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Updated PlayStation 1 modchip history (markdown)

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PlayStation-1-modchip-history.md

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The original PlayStation was one of the first consoles to have a modchip available for it. This was primarily due to the rise of cheap CD burners and blank discs that allowed game backups to be easily produced. That and the rising popularity of downloadable game backups online.
# PlayStation 1 Modchip History & Evolution
PlayStation 1 modchips were produced as early as 1996, not very long after the console was first released. These early mod chips were very expensive, but over time they were reverse engineered, cloned, and sold prices fell as a result. The original chips used the PIC16C54 microcontroller.
The original PlayStation was one of the first consoles to see a widespread modchip scene, fueled by the rise of affordable CD burners and the growing availability of game backups online.
In 1997 a new modchip was released called “Old Crow”. This new modchip was another clone of the original modchip, but the source code was released to the public, reducing the cost of the chip even further. “Old Crow” was originally made for the Zilog Z8 microcontroller, but versions were released for the PIC16C54, and PIC16C84 as well.
Early modchips appeared as early as 1996, shortly after the console's launch. These initial solutions were expensive and based on the **PIC16C54** microcontroller. A major turning point occurred in 1997 with the public release of the **"Old Crow"** source code. Originally designed for the **Zilog Z8**, it was quickly ported to **PIC** chips, reducing costs and allowing for widespread cloning.
Later in 1997 the “Old Crow” code was ported to the then new PIC12C508 microcontroller, which is still being used for modchips today. The new chip dropped the modchip prices to the price range they are still sold at today.
### Classic Modchip Options
By late 1997, the code was ported to the **PIC12C508**, a chip still used in many budget modchips today. While all three main legacy options are based on the PIC12C508, there are ports that allow the code to run on other chips like the **PIC12F629**. These are based on the "Old Crow" code with additional features like support for anti-modchip games.
Currently there are a few options for the PS1 modchip. The three most popular chips today are the MM3, the Mayumi v4, and the ONEchip.
* **MM3 (MultiMode 3):** A versatile chip compatible with almost all models. MM3 and **Mayumi v4** chips are very similar but operate slightly differently; because of this, some consoles may work better with one than the other.
* **Mayumi v4:** Considered stable for late-model Fat and early Slim consoles. It uses an external oscillator for timing, making it reliable for region-free playback.
* **ONEchip:** Specifically engineered for the **PAL PSone (SCPH-102)**. These chips were designed to bypass additional protection inside the SCPH-102 and do not work with anything else.
All three are based off of the PIC12C508, but there are ports that allow the code to run on other chips like the PIC12F629. These chips are based on the “Old Crow” code with additional features like support for anti modchip games.
### Asian Market Specialized Circuits (SCPH-xxx3)
In Asian markets (specifically for **SCPH-xxx3** models), specialized mass-produced circuits were extremely common. These are often found as **"Chip-on-Board" (COB)** modules, where the silicon die is mounted directly onto a tiny PCB and covered with a **drop of black epoxy** (glop-top). While official documentation is non-existent, technical analysis and signal monitoring strongly suggest that the underlying silicon is a cost-reduced, fixed-mask (ASIC) implementation of the **PIC12C508** or **PIC16C54** architectures. These were factory-produced in massive quantities to meet the high demand for modded consoles in the NTSC-J Asian region.
MM3 and Mayumi v4 chips are very similar, but operate slightly differently. Because of this some consoles may work better with one than the other.
ONEchip modchips are designed specifically for PAL region PSone’s, and don’t work with anything else. They were designed to bypass additional protection inside the SCPH-102.
There is also newer code designed to be used with modern Atmel processors like the ATmega and ATtiny series of chips.
### Modern Solutions: PSNee, Softmods & ODEs
There is also newer code designed to be used with modern Atmel processors like the **ATmega** and **ATtiny** series of chips:
* **PSNee:** A modern alternative based on open-source, **portable** code. It can be installed on various **Atmel (AVR)** processors, such as the **ATmega328** (Arduino) or the **ATtiny x5** series (25/45/85). It is a "stealth" solution that monitors the data stream to inject unlock symbols only when necessary, remaining undetected by most **Anti-Modchip** routines (v1 and v2). It also includes a complete **BIOS patch** solution for region-free support.
* **Softmods:** Tools like **FreePSXBoot** utilize memory card exploits to run backups and homebrew on stock hardware without soldering.
* **ODEs (Optical Disc Emulators):** Systems like the **xStation** or **PSIO** allow games to be loaded from an SD card. Some of these modern drive replacements utilize logic derived from or inspired by the open-source **PSNee** project to handle console authentication and region handshakes.