ThePlayStation Link Cable (SCPH-1040) is a peripheral cable for thefirst generation PlayStation console. Utilizing theserialI/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 cable[1] and was a fully supported Sony accessory for the market life of the console. It is not compatible with the redesignedPS one or newer PlayStations.
The accessory was released in 1995 retailing for ¥2000 in Japan[2] or $40 in the United States;[3] it was released later than expected due to the delay ofMetal Jacket, which was supposed to be the first title to take advantage of the cable.[4] The main advantage to using the cable is that a split-screen would not be necessary formultiplayer, increasing each player's screen size and potentially increasing game performance (as only one view has to berendered 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[a]). This expense was impractical for most consumers, and by the end of 1997 most retailers were no longer carrying the PlayStation Link Cable.[5]
^Except forArmored Core: Master of Arena,Command & Conquer: Red Alert,Command & Conquer: Red Alert Retaliation, andMobile Suit Z Gundam, which require only one copy as they come with two discs.
^This functionality was only present in the North American release, and was removed for the European release.
^Link Cable functionality is present but only accessible by a hidden menu in the original release ofWipeout 3. The functionality is fully present in theSpecial Edition release.
