Project Eris, developed by Mod My Classic, is a custom firmware mod that transforms the PlayStation Classic into a versatile emulation station, offering features like a custom kernel, USB OTG support, and RetroArch integration. The modification enables expanded library management, custom themes, and support for additional consoles, including PSP. Read more about Project Eris at GitLab.
Project Eris: Revitalizing the PlayStation Classic PlayStation Classic Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
, released in 2018, was initially met with mixed reviews due to its limited game library and use of the open-source PCSX Rearmed emulator. However, the console quickly became a favorite for the homebrew community. Project Eris (the successor to BleemSync) emerged as the definitive modification tool, transforming the device from a static novelty into a versatile, all-in-one retro gaming powerhouse. 1. What is Project Eris?
Project Eris is a custom firmware and "modding" distribution for the PlayStation Classic. Developed by ModMyClassic, it acts as an operating system overhaul that allows users to:
Expand the Game Library: Add original PlayStation titles via a USB drive.
Emulate Other Systems: Use RetroArch to play games from Nintendo, Sega, and handheld consoles.
Enhance Performance: Access advanced emulator settings to improve visual fidelity and frame rates.
Modernize Features: Add support for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (via adapters), and various folder management tools. 2. Core Features and Technical Capabilities
Project Eris stands out because of its stability and user-friendly interface. Unlike earlier "soft mods," Eris creates a dedicated environment that runs alongside the stock firmware without permanently damaging the console's internal software.
RetroArch Integration: This is the "brain" of the mod. It provides access to dozens of "cores" (emulators), allowing the PS Classic to play everything from the NES to the Sega Dreamcast. playstation classic project eris
Emulation Station: For users who want a premium look, Eris includes Emulation Station, a highly customizable graphical front-end that mimics the look of modern gaming consoles.
Desktop App: The project includes a Windows-based desktop tool that simplifies adding games, scraping cover art, and managing the database, removing the need for manual file editing.
OTG Support: Perhaps the most critical technical update, Project Eris enables On-The-Go (OTG) support. This allows users to plug their USB storage into the back power port using a cheap adapter, freeing up the front controller ports for two-player gaming. 3. The Installation Process
The beauty of Project Eris lies in its accessibility. The process generally involves:
Preparation: Formatting a USB 2.0 drive to FAT32 and naming it "SONY".
Initial Flash: Copying the Project Eris files to the drive and booting the console. This installs the necessary kernel updates to enable OTG and NTFS/exFAT support.
Expansion: Once the kernel is patched, users can switch to faster, larger USB 3.0 drives formatted to NTFS, which are much more stable for storing large libraries of games. 4. Impact on the Retro Gaming Community
Project Eris effectively saved the PlayStation Classic from obsolescence. By unlocking the hardware's potential, the community proved that the $99 (and later $30) device was actually a capable ARM-based computer. It turned a "closed-loop" product into an open-ended hobbyist project.
The inclusion of the Transfer Folder system—where you simply drop a game zip file into a folder and the console automatically sorts and installs it on the next boot—set a new standard for ease of use in the mini-console modding scene. 5. Conclusion Project Eris, developed by Mod My Classic, is
Project Eris is more than just a software update; it is a comprehensive refinement of the PlayStation Classic experience. It addresses every major complaint of the original release—limited games, poor UI, and hardware restrictions—and replaces them with a flexible, community-driven platform. For anyone owning a PS Classic today, Project Eris is considered the essential "Day 1" modification to unlock the true spirit of 32-bit gaming.
Project Eris is the successor to BleemSync and is widely considered the ultimate modification tool for the PlayStation Classic Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
. It transforms the somewhat limited mini-console into a versatile "retro box" capable of running much more than just the 20 pre-installed titles. What is Project Eris?
Developed by ModMyClassic, Project Eris is a custom firmware and "hack" that boots from a USB drive. It doesn't just add PlayStation 1 games; it integrates a suite of tools that significantly expand the console's functionality: EmulationStation:
A polished frontend that allows you to organize and launch games for various systems, including SNES, Genesis, and Arcade. RetroArch Support:
Provides a powerful backend for high-performance emulation across dozens of classic consoles. Desktop App:
A dedicated PC tool to help you manage your game library, download cover art, and configure settings before plugging the drive into your console. Key Features Automatic Installation: Once your USB drive is prepared, the software installs the necessary kernel modifications automatically upon boot. Expanded Storage:
Users often use the back USB port (via an OTG adapter) to connect high-capacity USB drives or even 2.5" SSDs/HDDs for massive libraries. Network Capabilities:
With a compatible Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter, you can enable retro achievements and potentially use online features. Why Use It? The original PlayStation Classic was criticized for its weak game library and use of PAL versions . Project Eris fixes these issues by: Allowing you to add your own game backups Higher compatibility (plays 99% of PS1 library) Save
Improving emulation performance for many titles that struggled on the stock software.
Providing a modern, customizable UI that makes the console feel like a premium retro gaming device. your USB drive for Project Eris? Project Eris and the PlayStation Classic as a "Retro Box"
The stock PSC uses a proprietary Sony emulator with input lag and compatibility issues. Eris replaces it with RetroArch and the PCSX-ReARMed core, offering:
Project Eris comes pre-installed with RetroArch, the gold standard for emulation.
Project_Eris_Setup.exe or similar, depending on the version).Before diving into Project Eris, it's important to understand why modding the PSC is essential. Out of the box, the console had several fatal flaws:
Project Eris addresses every single one of these issues.
AutoBleem runs entirely off the USB drive. If you unplug the USB, the console reverts to the stock 20 games. Project Eris flashes the kernel (the core of the system) so that even without a USB drive, the console looks for Eris payloads. It feels like a permanent upgrade, not a temporary hack.
One of the biggest complaints about the PSC is that the mod uses up Player 1’s port. Project Eris fully supports OTG. Once the kernel is installed, you can buy a USB-C OTG hub for the rear power port. This frees up both front ports for original controllers while housing a massive external SSD in the back.