While retro enthusiasts indulged in the feeling of nostalgia/regret with the PlayStation Classic’s 20-game collection last December, one Japanese gamer had something rather different in mind.
ヨドバシアキバで普通に大量に売ってたのでゲットー^ ^
早く改造したいー#PlayStationClassic pic.twitter.com/PtdRjNZqJC
— にわ＠チャンネル (@NIWAchannel) December 3, 2018
The old-school console, released as part of the 24-year anniversary of the original Sony System, was initially launched to much hype, but subsequent experiences proved it to be quite the letdown.
For Twitter user @NINAchannel, however, it was more about the fun and games more so than the resulting disappointment, as he channelled his geeky builder spirit to transform the PlayStation Classic into a PlayStation Classic Portable.
昨日の夜、中身をずーっと眺めてやっと改造プランが決まりました！
今日から少しずつやっていこう。
お楽しみに^ ^#PlayStationClassic pic.twitter.com/aGc29J5dcl— にわ＠チャンネル (@NIWAchannel) December 5, 2018
少し作業しました。
今回はちょこっとだけコントローラの配線をした感じー。ここが終われば完成までもう少しかなー。#PlaystationClassic #改造 pic.twitter.com/boOOzkgvPW
— にわ＠チャンネル (@NIWAchannel) December 19, 2018
まずは分解。
初代のコントローラと比較。microUSBケーブルが普通に刺さってるー。断線してもメンテしやすくていい設計だね^ ^
フレキなのでここに手を入れるのは改造初心者の私には難易度高いなぁ。汗#PlayStationClassic pic.twitter.com/n5trJEbHmH
— にわ＠チャンネル (@NIWAchannel) December 3, 2018
Tearing the mini system apart, he first proceeded to add controls by slicing open an original PlayStation controller, attaching its components into the classic console’s chassis, and fitting both the former’s left and right halves to the sides of the latter. Portability, check.
今現在の改造状況。
内蔵のモバイルバッテリー駆動で、増設コントローラーでのプレイが可能。液晶も内蔵。
が、なんか三角と四角ボタンがうまく動かない。どうも配線の接触が微妙な様子。。
やり直すかー。
見た目は後でよくする予定^ ^#PlayStationClassic #改造 pic.twitter.com/rFNi9lETtW— にわ＠チャンネル (@NIWAchannel) December 25, 2018
結局、コントローラの配線は全部やり直したー。
あとは液晶とバッテリーを中に入れてしまえば機能的にはほぼ完成かな^ ^#PlayStationClassic #改造 pic.twitter.com/GwA9cQ23w3
— にわ＠チャンネル (@NIWAchannel) December 26, 2018
But what good is there in playing 32-bit titles on the go without a screen? Following the above step, the next order of business saw the Japanese gamer inserting a 3.5-inch LCD display into a rectangular hole at the top of the console – carved open by the man himself– before plugging it into a 4,000-mAh battery.
まだ手を入れるところは沢山あるので仮組だけど、ひとまず普通に遊べるところまで出来ました^ ^
こんなダサいの作ってる人はなかなかいないんじゃないかなー^ ^#PlayStationClassic #改造 pic.twitter.com/TCTbQv6Hvb
— にわ＠チャンネル (@NIWAchannel) December 30, 2018
With the clever self-made console up and running, functionality and aesthetic touch-ups then came to be on the list. The protruding screen was adjusted to completely level, and the battery went internal. On the rear, the original PlayStation’s clamshell ridge underwent a design change, emerging proudly in a new sheen of specific PS1 pieces, logo-free.
完成しました。
「PlayStation Classic Portable (PScP)」
仕様
・バッテリー内蔵（5100mAh）
・液晶モニタ内蔵（3.5インチ）
・スピーカー内蔵（ステレオ、調整可）
・背面にバッテリー用スイッチ、イヤホンジャック追加
・前面に充電端子追加（microUSB）#PlayStationClassic#改造#ポータブル pic.twitter.com/4kmnf0iqUY— にわ＠チャンネル (@NIWAchannel) December 31, 2018
Meanwhile, other enhancements include stereo speakers, a volume control knob, a headphone jack, and a micro USB charging connector – all necessary features of a portable console that would certainly help bring the on-the-go gaming experience to users.
Due to Japan’s stringent regulations against modded console resellers, the PlayStation Classic Portable will naturally remain a personal project, and is strictly not for sale. Still, it is one ingenious creation that deserves the attention and awe of both techno-savvy DIY and retro fans, serving as good reference material for anyone looking to remodel their own home consoles.
A fine, classy attempt, this is.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
Trinity Sun
