PlayStation
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| Released: | 1994-12-03 |
| Discontinued: | 2006-03-23 |
| Developer: | Sony |
| Type: | Hardware |
PlayStation (PS1) is a video game console created by Sony and released in 1994. It was the first console in the PlayStation series and became a worldwide sales success. The PS1 had a 32-bit processor, 2 MB of RAM and a graphics processor that could display 3D graphics. One of the PS1's most notable features was its CD drive, which allowed game developers to use CD-ROMs to store and distribute their games instead of cartridges. The console offered a wide variety of games, many of which have become classics, such as "Final Fantasy VII", "Metal Gear Solid" and "Resident Evil". The PS1 is considered one of the most influential consoles in the history of video games and paved the way for the later success of Sony's PlayStation series.
It was a risky and ambitious project for Sony. In the 1980s, Sony began developing a game system in collaboration with Nintendo, but the partnership failed and Sony decided to pursue the project on its own. In 1994, Sony launched the PlayStation 1, which became a worldwide sales success. The console established Sony as a major player in the video game industry and laid the foundation for the PlayStation series, which would continue to evolve and improve over the next generations of consoles.
The PS1's best-selling game was "Gran Turismo", a racing simulator developed by Polyphony Digital and released in 1997. According to Sony, more than 10 million copies of "Gran Turismo" were sold worldwide, making it the best-selling game on the console. The game was highly acclaimed for its realism and wide variety of cars and tracks, making it a favorite among racing and driving game fans.
They were very successful, making it one of the best-selling video game consoles of all time. Since its launch in 1994, it is estimated that more than 102 million units were sold worldwide. This makes it the second best-selling console in history, behind only Sony's PlayStation 2. The PS1 was particularly successful in Japan, where over 20 million units were sold. In North America, over 39 million units were sold, and in Europe, over 44 million units were sold. Sales of the PS1 were driven by a wide variety of high-quality games and the use of CD-ROMs instead of cartridges, which allowed game developers to create larger and more complex games.
Contents
Interface
Opening song
One of the most distinctive sounds is the one that can be heard on the startup screen. It uses a specific story in its creation and is both loved and despised (because it was the indicator of whether a disc was read or not).
The song was written by Takafumi Fujisawa in close collaboration with Sony Computer Entertainment's sound design team, as far as is known. The goal was to compose a piece of music that would be distinctive, memorable and embody the spirit of the new PlayStation console.
The song was composed by Fujisawa using synthesizers and other electronic music instruments. The main melody has a pulsating beat and layers of sound effects and futuristic electronic sounds. As a result, the console gained notoriety as a musical composition.
One of the most recognizable and adored tunes in video game history, the PlayStation startup song has appeared in numerous PlayStation games over the years. Many people see the song as a representation of the heyday of video games and a reminder of the fond memories of those who grew up using the original Playstation.
Recording
| # | Title | Composer | Length | Listen | Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | PlayStation Startup | Takafumi Fujisawa | 0:18 | Download |
Games
Models
Some of the many models that exist came out with hardware reissues or firmware level, or with backward compatibility among others.
Some of them are:
| Model | Notes |
|---|---|
| Sony PlayStation SCPH-1001 and SCPH-7001 | They are the most normal consoles, with some changes and the most recognized. |
| Sony PSone | Same hardware, but it is the second model with or without screen and smaller in size. |
| Sony PlayStation Debugging or Development (PS1 Dev. Kit) | This is only for developers with more hardware for game debugging. |
| Sony PlayStation Net Yaroze | It is a Kit with more hardware for debugging amateur games but as demos via internet connection or distributed by Sony. |
| Sony PSX | Model video recorder with hard disk, a PS2 backward compatible with PS1 and in some with PSP. |
Sony PlayStation (Normal Console)
Sony PSone
Sony PS1 Dev. Kit
Sony PlayStation Net Yaroze
Sony PSX
Music and Sound
It uses a unique 24-channel audio processor to deliver 16-bit stereo sound in a variety of formats (most commonly ADPCM), such as audio CDs, sound effects and in-game background music.
In addition, the PS1 has analog and optical digital audio outputs that allow it to connect to an external audio system for enhanced sound quality. Dolby Surround sound technology is also supported for some PS1 games.
In conclusion, although the PS1's audio system was cutting edge for its time and provided many gamers with a satisfying gaming experience, it does not have the same sound quality as contemporary consoles.
It also uses a synthesizer in SF like most consoles that use this audio system such as MiniPSF, PSF and VAG.
Logos
PlayStation (1994)
PSone (2000)
PSX (2003)
Links
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_(console) - Wikipedia.
