Deciding between HDMI mod kits for retro consoles usually comes down to one question first: which console are you actually upgrading? The PS1 Digital to Digital HDMI Mod Kit and the PS2 Fat Digital HDMI Kit both deliver digital-to-digital HDMI output, both require soldering, and both skip a paper manual in favor of a request-after-purchase version. The real difference is the target hardware and, to a smaller degree, the price.
Quick Verdict
Pick the PS1 kit if your project is an original PlayStation with a PU-23 CXD8561CQ board. Pick the PS2 Fat kit if you're working on a fat PS2 with a GH-022 (SCPH-3900X) board. Neither kit is a plug-and-play accessory; each one expects a soldering iron.
Comparison at a Glance
| Mod kit | Listed price | Console | Compatibility noted |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS1 Digital to Digital HDMI Mod Kit | USD 48.50 | PS1 | PU-23 CXD8561CQ with one ribbon cable |
| PS2 Fat Digital HDMI Kit | USD 50.93 | PS2 Fat | GH-022 (SCPH-3900X) |
Where Each Product Wins
- PS1 kit wins for original PlayStation owners. It's the matching board for the PU-23 CXD8561CQ with a one-ribbon-cable setup. The PS2 Fat kit is built for a different system.
- PS2 Fat kit wins for fat PS2 owners. It names the GH-022 (SCPH-3900X) revision as its target. The PS1 kit is designed for PS1, not PS2 Fat.
- No winner for dual-console households. If you own both systems, you need both kits to get HDMI out of each.
Product Notes
#### PS1 Digital to Digital HDMI Mod Kit
This kit is aimed at original PlayStation owners. It supports 480P and 1080P HDMI output, has an on-screen display menu, three video modes (Mild, Standard, Dynamic), six aspect ratio presets, and adjustable deinterlacing with Bob or Weave. The listed compatibility points to the PU-23 CXD8561CQ board with a one-ribbon-cable configuration. The main limitation is installation: the PCB and flex need to be soldered into the console, and the kit doesn't include a paper manual for environmental reasons. You'll need to request the manual from the seller after delivery. If your PS1 is a PU-23 board and you're comfortable soldering, this kit is a clean match.
#### PS2 Fat Digital HDMI Kit
This kit targets the fat PlayStation 2. It's a digital-to-digital HDMI output upgrade designed for the GH-022 (SCPH-3900X) board revision, so it's the right choice if that's the exact motherboard in your console. The feature set mirrors the PS1 kit: 480P/1080P output, on-screen display menu, three video modes, and multiple aspect ratio presets. One limitation is that no plastic bracket is included, so you may need to work out your own mounting approach inside the shell. Soldering is required, and the manual is only available on request after you receive the kit. For a fat PS2 with a GH-022 board, this kit is the one that's explicitly compatible.
Final Choice by Use Case
If you're restoring an original PlayStation with a PU-23 CXD8561CQ board, go with the PS1 Digital to Digital HDMI Mod Kit. If you're upgrading a fat PlayStation 2 with a GH-022 (SCPH-3900X) board, choose the PS2 Fat Digital HDMI Kit. The $2.43 gap between the listed prices is minor; the deciding factor is which console sits on your workbench.
