Zac Builds Modern PlayStation 1 PS1 Console RetroGem
Toronto-based modder Zachary Matchett-Smith of Zac Builds created a modern PlayStation 1 console that includes a RetroGem board, as well as a 3D-printed case. The former is essentially an HDMI mod kit that enhances the gaming experience by outputting sharp 240p or 480i visuals (depending on the title) in a digital format.



For this project, Zac made sure to acquire an old PU-18 version, as the RetroGem board only works on certain model numbers. Next, he had to disassemble the console, a process that isn’t for the faint of heart, as some desoldering is required. He also added an X Station chip to give the console microSD card compatibility. RetroGem massively improves how games look because it pulls the video directly from the console’s digital signal (bypassing analog processing). What you get is a picture so clean, so lossless, it’s like the games are winking at you in HD—no noise, no lag, just pure pixel bliss. You can get the 3D-printing files for the case here.

ELEGOO Neptune 4 Max 3D Printer, 500mm/s Fast Printing, Support 300°C Printing, Auto Leveling and Direct...

ELEGOO Neptune 4 Max 3D Printer, 500mm/s Fast Printing, Support 300°C Printing, Auto Leveling and Direct…

  • LIGHTNING-FAST 500MM/S PRINTING: Powered by Klipper firmware, Neptune 4 Max reaches speeds up to 500mm/s (default 250mm/s) and 8000mm/s²…
  • MASSIVE BUILD VOLUME: Spacious 16.53”x16.53”x18.89”/420x420x480mm build area for large models or multiple smaller prints. For high-temp…
  • PRECISION & QUALITY: Input shaping, pressure advance, and X/Y axis acceleration sensors ensure reduced vibration and enhanced printing accuracy for…

Zac Builds Modern PlayStation 1 PS1 Console RetroGem

The only way it could be better is if you kept the CD drive and allowed it to rip the discs itself. I don’t know how you feel about emulation, but if you took one of those mini puck computers and made a custom case incorporating a USB CD drive, and installed something like RetroPie, you could automate ripping discs and just use an emulator to play the games. The only reason I suggest using a CD drive is for future expansion. If you find a game at some flea market you could load it up straight away without having to rip and transfer,” said one commenter.