Unfortunately, 2023 wasn’t the best year for PlayStation exclusives. The only title from Sony’s stable to make it on our Game of the Year 2023 list is Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. However, there were plenty of third-party masterpieces to make up for it. Check out our favorite games of the year below!

PlayStation LifeStyle Game of the Year 2023 List:

10. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty

Cyberpunk 2077’s had a long road to redemption. When Son kicked the game off the PlayStation Store because of technical issues, we never thought its DLC would end up on our Game of the Year list two years later. Phantom Liberty has enough content to be a game in its own right and offers an alternate take on how V’s journey could have ended up. Unfortunately, the DLC and the 2.0 update that launched alongside it are only available on PS5. However, if you have the PS4 version, you can still upgrade for free!

Buy Cyberpunk 2077 on Amazon

9. Final Fantasy 16

It seems inevitable that Final Fantasy 16 will be one of the more divisive entries in the series. It primarily concentrates on one character, Clive Rosfield, as opposed to a huge party, and the story is focused on his perspective. For some fans, that eschews franchise tradition, but we appreciated the narrowed focus compared to Final Fantasy 15, which was a bit all over the place. Clive’s story stands out as one of the more poignant we’ve seen in a Final Fantasy, and it’s a spectacle to behold.

Buy Final Fantasy 16 on Amazon

8. Assassin’s Creed Mirage

This pseudo-prequel to Assassin’s Creed Valhalla takes the series back to its roots and pays homage to the original. Unlike the sprawling epics we’ve gotten in the last few entries, Assassin’s Creed Mirage is localized to 9th-century Baghdad and ditches many of the role-playing elements to emphasize stealth, assassinations, and parkour. We couldn’t help but be relieved to play a distilled experience, and Basim Ibn Ishaq’s origin story reminded us why we fell in love with the franchise in the first place.

Buy Assassin’s Creed Mirage on Amazon

7. Hogwarts Legacy

Despite the controversy surrounding the Harry Potter franchise, Hogwarts Legacy managed to captivate us with its rendition of the titular wizarding school and the surrounding countryside. For those of us who grew up alongside Harry, the chance to attend Hogwarts was a dream come true. Exploring its nooks and crannies, attending classes, and seeing the many easter eggs the developers included was a treat. Where Hogwarts Legacy goes above and beyond, though, is that the gameplay is fun enough to stand on its own merits. Even if this is your first visit to Hogwarts, you can still have a blast and leave wanting more.

Buy Hogwarts Legacy on Amazon

6. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order itched the scratch Star Wars fans had for years when it was released in 2019, and we couldn’t wait to get back to a galaxy far, far away in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. It’s everything the first game was, but bigger and better. Cal gets more abilities and equipment, environments are more expensive, and we even get to chill in a cantina whenever we want. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor provides the excitement that most of Disney’s projects have lacked and has done much more to keep the franchise alive than it gets credit for.

Buy Star Wars Jedi: Survivor on Amazon

5. Street Fighter 6

Street Fighter 6 is our favorite fighting game of the year because of its respect for newcomers and veterans. It’s an excellent point to enter the series, thanks to its revamped mechanics and multiple control options. However, it still retains enough of the franchise’s traditions to keep from alienating those who cut their teeth on SF 2-5. We also loved the absolutely bonkers story mode that channeled Yakuza to make one of the best create-a-fighter experiences ever. If you have even a little interest in the fighting genre, it’s worth checking this game out.

Buy Street Fighter 6 on Amazon

4. Resident Evil 4 remake

Resident Evil 4 revolutionized the series when it debuted in 2005 and is lauded as one of the best games ever. Its influence on gaming as a whole is so strong that many doubted that a remake could do it justice. However, Capcom managed to pull off a fantastic retelling that complements the original perfectly. Almost every aspect of the original has been remade or expanded, and the updated gameplay makes blasting through Ganados a thrill. Resident Evil 4 remake is another excellent entry in the alternate continuity started with RE2 remake, and we’re excited to see which game gets reimagined next (fingers crossed for Code Veronica)!

Buy Resident Evil 4 remake on Amazon

3. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

Marvel’s Spider-Man and its Miles Morales-centric follow-up were hard acts to follow. Somehow, Insomniac Games managed to outdo themselves and then some with Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. Peter Parker and Miles join forces to take on a multitude of threats while navigating their personal lives. From Kraven the Hunter’s militaristic menace to the symbiote Venom sapping Peter of both his good nature and healthy relationships, this gutsy sequel took an already solid foundation and gave both heroes an expanded inventory of unlockable abilities, gadgets, and suits with which fans could explore and defend New York City. While this movie could have resulted in a tired storyline or rote gameplay loop, instead it strengthened an already excellent series with thoughtful writing, inclusive characters, and comic book-powered combat to satisfy all players. The biggest problem with this tandem adventure is that it eventually has to end.

Buy Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on Amazon

2. Baldur’s Gate 3

Player agency has been a hot topic in the gaming industry for decades. Some studios like to keep players focused on the task at hand, while others open their worlds up for a bit more interaction. However, with Baldur’s Gate 3, Larian Studios went beyond this. It removed practically all limitations to how a player could affect their surroundings. See a locked door? You can talk the key out of an NPC, blow it down, find a hidden route to completely bypass it, or simply ignore it. The challenge in this CRPG is to find your way, and there are so many possibilities and so much raw content that everyone’s playthrough will be different.

1. Alan Wake 2

It took 13 years for Alan Wake 2 to be released, but the wait was worth it. FBI agent Saga Anderson joins Alan’s struggle to escape the Dark Place, and we’re once again thrust into the madness surrounding the town of Bright Falls. The plot is a roller coaster examining family, religion, and the supernatural, and it had us hooked from beginning to end. Excellent pacing keeps the lengthy story from becoming a slog, and the ability to alternate between Saga and Alan’s story means each player will have a slightly different experience during their playthrough. While it’s rooted in survival horror, we recommend this game to anyone who wants a strong single-player experience.

The post PlayStation LifeStyle’s Game of the Year 2023 appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

Get ready for the best Amazon Black Friday PS5 Deals; savings on PS5 consoles, games, and accessories await. This Black Friday, Amazon is the hotspot for PS5 enthusiasts looking to score the biggest deals. Stay ahead of the game with our guide to the most sought-after PS5 bargains, all in one place on Amazon.

Best Amazon Black Friday PS5 Console Deals

Unfortunately, most of the Amazon Black Friday PS5 deals have already been snatched up. They may restock, but for now, the only deals left are the ones below:

• PlayStation 5 Console: Call of Duty Modern Warfare® III Bundle – $499 – Buy it on Amazon
• PlayStation 5 Slim Console: Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Bundle – $499.99 (Was: $559.99) – Buy it on Amazon

Best Amazon Black Friday PS5 Game Deals

• Assassin’s Creed Mirage – $44.99 (Was: $59.99) – Buy it on Amazon
• Dead Island 2: Day 1 Edition – $34.99 (Was: $69.99) – Buy it on Amazon
• Diablo 4 – $49.99 (Was: $69.99) – Buy it on Amazon
• Dying Light 2 Stay Human: Standard Edition – $19.99 (Was: $59.99) – Buy it on Amazon
• EA Sports UFC 5 – $40 (Was: $69.99) – Buy it on Amazon
• Elden Ring – $39.96 (Was: $59.99) – Buy it on Amazon
• Final Fantasy XVI – $35 (Was: $69.99) – Buy it on Amazon
• Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged – $34.99 (Was: $49.99) – Buy it on Amazon
• Lego 2K Drive – $34.99 (Was: $69.99) – Buy it on Amazon
• Madden NFL 24 – $29.99 (Was: $69.99) – Buy it on Amazon
• Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 – $39.99 (Was: $59.99) – Buy it on Amazon
• NBA 2K24 Kobe Bryant Edition – $29.99 (Was: $69.99) – Buy it on Amazon
• NHL 24 – $32.99 (Was: $69.99) – Buy it on Amazon
• No More Heroes 3: Day One Edition – $19.99 (Was: $39.99) – Buy it on Amazon
• PowerWash Simulator – $19.99 (Was: $24.99) – Buy it on Amazon
• Sonic Frontiers – $29.59 (Was: $59.99) – Buy it on Amazon
• Sonic Origins Plus – $19.99 (Was: $39.99) – Buy it on Amazon
• Sonic Superstars – $34.99 (Was: $59.99) – Buy it on Amazon
• Star Trek: Resurgence – $24.99 (Was: $39.99) – Buy it on Amazon
• Super Bomberman R 2 – $19.99 (Was: $49.99) – Buy it on Amazon

Best Amazon Black Friday PS5 Controller Deals

Now’s a great time to pick up a PS5 DualSense controller on Amazon since most varities are around $20 off.

• PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller: Cobalt Blue – $49.99 (Was: $69.99) – Buy it on Amazon
• PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller: Cosmic Red – $49.99 (Was: $69.99) – Buy it on Amazon
• PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller: Galactic Purple – $49 (Was: $69.99) – Buy it on Amazon
• PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller: Gray Camoflauge – $49 (Was: $69.99) – Buy it on Amazon
• PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller: Midnight Black – $49 (Was: $69.99) – Buy it on Amazon
• PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller: Nova Pink – $49 (Was: $69.99) – Buy it on Amazon
• PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller: Starlight Blue – $49 (Was: $69.99) – Buy it on Amazon
• PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller: Volcanic Red – $49 (Was: $69.99) – Buy it on Amazon
• PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller: White – $49.99 (Was: $69.99) – Buy it on Amazon

The post Best PS5 Amazon Black Friday Deals for Consoles, Games, and Controllers appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

There are some excellent Amazon Prime Day PS5 Deals, so if you’ve been waiting to purchase PS5 games cheap, now’s the time. Even newer titles like Star Wars Jedi: Survivor get price cuts this Prime Day. That’s not all, though, you can also score a PS5 console bundle deal that knocks a bit off the retail price.

Best Amazon Prime Day PS5 game deals

There are some great deals on PS5 games for Prime Day. You won’t want to miss the savings on some of the best titles available on the console.

• Asterigos: Curse of the Stars – Deluxe Edition – $34.99 (Was: $44.99) – Buy it Here
• Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration – $29.99 (Was: $39.99) – Buy it Here
• Atomic Heart – $49.99 (Was: $69.99) – Buy it Here
• Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War – $49.99 (Was: $69.99) – Buy it Here
• Call of Duty: Vanguard – $34.95 (Was: $69.99) – Buy it Here
• Dead Island 2: Day 1 Edition – $61.43 (Was: $69.99) – Buy it Here
• Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles – $29.99 (Was: $59.99) – Buy it Here
• Demon’s Souls – $40.99 (Was: $69.99) – Buy it Here
• EA SPORTS PGA Tour – $34.99 (Was: $69.99) – Buy it Here
• Forspoken – $45.25 (Was: $69.99) – Buy it Here
• Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut – $29.99 (Was: $69.99) – Buy it Here
• Goat Simulator 3 – $19.99 (Was: $29.99) – Buy it Here
• Gran Turismo 7 – Standard Edition – $41.39 (Was: $69.99) – Buy it Here
• Grand Theft Auto V – $19.99 (Was: $39.99) – Buy it Here
• Horizon Forbidden West – Standard Edition – $51.50 (Was: $69.99) – Buy it Here
• Kena: Bridge of Spirits – Deluxe Edition – $25 (Was: $49.99) – Buy it Here
• LEGO 2K Drive – $54.99 (Was: $69.99) – Buy it Here
• Like a Dragon: Ishin! – $29.99 (Was: $59.99) – Buy it Here
• Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Edition – $42.57 (Was: $69.99) – Buy it Here
• MLB 22: The Show – $22.99 (Was: $34.99) – Buy it Here
• Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate – $24.04 (Was: $59.99) – Buy it Here
• Persona 5 Royal: Standard Edition – $29.99 (Was: $59.99) – Buy it Here
• Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart – $39.99 (Was: $69.99) – Buy it Here
• Resident Evil Village – Gold Edition – $39.99 (Was: $49.99) – Buy it Here
• Returnal – $44.99 (Was: $69.99) – Buy it Here
• Riders Republic – $14.23 (Was: $59.99) – Buy it Here
• Sonic Frontiers – $34.99 (Was: $59.99) – Buy it Here
• Soul Hackers 2 – Launch Edition – $14.99 (Was: $59.99) – Buy it Here
• Stanger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin – $33.82 (Was: $39.99) – Buy it Here
• Star Ocean The Divine Force – $29.99 (Was: $39.99) – Buy it Here
• Star Wars Jedi: Survivor – $54.99 (Was: $69.99) – Buy it Here
• Stray – $29.99 (Was: $39.99) – Buy it Here
• The Callisto Protocol – Standard Edition – $29.83 (Was: $49.99) – Buy it Here
• The Nioh Collection – $29.99 (Was: $69.99) – Buy it Here
• Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1+2 – Standard Edition – $28.49 (Was: $49.99) – Buy it Here
• Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection – $34.99 (Was: $49.99) – Buy it Here
• Wanted: Dead – Collector’s Edition – $39.99 (Was: $79.99) – Buy it Here
• Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty – $44.99 (Was: $59.99) – Buy it Here
• Wreckfest – $19.99 (Was: $39.99) – Buy it Here

Best Amazon Prime PS5 console deals

Unfortunately, the only PS5 console deal currently available isn’t mindblowing:

• PS5 Console – God of War: Ragnarok Bundle – Renewed – $499.99 (Was: $529.99) – Buy it Here

However, more Prime Day PS5 console deals may pop up, so keep checking here to find potential savings.

The post Amazon Prime Day: Best PS5 Game Deals appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

Alan Wake 2 is available to pre-order on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X|S. In this sequel to the 2010 cult hit (and Control’s AWE DLC), a series of ritualistic murders occur in Bright Falls, Washington, 13 years after the disappearance of best-selling horror author Alan Wake. FBI agent Saga Anderson is dispatched to Bright Falls to investigate the murders, where she becomes entangled in a supernatural horror narrative penned by Wake to escape his captivity.

Here’s how to pre-order Alan Wake 2.

Alan Wake 2 pre-order guide

Alan Wake 2 is available to pre-order. However, Remedy has opted for a digital only release. So, you won’t see it at retailers like Walmart, Amazon, Target, Best Buy, or any of the other thousands of retailers I won’t list.

You can pre-order Alan Wake 2 via the following:

• PS Store
  • Standard Edition: $59.99
  • Deluxe Edition: $79.99
• Epic Games Store
  • Standard Edition: $49.99
  • Deluxe Edition: $69.99
• Xbox Store
  • Standard Edition: $59.99
  • Deluxe Edition: $79.99

Those who pre-order will get two bonus items:

• Ornate Revolver Skin for Alan
• Survival Resources Pack for Saga

What do you get in the Alan Wake 2 Deluxe Edition?

You get the following items by purchasing the Alan Wake 2 Deluxe Edition:

• Alan Wake 2 base game
• Pre-order items
• Expansion Pass
• Celebrity Suit for Alan
• Crimson Windbreaker for Saga
• Lantern Charm for Saga
• Parliament Shotgun Skin for Alan

On top of the base game, the Deluxe Edition provides several additional items, including a celebrity suit for Alan and a crimson windbreaker for Saga. You will also get the Lantern Charm for Saga and the Parliament Shotgun Skin for Alan, adding a distinct touch to your gaming experience.

Moreover, an Expansion Pass is included in the Deluxe Edition. This pass will grant you access to future content expansions, ensuring that you get immediate access to all forthcoming DLC. This is a handy feature for those who are keen to explore every nook and cranny of the evolving story.

The pre-order comes with special bonuses as well. You will receive an ornate revolver skin for Alan and a Survival Resources Pack for Saga. These bonus items can provide an edge in the gameplay, giving you a head-start as you navigate through the mysteries of Bright Falls.

Remember, the digital-only release means you can easily pre-order the game from the comfort of your home. Simply visit the PS Store, Epic Games Store, or Xbox Store, choose your preferred edition, and start the countdown for a thrilling gaming journey. Alan Wake 2 promises a deeper dive into the eerie, supernatural narrative that enthralled players in its first installment. Don’t miss the chance to uncover the secrets that lie ahead in Bright Falls.

The post Alan Wake 2 Pre-Order: Pricing, Bonus Items, Deluxe Edition Differences & More appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

If you’re eagerly waiting to delve into the world of Diablo 4 with a friend, you’re probably wondering: Does Diablo 4 offer a split-screen multiplayer experience for PS4 and PS5? Well, the answer is a resounding yes; Diablo 4 supports couch co-op gameplay on both PS4 and PS5, with the capacity for up to two players. This follows Blizzard’s legacy from Diablo 3, where the co-op mode was particularly popular.

How does Diablo 4 couch co-op split-screen multiplayer work?

Activating the couch co-op mode in Diablo 4 is a relatively simple process:

• Launch Diablo 4.
• Wait until the character select screen loads.
• Turn on the second player’s controller.
• A notification will appear on the screen confirming the second player’s connection.
• The second player must then log in with their PlayStation account that is linked to Blizzard’s Battle.net service.
• They will then be given the option to select their character.
• After making the selection, the game is set, and both of you can venture into the world of Diablo 4 together.

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One thing to note is that Diablo 4’s co-op mode has some limitations compared to its predecessor. While Diablo 3 supported a local party of four, Diablo 4 caps this at two for a cleaner, more manageable gameplay experience. This means you can’t have a local party of four like you could in Diablo 3, but this also leads to a less cluttered game interface and allows players to have independent menus and visit different merchants at the same time.

Despite this limitation, the co-op mode in Diablo 4 has been designed with a focus on efficiency. For instance, both players in the co-op world now have independent menus and can visit different merchants simultaneously. These changes make the couch co-op experience in Diablo 4 more streamlined than in previous games, eliminating unnecessary waiting times and enabling a more seamless shared gaming experience.

Unfortunately for PC users, Diablo 4’s couch co-op feature is only available on consoles, namely PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.

The post Diablo 4 Couch Co-Op: Does it Have Split-Screen Multiplayer on PS4 and PS5? appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

You’re not alone if you’ve been playing Gran Turismo 7 and your PS5 unexpectedly shuts down. Since its release, players have been affected by a bug that causes the console to crash unexpectedly. Unfortunately, each time it happens, your PS5 goes through the whole unexpected shutdown process, which means you have to sit through those annoying hard drive scans and “repairs.” Fortunately, we’ve found a fix for the Gran Turismo 7 PS5 shutdown bug that seems to stop the problem completely (for most people).

How to fix Gran Turismo 7 PS5 shutdown bug

If your PS5 keeps shutting down unexpectedly every time you play Gran Turismo 7, here’s a quick fix:

• Move the game to your internal drive if it is on an external SSD.
• Move it to an external SSD if it’s on your internal drive.
• If it’s on an internal drive and you don’t have an external SSD, delete the game and reinstall it.

When the bug struck me, I couldn’t find a cause for it. It was installed on an external drive that had plenty of space left. I played probably 40 hours of Gran Turismo 7 before the day one patch ever released, and I have booked another 20 or so since the official launch. Not once did it cause my PS5 to shut down. Then, a few days ago, it started crashing the console every time I tried to load a race.

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While researching the issue, I found many players have run into the same bug since the game was released. However, the only common thread seems to be that it started happening somewhat close to an update coming out. So, an update may be somehow getting corrupted, and moving the game to another drive forces some sort of integrity check which fixes it.

Unfortunately, while this fix works for many, not everyone reported success with it. Others stated that vacuuming the dust out of their console did the trick, but I can attest that my PS5 is clean as a whistle, and that had no bearing on my issue. However, if moving the game to another drive or reinstalling it doesn’t work, give cleaning it a shot because it may be overheating.

The post Gran Turismo 7 PS5 Shutdown Fix appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

If you want the best PS2 model, there are two choices: fat and slim. There’s some debate as to which version is best, and each have pros and cons. Additionally, they both have hardware revisions, which makes some more desirable than others. Unlike the PS1, it’s harder to pick a clear winner here, and we’ll discuss why below.

What’s the best PS2 model to buy?

The best PS2 model to buy is the SCPH-9000X if you just want to hook it up and play the console. It’s the last version of the slim model to be released, and moved the power supply back into the console. This means you don’t have to keep up with the adapter. As a result, these are the most reliable PS2s and should last you for years to come.

However, if you plan on getting into homebrew, the SCPH-9000X should be avoided. Unfortunately, Sony patched a BIOS exploit during this model’s production run, which prevents applications from being launched from the memory card. This bars you from some cool stuff, so I recommend getting an SCPH-7900X or older.

PS2 Fat vs. Slim

The biggest difference between the PS2 fat and slim (aside from their size) is that the Slim doesn’t have room for an internal hard drive. This used to be a more significant drawback, as many homebrew tools only supported being installed on the hard drive. Most of them work on both models now, though.

The argument these days comes down to aesthetics and reliability. You’ll find that the slim is more reliable since it generates less heat. However, you’ll need to use an external hard drive or network storage with it. The fat version has an iconic look, and allows you to keep everything in one package. How but it does require you to purchase a broadband + HDD adapter.

PSX

There’s a third major model of PS2 that never released in the US. In addition to playing PS1 and PS2 games and DVDs, the PSX features TV tuners and works as a DVR. It’s an early take on the set-top box format and aimed to be the center of your home’s media experience. Notably, it’s also where the XrossMediaBar made its debut.

Unfortunately, it seems like the PSX wasn’t well-made. Most of those you’ll find on eBay are damaged and cracked, yellowing, or have disc-read errors. If you do want to seek one out, the best model to get is the final one, the DESR-7700. It’s the one with the most functionality and moderately better build quality.

The post Best PS2 Model Version: Should I Get a Fat or Slim? appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

Pitting Ghost of Tsushima PS4 vs. PS5 isn’t as easy as it is with many games. It already runs well and looks great on PS4, so the upgrade isn’t as apparent. The fact that it’s a paid upgrade and there are different payment tiers might have you wondering if you’re better off sticking with the PS4 version. We’ll give you the Ghost of Tsushima PS5 upgrade options and our opinion of their worth below.

Is it worth it to upgrade Ghost of Tsushima from PS4 to PS5?

Before we can look at whether the Ghost of Tsushima PS5 upgrade is worth it, we need to look at the pricing tiers:

• Ghost of Tsushima PS4 Director’s Cut to Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut on PS5: $10
• Ghost of Tsushima PS4 base game to Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut PS4: $20
• Ghost of Tsushima PS4 base game to Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut on PS5: $30

Regardless of the tier you go with, we think the upgrade is worth it, especially if you got the base game at a discount. The game loads faster on PS5, looks better, and has a better framerate rate. In addition, it’s the most enjoyable way to experience Jin’s adventure for now. Hopefully, the rumors of a PC release are true, and even more players can enjoy the game in the future.

The post Ghost of Tsushima PS4 vs. PS5: Is the Upgrade Worth It? appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

If you’re looking for the best PS1 model, things are a bit more complicated than they may seem. At first glance, there are only two versions, the original and the PSone, but the console underwent many revisions under the hood over its lifespan. Since you can get pretty granular with this, we’ll be giving a short and long answer to this question.

Which PS1 model should I buy: The short answer

The best PS1 model to buy for most people is the SCPH-7501. This version of the OG PlayStation is the first to include the revised CD drive that prevents the FMV skipping that plagued some of the earlier models. Additionally, it’s equipped with the PU-22 motherboard that features improved AV output and sharper graphics. It’s also the last model of the PS1 to include the parallel port, which is great if you’re interested in third-party peripherals. If not, then the SCPH-7501, SCPH-9001, or the PSone are great choices.

Which PS1 model should I buy: The long answer

If you’re a big PS1 enthusiast, you’re going to go one of two routes when picking out the best version for you: moddable or rare.

Moddable

If you plan on modding your PS1 with a PS1 Digital HDMI output and an XStation ODE, you’ll need a PU-18 motherboard. These are found in the SCPH-550X models of the console. Luckily, these are relatively common, and you shouldn’t have a problem getting one at an affordable price at a used game store or eBay.

One thing to note on the topic of modding the PS1 is that the PS1 Digital is an advanced install. Even experts at soldering have issues with it. There’s no margin for error here; a mistake will probably damage the PS1 beyond repair. On the flip side, the XStation is a great intermediate project for those learning soldering.

Rare

If you’re looking for a conversation piece, you’ll want to look into finding a rare model of the PS1.

Debug Units

When developers had to test PS1 games on actual hardware, they used debug units. These have a custom blue (common) or green (rare) shell and aren’t equipped with any CD security mechanism. So, they’re both region-free and can play burned games without any modification.

However, the rarest debug units look exactly like production PS1 consoles. These were used at industry events and were intended to look low-key to prevent theft.

You’ll be looking for these model numbers if you want a debug unit:

• DTL-H100X: Blue Debug
• DTL-H1000H: Grey Debug
• DTL-H1001H: Grey Debug
• DTL-H110X: Blue Debug
• DTL-H120X: Green Debug

Net Yaroze

Sony sold a black PS1 along with development software and documentation as the Net Yaroze. This package would allow aspiring programmers to learn about PlayStation development and was only available by mail order in the US. The tools provided were more limited in scope than official PlayStation development kits. Since the ability to play burned CDs wasn’t available on the Net Yaroze, games were limited to the size of the PS1’s RAM. Despite these limitations, it fostered an enthusiastic community and several professional developers got their start on this machine.

SCPH-5903

If you want to get really esoteric, try finding an SCPH-5903. These are the only PS1 consoles with white housing and contain the hardware necessary to play VCDs. There’s not a lot of info about this version of the PS1 aside from it being a limited release for the Southeast Asian market. I’ve set alerts for this on eBay and have only seen a handful pop up over the last few years.

Limited Editions

There are a few limited edition PS1 consoles. Some of the rarer ones were produced for contests, and less than a handful exist. You will likely never see these go up for sale; if you do, it’ll be for way more than the majority of us are willing to pay.

The post Best PS1 Model Version: Should I get the Original or PSone? appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

The PS5 is backward compatible to a limited extent. While you can play PS1, PS2, and PS3 games on PS5, there are caveats to this. So, if you were hoping it’s as easy as just sliding your disc in, you’re in for some disappointment.

Is the PS5 backward compatible with PS4?

The PS5 is fully backward compatible with PS4. There are only a handful of titles from the PS4 that don’t run:

• Afro Samurai 2 Revenge of Kuma Volume One
• Hitman Go: Definitive Edition
• Just Deal With It!
• Robinson: The Journey
• Shadwen
• We Sing

Other than the above titles, you can install a PS4 game on PS5 from either a disc or your digital library and it’ll run just as well or better than it does on its native console.

Is it backward compatible with PS1, PS2, and PS3?

The only PS1, PS2, and PS3 games you can play on PS5 are those on PS Plus. These are emulated and must be downloaded from PSN. They can’t run off an original disc, and there’s a limited selection to choose from. Unfortunately, making the PS5 backward compatible isn’t a big concern for Sony, and even PS Classics, which subscribers have to pay extra cash for, only gets a trickle of titles.

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