The PlayStation Classic Project Eris install is a 15-minute process that unlocks years of gaming history. From the PS1 gems that should have been included (Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2) to entire libraries of SNES, GBA, and arcade classics, your $20 mini console now rivals dedicated retro emulation boxes costing $200+.
Remember the golden rules: use a compatible USB drive, label it SONY, and always power down before removing the drive. With Project Eris installed, you’re no longer limited by Sony’s poor curation—you own the definitive PlayStation Classic experience.
Now go play Final Fantasy Tactics or Castlevania: Symphony of the Night the way they were meant to be played. Happy emulation.
Updated for Project Eris v1.0.0 (2024 compatibility). For ongoing support, visit the ModMyClassic Discord or r/PlaystationClassic on Reddit.
Project Eris includes two emulators:
Now that the framework is on the USB drive, let's populate it with content.
Would you like a detailed guide on converting PS1 games to .pbp for multi-disc support, or a list of tested USB drives that work reliably with the PSC?
Setting up Project Eris on your PlayStation Classic is the best way to unlock its full potential, allowing you to add more PS1 games and emulate dozens of other consoles like the SNES and Sega Genesis . Prerequisites & Preparation
USB Drive: For the initial install, use a low-capacity USB 2.0 drive (8GB or smaller is best) . Larger or USB 3.0 drives often draw too much power and may fail the first time . Format: Format the drive to FAT32 on your PC .
Label: You must name the drive volume SONY in all capital letters .
Power: Ensure your PS Classic is completely powered off and unplugged before starting . Installation Steps
: After the initial install, an OTG adapter allows you to plug your USB drive into the back of the console, freeing up the second controller port. 2. Preparing the USB Drive Format to FAT32 : Connect your USB drive to your PC and format it as Rename the Label change the volume label of the USB drive to (all caps) for the console to recognize it. Download Project Eris : Download the latest "Full Package" from the ModMyClassic website Extract Files
: Extract the contents of the ZIP/RAR file directly to the root of your USB drive. 3. Initial Installation playstation classic project eris install
: Ensure the PlayStation Classic is completely powered off and the power cable is unplugged. Plug in USB : Insert the USB drive into Controller Port 2 Connect Cables : Plug in the HDMI cord first, then the power adapter.
: Turn on the console. You should see a Project Eris installation screen. The console will perform an initial hack and then shut down or restart.
Note: If you get a message saying "Running on FAT32 is NOT supported," don't worry—this is normal after the initial payload is installed. 4. Reformatting for Performance Backup Files
: Take the USB back to your PC and copy all files from the USB to a temporary folder on your computer. : Reformat the USB drive to
(exFAT is often preferred for compatibility). Keep the label as Restore Files : Copy all the files back onto the reformatted USB drive. 5. Adding Games How to install Project Eris on PlayStation Classic
This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough for installing Project Eris on your Playstation Classic. Project Eris is the successor to BleemSync, offering a more stable, feature-rich experience for those looking to expand their console's library and functionality. What is Project Eris?
Project Eris is a custom firmware modification for the PlayStation Classic. It allows you to run games from a USB drive, adds support for RetroArch (enabling dozens of other console emulators), and provides a polished Desktop UI for managing your library. Prerequisites Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
PlayStation Classic Console (Original power cable and HDMI).
USB Flash Drive: Ideally a USB 2.0 drive (they draw less power, which is vital for the front ports). A PC (Windows, Mac, or Linux).
Project Eris Files: Download the latest build from the official ModMyClassic website. Step 1: Preparing the USB Drive
The PlayStation Classic’s front USB ports have strict power limits. To ensure the console recognizes your drive: Plug your USB drive into your PC. Format the drive to FAT32. Crucial: Name the drive volume label SONY (all caps). Step 2: Transferring Project Eris Files
Extract the contents of the Project Eris .zip file you downloaded. The PlayStation Classic Project Eris install is a
Copy all the extracted files and folders directly to the root of your USB drive. Safely eject the drive from your PC. Step 3: The Initial Install
Ensure your PlayStation Classic is unplugged from its power source.
Insert the USB drive into the Controller Port 2 (the right-hand port).
Plug the power cable back in. The LED on the console should be orange. Press the Power button.
The console will initialize the Project Eris installation. You will see a script running on the screen—do not turn off the console during this process.
Once finished, the console will shut down or reboot into the Project Eris menu. Step 4: Using an OTG Adapter (Recommended)
After the initial install, Project Eris enables OTG (On-The-Go) support. This allows you to plug your USB drive into the rear power port using an adapter. This solves all power-draw issues and frees up your second controller port for local multiplayer.
Project Eris is the spiritual successor to BleemSync, designed to transform the Sony PlayStation Classic Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
from a restricted "mini" console into a comprehensive retro gaming hub. Unlike earlier mods, Project Eris installs a small, invisible "payload" into the console's internal storage, which enables advanced features like OTG (On-The-Go) support and network connectivity while keeping the base system appear stock when the USB is removed. Core Features and Benefits
Expanded Emulation: Beyond original PS1 games, it supports over 30 systems—including PSP, Dreamcast, and Nintendo DS—through RetroArch and Emulation Station.
Performance Improvements: Features optimized emulators capable of running demanding titles like God of War (PSP) at 30fps and adding ports for games like Brutal Doom and Quake 3.
Hardware Support: Once the kernel is patched, you can use OTG adapters to connect high-capacity USB 3.0 drives and peripherals to the rear power port, freeing up the front controller ports. Updated for Project Eris v1
Project Eris Desktop App: A dedicated tool for managing your game library, scraping box art, and customizing settings directly from a PC. Installation Requirements
To ensure a successful install, you must navigate specific hardware limitations, particularly the low power output (approx. 100mA) of the front USB ports. Project Eris Desktop App for Playstation Classic is here!
The standout feature of a Project Eris installation is its ability to transform the PlayStation Classic Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
into a comprehensive emulation hub. While the stock console is often criticized for a poor game selection and performance issues, Project Eris unlocks the hardware's true potential through several key "good features": 1. Seamless ROM Integration
One of the most user-friendly aspects is the automated folder structure. Once the USB drive is prepared, a "ROMs" folder is created on the root with pre-labeled subfolders for various consoles. You simply drop your games (compressed or uncompressed) into these folders, and the system handles the organization. 2. RetroArch and Multi-System Support
Project Eris acts as a gateway to RetroArch, allowing you to play more than just PS1 games.
Core Management: It allows you to select specific "cores" (emulators) for different systems like NES, Sega CD, or SNES.
BIOS Handling: It simplifies the process of adding BIOS files, ensuring that systems like the Sega CD run with their original boot screens and high compatibility. 3. Desktop App (Project Eris Desktop)
A major "quality of life" feature is the dedicated Desktop App. This tool allows you to: Manage your game library from a PC. Automatically fetch cover art and metadata.
Edit game details and internal settings without having to manually mess with configuration files on the USB stick. 4. Modern System Enhancements
OTG Support: After the initial kernel flash, you can use an OTG (On-The-Go) adapter to plug your USB drive into the back of the console. This frees up the front controller ports and provides more stable power to the drive.
Network Capabilities: It enables Wi-Fi and Ethernet support (via adapters) for features like RetroAchievements, scraping game data, and even basic web browsing.
Customization: The interface supports "Dark Mode" and custom themes, giving the console a much more modern feel compared to the basic stock UI.
Some PS1 games (e.g., Bloody Roar 2, Tobal No. 1) suffer slowdown. In RetroArch: