Fifth Generation (1993 – 2006)
Atari Jaguar
Years (1993-1996)
Interesting fact: While Sega and Nintendo were duking it out in the 32-bit realm, Atari began working on their first new consoles since the demise of the 7800. The Panther was supposed to be a 32-bit competitor, but progress on the 64-bit Jaguar was so good, that the Panther was cancelled before release. With IBM as the manufacturer, Atari launched the Jaguar in 1993 with an aggressive marketing campaign touting the console’s technological superiority over its 32-bit rivals; though some questioned whether it was a true 64-bit system. Unfortunately, it appeared that Atari had spent so much time on developing the multi-chip technology of the Jaguar, that they neglected to secure enough game titles. When combined with the complex coding required to create games for the Jaguar, the system floundered and production was halted in 1996. The Jaguar would be Atari’s last console. (source; source)
Condition When Acquired: Partially Functional – no sound
Current Condition: Fully Functional
Project Details: I picked this up from my local retro game store for a decent price. Unfortunately, the store didn’t have any games and as the Jaguar requires a cartridge to be plugged in to complete the power circuit, I took it home under the assumption that “it worked the last time it was used” – which was several years beforehand. Not having any games myself, I ordered in a couple games to test it out. When they arrived I plugged one in and turned the system on… success! The system worked – well at least partially, because there was no sound whatsoever. I did some digging on Atari Age and discovered that this is a fairly common issue that is associated with the sound voltage regulator IC known as REG1. I tested it with a multimeter and discovered that I had the correct voltage entering PIN 8 but only .2 mV leaving PIN 1 instead of the 5V it was supposed to be. Though some on Atari Age had run a small wire hack to provide 5V power to PIN 1 to fix the problem, I decided to replace the entire chip. Thankfully, Console5 carried them and I placed an order. In the meantime, I gave the unit a detailed inspection and cleaning. I noticed that someone had written in red ink under the serial # the date of 12-05-14. Hmmm… Then it dawned on me that the reason why the capacitors looked newer was because they were. The date probably corresponded to when it was re-capped. Nice!
A few weeks later, the chip arrived and I got to work. I used a heat gun to remove the IC, positioned the new one and soldered it into place. As the chip was so small, I had to work while looking through a magnifying glass (I’m old). A few minutes later I had the chip successfully soldered onto the pads. Not my best looking work, but it was on there. I then plugged in a cartridge and powered the system on. I was instantly greeted with the Jaguar roar and then full sound in the game. Success! 😀 I reassembled the system and gave it another test and everything was still working. I now have a fully working Jaguar and look forward to collecting more games for it.
Parts & Products Used: 99% isopropyl alcohol; Chemical Guys Natural Shine; LM78L05 5V Voltage Regulator (REG1)
Nintendo 64
Years (1996-2002)
Interesting fact:
Condition When Acquired: Fully Functional
Current Condition: Fully Functional
Project Details: I will always associate the N64 with GoldenEye. This was the first game that I played on this system and I was instantly sold. My kids also remember that game, but I think their favourite has to be Mario Kart 64. I purchased this console from a colleague who was the original owner and who had taken immaculate care of it over the years. All the manuals were preserved in the same way comic books are and the console case and controllers had few if any, signs of wear. Though it had been in storage for several years, it was fully functional and all I had to do was take it apart, give it a cleaning, and put it back together. I also took both controllers apart and did the same thing and viola! Our family now enjoys playing this system whenever they can.
Parts & Products Used: 99% isopropyl alcohol; Chemical Guys Natural Shine
Sony Playstation
Years (1995-2005)
Interesting fact: First pitched as a collaboration between Nintendo and Sony, the PS was the first console ever to ship over 100M units. (source) After Nintendo sewered the project (originally called the, Nintendo Playstation) in the most dramatic fashion, Sony decided to go it alone and develop the PS all by itself. (source) The rest as they say, is history, as Sony went on to become a rival juggernaut in the games industry.
Condition When Acquired: Fully Functional – minor CD latching issue
Current Condition: Fully Functional – Active Project
Project Details: This was yet another good find – a fully working PS1 for under $50. The only issue that I’ve discovered with it, is a latching issue when closing the CD cover. As I haven’t yet opened it up to determine the exact reason, it looks to be a sticking spring, so hopefully, it will just be a matter of cleaning it. Currently, this console is next in line on my project list.
Parts & Products Used: None yet
Sony PS One
Years (2000-2006)
Interesting fact: Released the same year as the PS2, the PS One reminds me of the Atari 2600 Junior, which was released at the same time as the newer, more powerful, 7800. Offering a redesigned Playstation as an entry level system sure worked for my son. He still has fond memories of this console!
Condition When Acquired: Fully Functional
Current Condition: Fully Functional
Project Details: Out of all my systems, this is one of the few where I can claim to be the original owner. We bought this for my middle son back when he was ~10 and it still works perfectly. I’ve yet to pull it apart and give it a good cleaning, but that day will come. For now, it’s neat to see my sons and son-in-law occasionally set this up and play games. I’m pretty sure that my grandkids will be playing on it soon as well. 🙂
Parts & Products Used: None yet
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