Hardware Specifications

Thus dids't the Playstation come forth from the dark alleys of Tokyo... This is one serious gaming machine. SNES, Megadrive, 32X, Jaguar and 3DO all pale besides this monster. The PSX has 5 processors running concurrently, similar to the Atari Jaguar. Then main processor is the powerful LSI R3000A 32 bit RISC processor (licensed from SGI), running at 33.8 Mhz. In addition to it, there is a 66 MIPS High-speed Matrix Processor for calculating 3D polygons, there is a graphics processor for displaying sprites (2D) at 60 frames a second, a sound processor for doing CD quality sound and a 80 MIPS Data Expansion Engine for decompressing graphics and sound data from the CD-ROM.

What does it all mean? Well, this machine is built for 3D! And since that is where the games are going, we're all set. (In all fairness it should be mentioned that the Sega Saturn is on par with, if not better than, the PSX on 2D scrolling games, note 2D only. However, this is not a problem since these machines are lightyears ahead of the competition anyways!)

CPU

As stated above, a very kuel CPU, slamming the 68000 in the Jaguar and the ARM 60 in the 3DO, even the Hitachis in the Saturn! A high bus bandwith is important when using lots of colors in fast moving animations! (Like Tohshinden)

3D Geometry Engine

Ahhh, the key to the ultimate 3D performance. Note, however that the above specs are rather optimistic. There is a slight difference between displaying random polygons on screen and calculating whether or not a polygon will be visible or not as the arm is lifted in defense, then shown according to the position it is in. Toshinden achieves 80.000 of the latter polygons, a very impressive number for such an early game. Expect this to increase as the programmers really get to know the hardware. Luckily the Playstation development setup is hailed as being among the best in the industry.

Data Engine (MDEC)

A very important player. It even helps cutting down load time, since the data can be loaded from the CD in compressed form, then uncompressed on the fly by this baby! Note the support for industry formats, not just proprietary.

Sound

CD quality sound! What more could you ask for... Well, since you ask, it would have been nice if it had a little bit better sound support. By all means, it is great for using sound of the CD, but more or less incapable of producing sound on its own. Oh well, you won't notice it!

Graphics

Why do people question these specs? OK, so the Saturn might be a bit better on 2D, but read the specs again. Parodius has some slowdown, NOT because of lacking hardware, but due to programmers not used to the system. Raiden has less slowdown, i.e. more experienced programmers. So in 6-9 months we should see no more slowdowns in 2D scrolling games. Relax, the hardware CAN handle it!

Memory

Hey, it's more RAM than many other consoles out there! Stuff can be stored in RAM in compressed form, then uncompressed on the fly during gameplay. So don't expect that this will limit its performance. (You just can't compare how much RAM the PSX has vs. a PC. It is a totally different concept!)

CD-ROM

It's faster than most other CD systems out there! And they sometimes even let you play games while you are waiting. (We're talking 6-7 seconds.....)
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