If you're here, you're probably wondering
What do I need to start developing on
PSX?
Well, you're in luck, developing on PSX has never been this easy !
You need a SDK
The
Software
Development
Kit is the suite of softwares that you install on your computer in order to be able to compile
C code.
You need an emulator...
...with debugging tools; they allow you to see the content of main and video memory, registers, breakpoints...
no$psx
It's old but it's light and straight to the point, just extract the EXE and you're set. Win only.
pcsx-redux
It's modern, open-source and in active development. A bit more work to set-up. Win, Macos ang Gnu/Linux.
You need the Original hardware
Where's the fun if you can't run your code on real hardware ? For this to happen, you need an original Playstation console, preferably with a modchip, serial and parralel ports and a AR type cart.
You will have to flash your cart with Unirom, or alternatively, use a Unirom CD.
Unirom is the software that runs on the PSX and allows you to upload your compiled code directly to the PSX memory.
NOTPSXSerial, or NOPS, is the tool you will run on your computer to send code to your Playstation running Unirom.
Unirom
Opensource, full of features and compatible with LOTS of carts.
NOPS
Opensource, light, no setup. Just extract and run.
You need a Serial/Usb cable
If you don't want to wear your fragile laser unit, and spend 95% of your time burning discs to test your builds, you'll have to make a PSX Serial to USB cable.
For most usecases, a simple cable with Rx, Tx and Gnd connected will set you up.
To build your cable you will need half a Link cable (scph-1040) or a
dead PSX's serial port. Alternatively, you can directly
solder some wires to your PSX motherboard.
If you only have a PSone, you can
add Serial output yourself.
You will also need a USB>Serial converter. Your main options are
a FTDI FT232RL
Cheap and simple to set up. Just plug PSX Rx to FTDI Tx, PSX Tx to FTDI Rx, PSX GND to FTDI GND and voilà !
You need to get to it !
A good starting point to understand the basics of a PSX program are
You (might) need help...
There is plenty of ressources online and a large community of active developpers for the PSX.
...
Go on then !
