The PlayStation Link Cable (SCPH-1040) is a peripheral cable for the first generation PlayStation console. Utilizing the serial I/O port found on the back of most PlayStation models, it allows for two consoles to be connected in order to play compatible multiplayer games on separate consoles and displays. The cable is an 8-pin inline serial cableAmazon.co.uk listing for the PlayStation Link Cable and was a fully supported Sony accessory for the market life of the console. It is not compatible with the redesigned PS one or newer PlayStations.
The accessory was released in 1995 retailing for ¥2000 in Japan or $40 in the United States; it was released later than expected due to the delay of Metal Jacket, which was supposed to be the first title to take advantage of the cable. The main advantage to using the cable is that a split-screen would not be necessary for multiplayer, increasing each player's screen size and potentially increasing game performance (as only one view has to be rendered per console). However, the use of this cable requires two televisions, two PlayStations (with appropriate cables), and two copies of the game being played (with a few exceptions). This expense was impractical for most consumers, and by the end of 1997 most retailers were no longer carrying the PlayStation Link Cable.
List of compatible games Real-time strategy
Command & Conquer: Red Alert Command & Conquer: Red Alert: Retaliation Dune 2000
First-person shooters
Descent Descent Maximum Doom Duke Nukem: Total Meltdown / Duke Nukem Final Doom Krazy Ivan
Third-person shooters
Armored Core Armored Core: Project Phantasma Armored Core: Master of Arena Metal JacketJP Mobile Suit Z GundamJP
Flight simulation/combat
Bogey Dead 6 / Raging Skies / Sidewinder Independence Day Wing Over Zero PilotJP
Vehicular combat
Assault Rigs Destruction Derby Red Asphalt / Rock N' Roll Racing 2 Rogue Trip: Vacation 2012 Twisted Metal 3NA (2 to 8 players)
Racing
Andretti Racing (2 to 4 players) Ayrton Senna Kart Duel Burning Road CART World Series (2 to 4 players) Dead in the Water Dodgem ArenaPAL Explosive Racing / X-Racing Formula 1 Formula 1 98 (2 to 4 players) Monaco Grand Prix (Racing Simulation 2) (2 to 4 players) Motor Toon Grand Prix 2 R4: Ridge Racer Type 4 (2 to 4 players) RacingroovyJP Ridge Racer Revolution Road & Track Presents: The Need for Speed San Francisco Rush: Extreme Racing Shutokou Battle RJP Streak: Hoverboard Racing Test Drive 4 Test Drive Off-Road TOCA 2 Touring Cars / Touring Car Challenge (2 to 4 players) Total Drivin / Car & Driver Presents: Grand Tour Racing '98 (2 to 4 players) Wipeout Wipeout 2097 / XL Wipeout 3 (2 to 4 players) Wipeout 3: Special EditionPAL (2 to 4 players)
Other genres
Blast Radius Bushido Blade Bushido Blade 2 Cool Boarders 2 Pro Pinball: Big Race USA Robo Pit 2 Trick'N Snowboarder
Notes
References