The PlayStation Classic Mini was a nostalgic novelty, but its stock library of 20 games—and its underperforming emulator—left many fans disappointed. The ultimate solution for any retro enthusiast is the PS1 Classic Mini Hack. By modding the console, you can unlock its true potential, load virtually the entire library of PS1 games, and upgrade the core emulator for better performance and customization.
This guide provides the simple, definitive steps for performing the most popular and user-friendly hack, Project Eris (the spiritual successor to AutoBleem and BleemSync). This process requires no soldering, is easily reversible, and relies entirely on a simple USB drive. If you want to dive into the best titles you can now add to your console, start with our massive list of the 50 Best PS1 Games of All Time.
1. Essential Hardware: What You Need for the PS1 Classic Mini Hack
Before you begin the PS1 Classic Mini Hack, you need three pieces of hardware. Your biggest pitfall will be an incompatible USB drive.
The USB Drive Requirement
The console is notoriously picky about USB drives.
- Requirement: The drive must be formatted to FAT32 or exFAT and require very little power. Many modern, high-speed USB 3.0 drives draw too much power and will fail.
- Recommendation: A reliable, low-power USB 2.0 drive or a USB drive that uses a separate power source (via a powered hub).
The PC Setup and Software
You will need a standard PC and the following software:
- Project Eris: The main modding software.
- 7-Zip/WinRAR: For extracting the mod files.
2. Step-by-Step Guide: Performing the PS1 Classic Mini Hack with Project Eris
This method is safe, non-permanent, and easily reversible.
Step 1: Prepare the USB Drive (The Formatting)
- Action: Format your compatible USB drive to FAT32 or exFAT.
- Action: Create a folder on the drive labeled “Project Eris”.
- Action: Download the latest version of the Project Eris main package and extract the files directly to the root of the USB drive (not inside the new folder).
Step 2: The Initial Install (The Console Flash)
- Action: Plug the prepared USB drive into the Player 2 USB port on the front of the PlayStation Classic Mini.
- Action: Plug in the power and turn the console on.
- Result: The console will run the PS1 Classic Mini Hack installer. Wait for the process to complete (this can take 5-10 minutes). The system will reboot, and you will now see the new Project Eris dashboard.
Step 3: Adding New Games
- Action: Plug the USB drive back into your PC. You will now see a new folder structure, including a folder named “games”.
- Action: Each game must be placed in its own numbered folder (e.g., 300\Final Fantasy VII).
- File Requirement: The game files themselves must be in the .PBP (PlayStation Bootable Pack) format, which is a compressed version of the original BIN/CUE files. This saves massive space on the USB drive.
3. Post-Hack Optimization: Performance and Controllers
The true power of the PS1 Classic Mini Hack is unlocked after the initial installation.
Performance Fix: The Kernel Upgrade (New H3)
The stock PlayStation Classic Mini uses a poor emulator (PCSX Rearmed). Project Eris includes a superior emulator core and a custom kernel upgrade.
- Optimization: Access the Project Eris Menu and install the Custom Kernel Upgrade. This unlocks overclocking potential and greatly improves the frame rate and sound quality in demanding PS1 games like Tekken 3 and Gran Turismo.
Controller Ports and Compatibility (New H3)
By default, the original PS1 controllers that come with the console are subpar.
- The Best Upgrade: The PS1 Classic Mini Hack adds support for a massive range of third-party controllers, including the PS3/PS4 DualShock controllers and modern retro gamepads (like the 8BitDo series).
Fixing the “Unplayable” Games
Some games still run poorly due to the hardware limitations. The Project Eris menu allows you to manually adjust the frame limit and clock speed for individual games to achieve better performance.
Conclusion: Unleash the Full PS1 Library
The PS1 Classic Mini Hack is the single best thing you can do to an otherwise disappointing console. It transforms a novelty toy into a powerful, dedicated retro machine capable of playing hundreds of the greatest PS1 games ever made with excellent performance.
The process is simple, non-permanent, and requires only a dedicated USB drive and patience. Start by preparing your hardware, follow the Project Eris guide, and unlock the full revolutionary library of PlayStation history.