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.
Nugget+PsyQ
The PsyQ libs have plenty of
docs and it works on Win, Gnu/Linux and MacOS.
You (might) need some examples...
You need an emulator...
...with debugging tools; they allow you to see the content of main and video memory, registers, breakpoints...
pcsx-redux
It's modern, open-source and in active development. Win, Macos ang Gnu/Linux.
no$psx
It's old but it's light and straight to the point, just extract the EXE and you're set. Win only.
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, with at least a serial port, and ideally a parralel port and an Action Replay type cart.
Unirom is the software that runs on the PSX and allows you to upload your compiled code directly to the PSX memory.
It can run from a
burned CD + modchip, from a
flashed Action Replay cart, or from a
memory card.
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.
You will need half a serial cable (scph-1040), or a PSX serial port from a non-functioning unit.
If you only have a PSone, you can
add a Serial port yourself.
You will also need a USB>Serial converter. Your main options are FTDI FT232RL, Arduino Uno, any Raspberry Pi, CP210x ...
DIY PSX serial cable
Cheap and simple to set up. Just plug PSX Rx to computer Tx, PSX Tx to computer Rx, PSX GND to computer 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 !