprozero]

Hey, I just use the swap method.