Early fat models
Early Fat Models (SCPH-1000–5xxx)
The earliest PlayStations are the most prized by modders and collectors, and for good reason. These units, built on the PU-7 and early PU-8 boards, carry features that Sony stripped away in later revisions. If you are hunting for a console to modify the old-fashioned way, an early fat model is the one to find.
Ports and Outputs
The very first units shipped with RCA composite outputs on the rear, alongside the standard AV multi-out. Early models also carried a parallel I/O port and a serial I/O port. The parallel port allowed cheat and import devices to plug straight in, while the serial port supported link cables between two consoles. Sony removed the parallel port on later boards and eventually dropped the serial port too.
Swap-Trick Support
The swap trick is a manual technique that exploits weaknesses in the earliest disc-detection hardware to boot copied or import discs without an internal modchip. The SCPH-1000, early SCPH-1001, and SCPH-3000 units are the classic candidates, as their drive mechanisms respond to the timing involved.
Collector's Note
Because these features vanished on later boards, a working early unit with intact ports is genuinely uncommon. Handle the lid switch and drive gently when experimenting.
The swap trick stresses the drive and lid mechanism. Repeated attempts can wear delicate parts on a decades-old console.