Engineer Builds First Custom PlayStation Motherboard From the ’90s
▼ Summary
– Lorentio Brodesco created the first custom PlayStation 1 motherboard outside of Sony, fitting original components and the console case.
– The nsOne motherboard is a genuine circuit board, not an emulator or FPGA, designed to work with authentic PS1 chips.
– The project enables PS1 owners to revive broken consoles by transferring original chips to new functional motherboards.
– The nsOne motherboard is based on PU-23 series designs but reintroduces the parallel port and uses a four-layer PCB.
– A Kickstarter campaign for the project has raised 5,774 euros as of June 2025, gaining attention from retro gaming communities.
A groundbreaking achievement in retro gaming preservation has emerged with the creation of the first fully functional custom PlayStation 1 motherboard designed by an independent engineer. This remarkable project, developed by electronics specialist Lorentzo Brodesco, represents a major leap forward in keeping the iconic 1994 console alive for future generations.
Dubbed nsOne (short for “Not Sony’s One”), the motherboard is no mere emulator or FPGA-based imitation—it’s an authentic circuit board engineered to work seamlessly with original PlayStation hardware. The design incorporates critical components like the CPU, GPU, SPU, RAM, and voltage regulators, making it a true successor to Sony’s original boards. Brodesco spent over a year meticulously reverse-engineering the PlayStation’s architecture, uncovering gaps in existing documentation while repairing an old unit.
What makes this project so valuable for retro gaming enthusiasts is its potential to revive aging consoles. As original PlayStation motherboards degrade over time, the nsOne offers a lifeline—allowing owners to transplant working chips from failing systems onto a brand-new board. Unlike emulation, which sacrifices authenticity, this solution preserves the genuine hardware experience.
The design takes inspiration from Sony’s PU-23 series motherboards but reintroduces a parallel port, a feature dropped in later revisions. Brodesco also modernized the layout with a four-layer PCB while maintaining the exact dimensions of the original, ensuring compatibility with classic PlayStation cases.
Since its announcement, the nsOne has generated significant buzz in retro gaming circles, earning coverage from prominent tech and gaming outlets. A Kickstarter campaign to fund prototype production has already surpassed its initial goals, demonstrating strong community support. With original PlayStation hardware becoming increasingly fragile, projects like this could be the key to keeping the console playable for decades to come.
Image: A close-up of the nsOne motherboard, showcasing its custom design while retaining compatibility with original PlayStation chips.
(Source: Ars Technica)
