PlayStation 1 vs PlayStation 2
The evolution of gaming consoles has been a fascinating journey, and few comparisons showcase this progression as vividly as the leap from the original PlayStation to its successor, the PlayStation 2. Both consoles left an indelible mark on the gaming industry, but the advancements made in just one generation were truly remarkable. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of these two iconic gaming systems and see how Sony pushed the boundaries of home entertainment.
Main Specifications
| Feature | PlayStation 1 | PlayStation 2 |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 32-bit RISC MIPS R3000A-compatible (33.87 MHz) | 128-bit “Emotion Engine” (294.912 MHz) |
| RAM | 2 MB | 32 MB RDRAM |
| Graphics | Sony GPU (1 MB VRAM) | “Graphics Synthesizer” (4 MB VRAM) |
| Storage | CD-ROM | DVD-ROM, CD-ROM |
| Release Year | 1994 | 2000 |
Display
| Feature | PlayStation 1 | PlayStation 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 256×224 to 640×480 | 480i, 480p, 576i, 1080i |
| Color Depth | 16.7 million colors | 32-bit color (16.7 million colors) |
| Video Output | Composite, S-Video, RGB | Composite, S-Video, Component, RGB |
Video
| Feature | PlayStation 1 | PlayStation 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Video Playback | CD Video | DVD Video, CD Video |
| Compression | MDEC (Motion Decoder) | MPEG-2 |
Platform & Memory
| Feature | PlayStation 1 | PlayStation 2 |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Speed | 33.87 MHz | 294.912 MHz |
| Memory Cards | 1 MB proprietary memory card | 8 MB proprietary memory card |
| Hard Drive | Not available | Optional 40 GB HDD |
Body
| Feature | PlayStation 1 | PlayStation 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1.5 kg | 2.2 kg (original model) |
| Dimensions | 270 × 60 × 188 mm | 301 × 78 × 182 mm (original model) |
Sound
| Feature | PlayStation 1 | PlayStation 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Audio | 16-bit, 24 channel ADPCM | 48 kHz 16-bit, Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1 |
| Output | RCA connectors (stereo) | RCA connectors, optical digital out |
Comms & Sensors
| Feature | PlayStation 1 | PlayStation 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Serial port (rarely used) | Ethernet port (adapter required for slim model) |
| Controller Ports | 2 | 2 (DualShock 2) |
Benchmarks
| Feature | PlayStation 1 | PlayStation 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Polygons per second | 360,000 | 66 million |
| MIPS | 30 | 6,200 |
PlayStation 1 vs PlayStation 2 Gaming Capabilities
| Feature | PlayStation 1 | PlayStation 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Game Format | CD-ROM | DVD-ROM, CD-ROM |
| Backward Compatibility | N/A | Most PS1 games |
| Library Size | Over 2,500 games | Over 3,800 games |
| Multiplayer | Local multiplayer | Local and online multiplayer |
