PSone System - Video Game Console

If the original PlayStation was the video game console equivalent of the '60s-era Volkswagen Beetle--economic, reliable, loads of fun--the PS One could be considered the new Beetle--a hip restyling of those same qualities.

Make no mistake: the PS One has all of the same functionality as the original PlayStation workhorse, will work with all of the same peripherals and accessories, and will play the existing PlayStation game library, as well as audio CDs (also note that, like the original PlayStation, it's not compatible with the more advanced PlayStation 2). The difference here is that this new model is quite a bit smaller than its older brother, and quite a bit cuter, too.

The system is made up of a 32-bit, 34-MHz RISC processor with 16 Mbits of main memory, 8 Mbits of graphics memory, 24-channel stereo sound, double-speed CD-ROM drive, and one Dual Shock analog controller. That's not a lot of power, compared to a next-generation system like the Sega Dreamcast; but, when you factor in its very low price and the enormous library of games that are available (more than 1,000 that are spread across every genre imaginable), one can see easily why it's as good a deal as ever. If rumors of exciting future accessories for the PS One (a four-inch LCD screen attachment, to name one) are true, this little machine could become a great option for the on-the-go gamer. --Porter Hall
Customer Review: The Truth
I recently purchased a PSone System and it did arrive as described and on time. I immediately hooked it to the TV and put in the game I already had and it fired right up. It was 8 years since I last played the PSone, but when the game came on and I began to play, it brought back memories. The PSone still worked like before and I highly recommend this for everybody.
Customer Review: Very Good!
Very good console. Sony came out with alot of fun games to play on this system. Just make sure you don't touch the little round lens in the console or you will be very sorry.

And the more sophisticated and social video games available today mean that a family night spent playing video games can be an engaging interactive experience, and even an educational one! Video games are expensive, though, with many new titles selling for more than sixty dollars (US) each. One way to save a lot of money is to buy "pre-played" or used video games.

Another great pastime is to track down older games for older systems: so-called "retro gaming" is very popular among teenagers, who are discovering and playing old classics that are new to them. Often these games are the same ones that parents remember from their own childhoods, which makes for an even better family experience.

Between garage sales, video game stores and your own closets and attics, you can probably find older video game consoles, those Ataris and Intellivisions, Nintendo Entertainment Systems and Segas that took up all your time in your own childhood. Today, these older consoles can often be found for only a few dollars, and they often come with a random selection of old games already! Finding the exact games you're looking for can be more of a challenge, but luckily we have the Internet for that.

There are literally millions and millions of old videogame cartridges and CDs for sale on online auction sites and other clearinghouses, often for only a few dollars. Of course, one downside of buying online is that you don't get to see, examine or test the game before paying. If you have the luxury of a used or "vintage" video game store in your area, you should use this! Be sure to examine the games for damage, and if possible TEST them before you pay and leave the store. Of course, modern games can be "used" too.

Many people buy the newest games, play them from start to finish in only a week or two, and then return them to the stores for credit. These "barely used" games can often be found for half the new price, or less! That's a terrific savings for being a few weeks behind the curve.

Again, whether you're buying a game that is two weeks old, or two decades old, be sure to check out the sellers history, or at least be certain of the store's return policy, in case you get a scratched disk or damaged game cartridge. Have fun with your gaming experiences, life is to short not too.

Chris Jensen is a contributing author of Jetfly Blog. For more related articles and views visit Jetfly Shop now. Also, for the best up-to-date related online products, check out Jetfly Vintage Game Shop for todays current online deals.

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