On December 3, 1994, the PlayStation 1 debuted, signifying a major turning point in the annals of gaming. Even with the surge in gaming technology, the PSOne is still a valued artifact among fans of retro gaming. Yet, as time moves forward, these consoles are starting to exhibit signs of degeneration. Problems like malfunctioning laser units, warped casings, and failing capacitors and voltage regulators are increasingly prevalent. Unlike humans who can visit a physician, these consoles have not had easily accessible replacement parts from Sony, until recently.
Enter the nsOne project, an innovative endeavor spearheaded by Italian electronics specialist Lorentio Brodesco. This initiative has led to the development of the first custom-designed motherboard for the PlayStation 1, created independently from Sony. The nsOne motherboard represents a fully operational circuit board that is compatible with original PlayStation 1 chips, providing a crucial support system for aging consoles.
The inception of the nsOne took place in March 2024 when Brodesco stumbled upon incomplete manuals while fixing a PlayStation 1. This difficulty motivated him to reconstruct the circuit schematics of the legendary console. Using creative methods, Brodesco sanded down an original motherboard to expose its inner layers and carefully reverse-engineered the circuits with modern PCB design tools.
The nsOne motherboard is modeled on the PU-23 series of SCPH-900X units and reinstates the parallel port, resulting in a distinctive hybrid design. It boasts a four-layer PCB, enhancing the original two-layer design while retaining the same size. The board supports all original PlayStation 1 components, guaranteeing complete compatibility.
The nsOne project garnered substantial backing through a successful Kickstarter campaign, collecting nearly €5,800 from 65 supporters, exceeding the original target of €5,000. The initiative presented various funding tiers, including options for a bare four-layer circuit board or a fully assembled unit complete with all essential chips. Shipment is anticipated for January 2026.
Looking forward, Brodesco intends to provide detailed documentation, design files, and production-ready blueprints, with dreams of producing a portable PlayStation 1. This venture not only safeguards the legacy of the PlayStation 1 but also secures its continued existence for future generations of gamers.