Hack Gives the Original PlayStation 16 Megs of RAM and More
Published on HivePostify by @triverse · Tue Jul 21 2026
Sony had to cut some corners in creating the original PlayStation, every console manufacturer does this. One area they cut was available memory, shipping the PSOne with only two megs of RAM (same as what shipped in the Sega Saturn). In the mid 90s, this was still miniscule in comparison to home computers, but it was A LOT for a console. Computers of the time typically had 8 megs of RAM available, if not more. Well, some talented people have figured out how to give your PlayStation eight times the RAM, just be prepared for a technical journey as this is not as simple as soldering a mod chip.
Benefits of 16 Megs of RAM on a PSOne
Honestly, there are not many. VERY few games were programmed to recognize more than the standard 2 megs of RAM in the PlayStation. Gran Turismo 2 is shown prominently in the video, embedded below. The version shown recognizes 8 megs of RAM and gives the player higher resolution models and textures in some spots as they play. The trade-off is slightly slower gameplay as the PlayStation is rendering more stuff onscreen.
There are a few caveats to point out. Some games simply will not run with this RAM upgrade, such as Final Fantasy IX.
Some fighting games, Capcom titles shown in the video, recognize 8 megs of RAM and utilize it. I have a feeling some SNK titles would as well though there is no definitive list available at this time.
Please note, this upgrade requires soldering skills, donor parts, and to be easier, commercial accessories to be purchased. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUCBOSHQ7is Other Upgrades Now Possible
The techniques used to make the RAM upgrade opens up opportunities to upgrade the Video RAM as well from one meg to two megs. This would bring the retail PlayStation console closer to the arcade System 11 and 12 hardware.
What else could be upgraded on the original PlayStation? Probably not much unless we plan on breaking compatibility with commercial releases.
The homebrew community will likely not grasp onto this mod as it will be the niche of niche-st things out there. Likely more Game.com units or R-Zone’s are actively being used than PlayStations will ever be modded in this manner.
Still, a cool upgrade and a technical marvel.
Tags: #hive-140217#games#gaming#retrogaming#blog#video#entertainment