The Sony PS one, released in 2000, is a redesigned, ultra-compact version of the original PlayStation. Arriving five years after the PS1 first launched, the PS one brought the same legendary hardware and full library compatibility into a modern, travel-friendly form factor. Its adorable, rounded design, optional LCD screen, and small footprint made it one of the most charming consoles Sony ever produced.
For collectors and retro enthusiasts, the PS one stands as the definitive “final evolution” of the original PlayStation era.
📘 Introduction
By 2000, the original PlayStation had become a global sensation with millions of fans. Rather than retire the hardware immediately, Sony refreshed the system with a sleeker redesign:
- smaller, lighter, more energy-efficient
- modernised aesthetic
- family-friendly rounded edges
- optional portable LCD screen
- full compatibility with the entire PS1 library
The PS one extended the life of the PlayStation brand well into the PS2 era, selling extremely well thanks to its lower price and stylish look.
🎨 Compact & Friendly Aesthetic
The PS one is instantly recognisable by its soft, minimalist design:
- Rounded edges and smooth surfaces
- Light grey/white matte shell
- Small circular disc lid
- Reset and Power buttons in a simplified layout
- Front ports for memory cards and controllers
- Rear AV and power connectors
- Optional PS one LCD Screen add-on
At roughly half the size of the original PlayStation, it’s one of the most display-friendly retro consoles ever made.
⚙️ Internal Hardware — Same Heart, Smaller Body
Inside the PS one is essentially the same core architecture as the original PlayStation:
- MIPS R3000A 32-bit CPU @ 33.9 MHz
- 2 MB RAM, 1 MB VRAM
- CD-ROM drive (top-loading)
- GPU capable of 3D textured polygons
- High-quality stereo audio
Sony refined the hardware to be:
- more efficient
- cooler in operation
- less prone to disc-read issues than early “Fat” models
The PS one is widely considered the most reliable PlayStation 1 variant.
🎮 DualShock Support as Standard
By the time the PS one launched, the:
- DualShock controller
became the standard for PlayStation gaming.
The PS one typically shipped with:
- DualShock (grey/white) — same iconic layout
- Vibration feedback
- Analog sticks
- Classic sturdy Sony build quality
It remains one of the most beloved controller designs ever.
🔥 Full Access to the Legendary PS1 Library
The PS one plays the complete PlayStation library — one of the greatest in gaming history.
Iconic PS1 Titles
- Final Fantasy VII, VIII, IX
- Metal Gear Solid
- Tekken 3
- Gran Turismo 1 & 2
- Crash Bandicoot trilogy
- Spyro the Dragon trilogy
- Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
- Resident Evil 1, 2, 3
- Tomb Raider
- Silent Hill
The PS one offers full compatibility with:
Making it the best PS1 console for everyday play.
🖼️ Optional PS one LCD Screen — A Portable PlayStation
One of the most unique accessories for the PS one is the Sony LCD monitor, which transforms the console into a mini portable system.
Features include:
- 5-inch TFT screen
- Stereo speakers
- Headphone jack
- Folding design
- Bright, crisp picture
- Perfect for travel or desktop setups
The PS one + LCD combo is now highly collectible.
🔊 Audio & Video Output
The PS one outputs:
- Composite video
- RGB SCART (EU models)
- Clean stereo audio
- High compatibility with CRTs and upscalers
It remains one of the easiest retro consoles to set up on modern displays.
🛠️ Reliability & Common Issues
The PS one is more reliable than the original PlayStation Fat, but a few issues may appear:
- Laser wear if heavily used
- Disc spindle cracking (rare)
- AV port dust accumulation
- PSU cable brittleness on older units
Overall, it is considered the most durable PlayStation 1 console.
🌍 Cultural & Historical Impact
The PS one served as:
- a family-friendly relaunch of the PS1
- a lower-cost PlayStation option during the PS2’s rise
- a travel-friendly console for kids and adults
- one of the last major “slim redesigns” before slim models became common
Its massive sales success helped cement PlayStation as the dominant gaming brand of the early 2000s.
Today, the PS one is adored by collectors for its beauty, reliability, and charm.
📦 Items Included in This Collection Entry
📜 Conclusion
The Sony PS one is a charming, reliable, and highly collectible redesign of one of the greatest consoles ever made. With its compact form factor, full backward compatibility, modernised look, and access to the legendary PS1 library, it remains one of the best ways to experience classic PlayStation gaming today.
A perfect combination of style and nostalgia — and an essential addition to any retro gaming collection.