CONSOLE VS CONSOLE / SAME FAMILY
PS1 vs PS2: Should You Buy the Original PlayStation or Its Sequel?
This one has an unusually clean answer, thanks to a feature Sony built in on purpose.
The Backward Compatibility Argument
PS2 plays the vast majority of PS1 discs, which means a single PS2 purchase gives you access to both console generations' libraries in one box. For most buyers building a collection from scratch in 2026, this makes PS2 the more efficient single purchase — there's little practical reason to buy a PS1 solely for its library if you're also going to own a PS2.
Where PS1 Still Wins
Original PS1 hardware is smaller, simpler, and in some cases considered more accurate for specific games with timing quirks that don't always translate perfectly through PS2's backward compatibility mode. Purists chasing the most authentic possible experience of a specific PS1 game, or collectors who want the original hardware for its own sake, still have a real reason to own one.
Which to Buy
If you're starting from zero, buy a PS2 first — you'll get both libraries. Add an original PS1 later specifically if you run into compatibility quirks with certain games, or simply want the original hardware for its own collector value.
Where to Buy: PS1 & PS2
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