33 replies to this topic

[TI99Kitty]

So... A few months ago, I bought a PlayStation (model SCPH-5501) console on eBay, because I wanted the "A Collection of Classic Games From the Intellivision" disc it came with. I already had a PS One, which I had bought around 2003-'04, which still works just fine. The new-to-me older console had no power cord or A/V cable, so I couldn't test it before I put it up on eBay; naturally, since I don't have anything else bundled with it, it hasn't sold.

HOWEVER... When I got my Dreamcast yesterday, I used the power cord from the DC and the A/V cable from my PS One (or maybe it's the one from my PS2) to test the older model console, and it works *beautifully*. Hence, my question, which would be better to keep: the older console, or the newer one?

For the older system, the pros are: Separate power and reset buttons, serial and parallel ports, looks like it has better ventilation (actually *has* vents), cool retro look. Cons: Bigger "footprint" on my coffee table, color doesn't match the DualShock controller I have, don't know how much longer it will remain operable, and are the serial and parallel ports even *used* for anything.

For the newer system, pros: Smaller "footprint," leaving room for more consoles/accessories, it's newer and I know how much it's been used and how it's been treated (so it may last longer), color matches the DualShock controller (because the controller came with it). Cons: No reset button (I know the power button is marked as being both, but you reset by turning the console off and back on again), quality control on newer versions of the console are an unknown to me (so it may not last as long), not as "cool" looking as the older console, appears to have poor ventilation (only has vents on the bottom, and those look like they're covered by the RF shielding).

So, which would *you* keep, if you were only going to keep one, and why?

Edited by TI99Kitty, Fri Dec 4, 2009 7:20 AM.

[Lord Helmet]

I'd go with a PS2 Slim. Small footprint, and you can play ps1 games.

[brojamfootball]

The original PSX can use a Gameshark that plugs into the port on the back for cheats, etc.
That's the main advantage as far as I know.

[thegoldenband]

I believe (and I could be wrong on this) that the SCPH-5501 doesn't suffer from the warping/overheating issues that were a problem in the SCPH-1001 and other early models. Otherwise I can't speak to the SCPH-5501 in particular, but I have both a SCPH-1001 and a PSOne and am glad I have both. My PSOne is more reliable, and I appreciate the small form factor -- and the fact that I don't have to turn it upside down to play FMV and cutscenes reliably!

But my SCPH-1001 has RCA jacks (very convenient), uses a standard power connector (as you found out) with no wall wart, and makes it easy to perform the "swap trick" for playing import games (not sure if it's as easy on the SCPH-5501). Unfortunately, it's down for the count with motor issues right now.

If I had to ditch one, I might give up the PSOne, especially if you have a PS2. Oh, also, the audio quality on both the SCPH-5501 and SCPH-1001 is also said to be unusually good -- some audiophiles use the SCPH-1001 as their main CD player, and swear it's on a par with $1000+ CD players. The SCPH-5501 seems slightly less popular in that circuit but is still well respected.

Edited by thegoldenband, Fri Dec 4, 2009 10:16 AM.

[xenomorpher]

Keep the PSOne I say and invest in a 1st party screen and maybe look around the net for a battery(so far I had no luck) to make it more portable. I have a 1st party screen and I've had very good luck with it and I'm pretty happy with the quality.

Edited by xenomorpher, Fri Dec 4, 2009 3:02 PM.

[AdeptRapier]

TI99Kitty, on Fri Dec 4, 2009 7:18 AM, said:

So, which would *you* keep, if you were only going to keep one, and why?

Hi!

I would keep the original one and get rid of the psone if it was me. That version of the original (SCPH-5501) allows you to use the "link-cable" to link up two Playstations for multiplayer gamns with a separate screen for each player. Trust me on this, I know it sounds like no big deal, but you haven't fully enjoyed your playstation until you have played co-op multiplayer Doom with a friend...beyond awesome!

Get more info here if you are interested...

http://en.wikipedia....tion_Link_Cable

Have fun!!

AdeptRapier

Edited by AdeptRapier, Fri Dec 4, 2009 4:23 PM.

[Video]

Personally, I'd keep the older console. The Serial and parallel ports are for link cables and game sharks, and probably other accessories. Otherwise, there is nothing really gained by keeping the One over a new PS2, probably a few games don't work right, but I'd have no Idea, and all the games I have work on all three anyways.

However, as a con, the older the system, the less likely it will be to last, you can go purchase a new PS2 off store shelves now and know it will work for quiet a while yet...

[Atariboy]

Any lost features are things the vast majority of people never cared about. So unless you want a cheat device and think you'd ever want to buy a second console and second copies of games like Red Alert and Doom for linked play, I'd go with the one you think looks the best and is more likely to live the longest.

If it were me, I'd keep the PSOne over the earlier model. Though honestly, if it was me, I'd just keep both. The little you'd make reselling either one doesn't seem worth putting this much thought into, and they're different enough where it's not like your just collecting multiples of the exact same thing.

Why did you want that Intellivision collection for? I never purchased it or the Activision 2600 collection for the original Playstation. They seemed to get ripped to shreds for their poor accuracy. What's your opinion of it?

Edited by Atariboy, Fri Dec 4, 2009 7:22 PM.

[rpgfaker]

I'd keep the original Playstation, the serial ports support the gameshark pro, which not only helps with cheats but is necessary if you have any interest in PSX programming (which after programmed can be played on a CFW PSP).

But if your a casual gamer the PSone has a lousy LCD screen accessory and optional fat base battery for road trips (PSP has it beat by far), and the slim PS2 is a better unit for home. Or just sell all that crap and buy a 60GB PS3 and become king for a day.

Edited by rpgfaker, Fri Dec 4, 2009 8:57 PM.

[Shannon]

Slightly off topic, but does anyone know where I can find the cable for the "1st party lcd screen" that Sony released that lets you hook up other devices to it?

Little more on topic. If you have the gameshark discs for PS2 (I think that is what it is) you can use the PS1 disc to boot backups on the PsOne.

[the.golden.ax]

Since I can't sell a working PS1 with power, video, and controller for $5, I'd suggest keeping the older model since no one wants them. As for PSone mini systems, you can still get $20.

AX

[TI99Kitty]

Atariboy, on Fri Dec 4, 2009 7:21 PM, said:

If it were me, I'd keep the PSOne over the earlier model. Though honestly, if it was me, I'd just keep both. The little you'd make reselling either one doesn't seem worth putting this much thought into, and they're different enough where it's not like your just collecting multiples of the exact same thing.

Well, space is pretty tight (*very* small apartment), and I really can't see keeping two copies of what amounts to the same console -- especially since I also have a PS2. Of course, I've had problems with PS2 backwards-compatability disappearing in the past... Plus, getting rid of one of the PS consoles means room for my Dreamcast on my console coffee table. ^_^

Atariboy, on Fri Dec 4, 2009 7:21 PM, said:

Why did you want that Intellivision collection for? I never purchased it or the Activision 2600 collection for the original Playstation. They seemed to get ripped to shreds for their poor accuracy. What's your opinion of it?

I wanted the Intellivision collection because I didn't have an Intellivision console at the time. I won't say that the emulation isn't *accurate*, but the aspect ratio seems off, and the emulation runs a bit faster than the original console, which apparently also makes the sound a bit higher in pitch. I was able to confirm this when I got a real Intellivision console and played "Astrosmash" on it. Therefore, the Intellivision collection is *usually* the disc I use for testing, because if something happens to it I won't be as upset as if it were, say, one of my "Final Fantasy" discs.

rpgfaker, on Fri Dec 4, 2009 8:56 PM, said:

Or just sell all that crap and buy a 60GB PS3 and become king for a day.

Eh. Not worth the effort of finding one that I can afford on my budget, as most of the PS* games I want to play, I already have. Besides, most of my retro gaming budget is already going to my TI-99/4A collection, with my Dreamcast getting whatever's left.

[shadow460]

Red Alert does not require a second copy to play linked games. The creators deliberately made it into a two CD set so that you could play vs with only one copy. This carried through to the console versions as well.

That 5501 will eventually need a replacement laser and perhaps some better cooling. Personally I never had any trouble with the two PS1 consoles I owned from the day they were new, but I've had to repair both of the ones I have now. (a 1001 and a 7001 in both cases). Still, that's the system I would keep. If you get a chance to buy a 1001 model, buy it! You can then use it for vs play.

The serial port is used for link games, and the parallel port is where older Game Shark devices are attached.

The idea of getting a PS2 to replace them both really depends on what kind of games you play. If you're into racing games on the PS1, using a PS2 for them is a big no no. It won't work with the negCon controller or any other controller (Mach 1, Ultra Racer PS, etc) that simulates the negCon. This rules out analog control for any racing game prior to Gran Turismo 1 right off the bat.

[Atariboy]

Thanks for the correction, I should've remembered that. It was just the first thing that came to mind for PSOne linked multiplayer.

[Tr3vor]

whats the difference between Playstation and PsOne?

[shadow460]

"PSOne" is the slang term for the little tiny white PlayStations Sony made about the time the PlayStation 2 came out.

[Tr3vor]

yeah, the older playstation looks better, and is just.... idk, the ORIGINAL.

[TI99Kitty]

Tr3vor, on Sun Dec 6, 2009 12:07 AM, said:

whats the difference between Playstation and PsOne?

The PlayStation (or PSX) is about the size of a hardbound book, grey, and rectangular. It has both serial and parallel port in the back, separate power and reset buttons on top, vents on the sides and uses a standard power cord. On the lid, it has the PlayStation logo, with the name "PlayStation."

The PSOne is a rather thick coaster, about the size and thickness of a couple of DVD cases, with just barely enough room on either side of the lid for a combined power/reset button (to reset, you turn it off and back on) and the eject button. It doesn't have any serial or parallel connection ports, and it has no vents on the sides. And instead of "PlayStation," it says "PS one" on the lid. I had heard complaints that it doesn't play all of the old PSX titles, but it plays all the ones I have. The smaller console (and the lack of connection ports), with its slightly simpler construction, probably made it cheaper to produce, and they cost about $50 brand new.

Tr3vor, on Sun Dec 6, 2009 1:32 AM, said:

yeah, the older playstation looks better, and is just.... idk, the ORIGINAL.

You know, the more I look at the two together, the less I like the look of the PSOne (in comparison, that is). It's kind'a sad, because the little guy has served me so well all these years, but the PSX looks like something out of "Star Wars" (the original), and the PSOne looks more like something out of "Blade Runner." The little one is sitting on top of the big one right now, and it (for some reason) reminds me of a remora on top of a shark... ^_^

[nathanallan]

the.golden.ax, on Sat Dec 5, 2009 2:51 AM, said:

Since I can't sell a working PS1 with power, video, and controller for $5, I'd suggest keeping the older model since no one wants them. As for PSone mini systems, you can still get $20.

AX

Isn't that a shame?? I remember when they were the absolute shiznit to have and now they're just not wanted. If nobody wants them as-is then mod the hell out of them and then people get interested.

Ax, the Pink one is still popular around here and still my favorite one. I have a mini and I prefer to play the full sized Pinky. Plus they're much more service friendly, if something goes out parts are easy to work with.

Nathan

[Gabriel]

Off the main topic, but why the PS1 Intellivision collection and not just go for the PS2 Intellivision collection?

I still have both, and I recall there being a reason I kept the older one, but I can't remember why at the moment.

[Atariboy]

Gabriel, on Sun Dec 6, 2009 11:52 AM, said:

Off the main topic, but why the PS1 Intellivision collection and not just go for the PS2 Intellivision collection?

I still have both, and I recall there being a reason I kept the older one, but I can't remember why at the moment.

Was watching YouTube videos last night, the PSOne collection mapped buttons in a sensible manner. No simulated keypad in that collection, everything is just mapped to the PSOne's many buttons, which offers enough for nearly any Intellivision game.

Intellivision Lives was broken because they tried and failed to simulate the keypad. You'd have to press a button to bring up a keypad, navigate with the right analog stick, press a button again when you were over the keypad function you want, and then close the keypad to continue on with the game.

So every game that needed it's use during gameplay has become nothing but a chore, and it even detracts from games that didn't use it during gameplay because you still need it just to handle the ingame menus to start it up.

So maybe that was why?

[Chickybaby]

If you can only keep one, imo the original playstation for reasons mentioned.
If possible, keep both since they are different creatures and have different accesories etc.

[TI99Kitty]

As of today, a SCPH 9001 has been added to the mix. It came with a multitap and a gray analog controller I wanted (and three other controllers, but meh). Will ask for recommendations as to which of the older consoles is better, but for now, I need to toddle off to bed...

Edited by TI99Kitty, Mon Dec 7, 2009 11:49 AM.

[Video]

TI99Kitty, on Mon Dec 7, 2009 11:49 AM, said:

As of today, a SCPH 9001 has been added to the mix. It came with a multitap and a gray analog controller I wanted (and three other controllers, but meh). Will ask for recommendations as to which of the older consoles is better, but for now, I need to toddle off to bed...

I do know that the 9k series are missing the Parallel port and Serial port. Of course, gamesharks were made in disk format compatible with the 9k and PSOne's, and there aren't many games that work with the link cables, so if htose aren't important to you, you can skip them.

However, In my experience, the 9k have pretty crappy build quality. They were having all kinds of PSU problems and drive issues. I loved my 7k, but a flood killed it. Maybe other peoples experiances differ, but I'd say stay away from the 9K.

[TI99Kitty]

Well, I'm a bit disappointed. Apparently, only the "A" controller/memory card slot works on the multitap. Either that, or 2-player PS games don't recognize it. I also tried it with the PS2, on "Marvel Ultimate Alliance," but I figure there's a possibility that the PS2 can't use the PS1 multitap. The 9001 console works perfectly, however, as do all the controllers.

Video, on Tue Dec 8, 2009 4:25 PM, said:

I do know that the 9k series are missing the Parallel port and Serial port. Of course, gamesharks were made in disk format compatible with the 9k and PSOne's, and there aren't many games that work with the link cables, so if htose aren't important to you, you can skip them.

Are you sure about that? While this console is missing the parallel port, it has a port marked "Serial I/O" on the back. OTOH, while examining the bottom of the case, looking for clues, I also noticed a label that says "REFURBISHED" and "For service, contact your local Sony Service Center, or for the name of your local Sony authorized servicer, call 1-800-342-5721 SCE" Maybe that has something to do with it? Well, I suppose it doesn't matter, as I'm probably going to sell the 9001 console.

Edited by TI99Kitty, Wed Dec 9, 2009 11:34 AM.