PS1 Design the PS1 Classic over again!

[TamagotchiTamaHero24]

So, the PS1 Classic was a significant financial flop for Sony. It became the butt of jokes for the mini consoles, became well known for its homebrew scene (making it what it should have been), and was seen as a cheap product that was a total cash in.

What we will be doing today is designing an alternate history where we are in charge of the mini system.
Our new PS1 Classic will have 30 main games. All the rest is up to you all in the forum!


For my take, my game selection goes as such:

1) Final Fantasy VII
2) Metal Gear Solid
3) Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back
4) Spyro the Dragon 3: Year of the Dragon
5) The Legend of Dragoon
6) Ridge Racer Type 4
7) Gran Turismo 2
8) TEKKEN 3
9) Klonoa: Door to Phantomile
10) Mr. Driller G
11) Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
12) Brave Fencer Musashi
13) Mega Man Legends 2
14) Wipeout 2097/XL
15) Destruction Derby 2
16) Jumping Flash! 2
17) Battle Arena Toshinden 2
18) Street Fighter Alpha 3
19) Air Combat 3
20) Silent Hill
21) Resident Evil 2
22) Parasite Eve
23) Dino Crisis
24) Intelligence Qube
25) Suikoden 2
26) Parappa The Rapper
27) The Misadventures of Tronne Bonne
28) Super Puzzle Fighter 2 Turbo
29) Bomberman World

And the 30th game will be an unlockable title: Demo One.

The focus of this new version is to offer the best quality of games possible. You’ll notice that we didn’t have too many publishers here: mainly Namco, Konami, and Capcom. That’s to limit licensing cost. The system will launch with a single DualShock controller, have an expansion slot on the back that is similar to the Parallel port on the original PS1, and will retail for $100.

Users will be able to change resolutions on games, change the main menu background, change the main menu background’s music (a playlist of 20 songs from old PS1 demo discs will be included), and interact with some cute extras in the package.
Newly translated versions of certain games will be included.

 

[Zerpina]

A matte finish in the iconic gray color of the original PS1, with a slightly more modern texture that reduces fingerprints and wear.

Slightly larger than the original Classic Mini for better heat dissipation and to accommodate additional features while still being compact enough to fit comfortably in entertainment setups.

A subtle embossed PlayStation logo on the top surface, glowing softly when powered on for a modern touch.

Replace the original processor with a more powerful ARM based System on a Chip that has a higher clock speed and better power efficiency. The Raspberry Pi 4's BCM2711 or a custom SoC could provide better performance for emulation.

Utilize a multi-core processor to allow for parallel processing, which can help speed up emulation of multi-threaded games.

Upgrade to at least 2GB or 4GB of RAM to improve the ability to handle multiple games and reduce latency while switching between games or emulation states. Utilize faster memory types (like LPDDR4) for reduced latency and faster processing speeds.

Use eMMC storage or support external SSDs for faster load times. Built in 64GB or 128GB flash storage

Incorporate a small cooling fan or heat sink to ensure maintaining optimal operational temperatures, especially during intense gaming sessions.

And lastly

Customizable Frontend that allows users to categorize, tag, and manage their games easily. Incorporate preview images, descriptions, and ratings to improve user experience.

Offer quick save and load features that let users save their progress at any time, making it easy to resume games and experiment with different titles.

 

[TamagotchiTamaHero24]

A matte finish in the iconic gray color of the original PS1, with a slightly more modern texture that reduces fingerprints and wear.

Slightly larger than the original Classic Mini for better heat dissipation and to accommodate additional features while still being compact enough to fit comfortably in entertainment setups.

A subtle embossed PlayStation logo on the top surface, glowing softly when powered on for a modern touch.

Replace the original processor with a more powerful ARM based System on a Chip that has a higher clock speed and better power efficiency. The Raspberry Pi 4's BCM2711 or a custom SoC could provide better performance for emulation.

Utilize a multi-core processor to allow for parallel processing, which can help speed up emulation of multi-threaded games.

Upgrade to at least 2GB or 4GB of RAM to improve the ability to handle multiple games and reduce latency while switching between games or emulation states. Utilize faster memory types (like LPDDR4) for reduced latency and faster processing speeds.

Use eMMC storage or support external SSDs for faster load times. Built in 64GB or 128GB flash storage

Incorporate a small cooling fan or heat sink to ensure maintaining optimal operational temperatures, especially during intense gaming sessions.

And lastly

Customizable Frontend that allows users to categorize, tag, and manage their games easily. Incorporate preview images, descriptions, and ratings to improve user experience.

Offer quick save and load features that let users save their progress at any time, making it easy to resume games and experiment with different titles.

Absolutely. We don’t know the cost breakdown, but the original release was far too cheap for its asking price. Especially considering PlayStation as a brand has aligned itself with this idea of being premium.

You reap what you sow, and the original Classic was very much that philosophy in motion.

 

[Zerpina]

Absolutely. We don’t know the cost breakdown, but the original release was far too cheap for its asking price. Especially considering PlayStation as a brand has aligned itself with this idea of being premium.

You reap what you sow, and the original Classic was very much that philosophy in motion.

Honestly, they could have slapped a Ras Pi 3 in a PS1 shell, and would have been better than what we got.

 

[TamagotchiTamaHero24]

My main focus for my post was to fix the game library issue, which was the largest problem the system had, but I’m glad you addressed the other issue: performance was pathetic.

Like, a PSP does a better job. By leaps and bounds.
That’s disgusting.

(Oh, and I forgot to add, we will be adding a region switch in console settings to allow people to play the PAL or NTSC versions of games IF THEY WISH. No more of this “some roms are NTSC, some are PAL” nonsense.)

 

[Antilocal123]

Transform it into a fleshlight in the form of Jill Valentine, Lara Croft or Samus Aran and watch gamers waste their money.

Yeah, I’m a genius.

 

[Zerpina]

My main focus for my post was to fix the game library issue, which was the largest problem the system had, but I’m glad you addressed the other issue: performance was pathetic.

Like, a PSP does a better job. By leaps and bounds.
That’s disgusting.

(Oh, and I forgot to add, we will be adding a region switch in console settings to allow people to play the PAL or NTSC versions of games IF THEY WISH. No more of this “some roms are NTSC, some are PAL” nonsense.)

Oh, Sorry. my bad!

oh ya also.

Include multiple USB 3.0 ports for controllers and external storage.
integrate HDMI 2.0 for better video output, supporting higher resolutions and refresh rates.

Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless controller connectivity, allowing for a wider range of compatible controllers, and Wi-Fi for online features and updates.

Integrate updated emulation software that efficiently utilizes the hardware resources. include support for HD rendering, filtering options, and improved compatibility with game titles. ensure that the system can receive software updates for ongoing improvements in game compatibility and emulation performance.

Include modern wireless controllers with ergonomic design and long battery life.
A rechargeable battery option.
Integrate haptic feedback technology to simulate more realistic actions within games.

Use a more efficient power supply with support for USB-C to allow for better power delivery and charging options.

Post automatically merged: Sunday at 11:59 PM

Transform it into a fleshlight in the form of Jill Valentine, Lara Croft or Samus Aran and watch gamers waste their money.

Yeah, I’m a genius.

I'd buy it

 

[TamagotchiTamaHero24]

Oh, Sorry. my bad!

oh ya also.

Include multiple USB 3.0 ports for controllers and external storage.
integrate HDMI 2.0 for better video output, supporting higher resolutions and refresh rates.

Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless controller connectivity, allowing for a wider range of compatible controllers, and Wi-Fi for online features and updates.

Integrate updated emulation software that efficiently utilizes the hardware resources. include support for HD rendering, filtering options, and improved compatibility with game titles. ensure that the system can receive software updates for ongoing improvements in game compatibility and emulation performance.

Include modern wireless controllers with ergonomic design and long battery life.
A rechargeable battery option.
Integrate haptic feedback technology to simulate more realistic actions within games.

Use a more efficient power supply with support for USB-C to allow for better power delivery and charging options.

Post automatically merged: Sunday at 11:59 PM

I'd buy it
View attachment 51344

In my eyes, I’d prefer to focus on a form factor closer to the original system, at least externally. I would want wired controllers and other such anachronistic things.

That said, the system MUST come with a Bluetooth dongle so that wireless controllers can be an option! I don’t want to limit anybody unnecessarily.

 

[DunkeyKong]

Transform it into a fleshlight in the form of Jill Valentine, Lara Croft or Samus Aran and watch gamers waste their money.

Yeah, I’m a genius.

 

[TamagotchiTamaHero24]

So far, we’ve designed a system with much better emulation abilities, as well as the ability to to update its features. The base system features a better lineup of games, more reliable hardware, and all at the same asking price as the original (though, I’m not fully sure if we can offer what has been suggested hardware-wise for $100 in 2019).


Also, as a separate product, which is also called the PlayStation Classic, we have partnered with Square, Capcom, and Nintendo for some reason to create an official Sony licensed fleshlight.
Now with DualShock functionality.

 

[Zerpina]

So far, we’ve designed a system with much better emulation abilities, as well as the ability to to update its features. The base system features a better lineup of games, more reliable hardware, and all at the same asking price as the original (though, I’m not fully sure if we can offer what has been suggested hardware-wise for $100 in 2019).


Also, as a separate product, which is also called the PlayStation Classic, we have partnered with Square, Capcom, and Nintendo for some reason to create an official Sony licensed fleshlight.
Now with DualShock functionality.

Dude, I have an HP Chromebox (one of those less-than-great systems with Chrome OS on it). Its specs are about the same, if not less, than the PS1 Mini.
With Batocera installed (yes, I removed Chrome OS from it), it runs PS1 games way better than the PS1 Mini. I think it came out a couple of years before the PS1 Mini. It wasn't the hardware, per se; it was just badly designed and made as cheaply as possible

 

[TamagotchiTamaHero24]

Dude, I have an HP Chromebox (one of those less-than-great systems with Chrome OS on it). Its specs are about the same, if not less, than the PS1 Mini.
With Batocera installed (yes, I removed Chrome OS from it), it runs PS1 games way better than the PS1 Mini. I think it came out a couple of years before the PS1 Mini. It wasn't the hardware, per se; it was just badly designed and made as cheaply as possible

That makes me feel better about our new version (even if it’s just a stupid hypothetical).
As everyone said at the time, it really showed with the original just how much it was NOT designed for fans of the original and how much it was purely designed to have a thing on a shelf, with maximum profit in mind.
Probably cost less than $30 to make the original model, being honest. $50 maximum for the packaging and shipping.

 

[Zerpina]

That makes me feel better about our new version (even if it’s just a stupid hypothetical).
As everyone said at the time, it really showed with the original just how much it was NOT designed for fans of the original and how much it was purely designed to have a thing on a shelf, with maximum profit in mind.
Probably cost less than $30 to make the original model, being honest. $50 maximum for the packaging and shipping.

Most likely, it was made overseas in somewhere like China, or some other place where they paid people $5 a day to make hundreds of these

 

[TamagotchiTamaHero24]

Most likely, it was made overseas in somewhere like China, or some other place where they paid people $5 a day to make hundreds of these

I think it literally says “made in China” on the box.
Wouldn’t surprise me. It sucks to know people were barely compensated to put out something that nobody wanted to make aside from to get a market foothold.

 

[Zerpina]

I think it literally says “made in China” on the box.
Wouldn’t surprise me. It sucks to know people were barely compensated to put out something that nobody wanted to make aside from to get a market foothold.

I don't know. I never bothered with one. I kind of wish I had now; I would have chucked one of my RP2s in it and made a decent little emulation system. Though I suppose I could do that with an old, dead PS1. I'm sure I could find one for cheap.

And about the games list. I know why a lot of the games were meh on it. It was due to IP holders and licensing conflicts. Remember, every game on the PS1 wasn't owned by Sony, and they were not going to shell out the fees for the games

 

[TamagotchiTamaHero24]

I don't know. I never bothered with one. I kind of wish I had now; I would have chucked one of my RP2s in it and made a decent little emulation system. Though I suppose I could do that with an old, dead PS1. I'm sure I could find one for cheap.

And about the games list. I know why a lot of the games were meh on it. It was due to IP holders and licensing conflicts. Remember, every game on the PS1 wasn't owned by Sony, and they were not going to shell out the fees for the games

Exactly. That’s the most frustrating part.
There are great games in there, but they really should have cared about the project if they wanted to put any dent in Nintendo’s armor. Not having the major platformers, several RPG’s, the best versions of many franchises, and much else besides the PSN rerelease gang really hurt the system.

Also, yeah! Don’t get scammed and buy a PS1 for like $70 or something. You can easily get a broken one for $30 or less. Scout around and be patient. Maybe somebody will sell one off for peanuts. Also wouldn’t hurt to look locally too.

 

[Zerpina]

Exactly. That’s the most frustrating part.
There are great games in there, but they really should have cared about the project if they wanted to put any dent in Nintendo’s armor.

They didn't, though. That's the thing; as much as I dislike Nintendo, they actually gave a damn about the NES/SNES minis, and you could tell from the UI alone. Again, I never bothered with them, but seeing the UI, I could tell they put a lot of effort and Care into it

Not having the major platformers, several RPG’s, the best versions of many franchises, and much else besides the PSN rerelease gang really hurt the system.

I mean, yeah, they had FFVII. I think I don't even remember now. And yeah, a lot of the games were in the wrong region for our territories and ran at 50 Hz instead of 60. That made the system seem laggy, but with modding, you can fix that. It's well documented now

Also, yeah! Don’t get scammed and buy a PS1 for like $70 or something. You can easily get a broken one for $30 or less. Scout around and be patient. Maybe somebody will sell one off for peanuts. Also wouldn’t hurt to look locally too.

Oh, believe you me, I won't get scammed on tech. I have the patience of a rock when it comes to tech, and I'm kind of a cheapskate with it. Hell, I didn't buy a PS4 until this year, and that's only because I found one for 70 bucks. I'll find one. Heck, I have a dead Dreamcast; I'm just waiting on the right (and cheapest) Mini PC to come along so I can gut it and make a Dreamcast Batocera box

 

[TamagotchiTamaHero24]

As a Jumping Flash! fan, I feel bad that game got dunked on in some ways because Crash and Spyro weren’t a part of the package.

I should mention, I never bothered with any official mini system. They’re just expensive plug and play consoles to me, and I’d rather just own the real thing with the real games. That said, I see the value in it massively. I’ve talked to people, mostly older folks who weren’t that much into gaming anymore, who adored their NES and SNES classics. Specifically the SNES because the NES was taken by Scalpers.

Point is: I see the value in having a product like that on the market, specifically on shelves. I see the value in giving parents who haven’t gamed much in years a box that they can show their kids. That way, the younger crowd can more organically fall in love with these games. I want those audiences (parents and their children) to have an excellent time with their purchase by having the best games possible and the best presentation of those games possible.

 

[What's His Face]

1. Alundra
2. Breath of Fire III
3. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
4. Crash Bandicoot
5. Dead or Alive
6. Dino Crisis
7. Einhander
8. Final Fantasy VII
9. Gran Turismo 2
10. Klonoa: Door to Phantomile
11. Medal of Honor Underground
12. Mega Man X4
13. Metal Gear Solid
14. NFL Blitz
15. Omega Boost
16. Parasite Eve
17. R4: Ridge Racer Type 4
18. Resident Evil 2
19. Silent Hill
20. Soul Blade
21. Spyro the Dragon
22. Street Fighter Alpha 3
23. Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo
24. Syphon Filter
25. Tales of Destiny II
26. Tekken 3
27. The Legend of Dragoon
28. Tomb Raider II
29. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2
30. Wild ARMs

 

[TamagotchiTamaHero24]

1. Alundra
2. Breath of Fire III
3. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
4. Crash Bandicoot
5. Dead or Alive
6. Dino Crisis
7. Einhander
8. Final Fantasy VII
9. Gran Turismo 2
10. Klonoa: Door to Phantomile
11. Medal of Honor Underground
12. Mega Man X4
13. Metal Gear Solid
14. NFL Blitz
15. Omega Boost
16. Parasite Eve
17. R4: Ridge Racer Type 4
18. Resident Evil 2
19. Silent Hill
20. Soul Blade
21. Spyro the Dragon
22. Street Fighter Alpha 3
23. Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo
24. Syphon Filter
25. Tales of Destiny II
26. Tekken 3
27. The Legend of Dragoon
28. Tomb Raider II
29. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2
30. Wild ARMs

Pretty fire lineup! I appreciate any and all rosters that are made!

 

[DeadVoivod]

 

[Yousef]

1) metal slug x
2) that’s it

 

[Mopeybloke]

If done correctly:
SONY develops it.
They make their own emulator.
They ship it with Dual Shock.
They allow for online connectivity so you can buy more games.
Every ROM has a 60 Hz option.
The thing outputs at least 1080p or 2160p preferably.
Richer scaling options.
Good CRT shader.
Expose many emulator features through the GUI.

 

[DeadVoivod]

If done correctly:
SONY develops it.
They make their own emulator.
They ship it with Dual Shock.
They allow for online connectivity so you can buy more games.
Every ROM has a 60 Hz option.
The thing outputs at least 1080p or 2160p preferably.
Richer scaling options.
Good CRT shader.
Expose many emulator features through the GUI.

And they price it 500€.

 

[Mopeybloke]

My idea is that allowing you to buy more games through ROM downloads will allow them to make the box close to production price. Also the R&D to make their own emulator they kind of already spend for their PS5 retrocompatibility program.