Jace, the enthusiastic host of the “silly tech” YouTube channel MetraByte, recently embarked on an ambitious project to install Windows 95 and run Doom on the venerable Sony PlayStation 2. In a video chronicling this endeavor, Jace shared the trials and tribulations of attempting to breathe life into these two relics of computing history.
The Challenge of Legacy Software
Windows 95, which made its debut in 1995, and the PlayStation 2, released in 2000, are both products of a bygone era. One might assume that the PS2, with its more advanced technology, would easily handle the challenge of running such old software. However, the task proved to be anything but straightforward. The fundamental differences in architecture—Sony’s MIPS processor versus the x86 code of Windows 95—created a myriad of obstacles.
Initially, Jace attempted to use DOSBox, a popular emulator for running DOS applications, but after “47 attempts” to coax the vintage operating system into action, he pivoted to Bochs, an emulator designed for more accurate x86 emulation, albeit at a slower pace. This switch marked the beginning of a painstaking journey filled with technical hurdles.
A Painstaking Process
Throughout the video, viewers can almost feel Jace’s frustration as he navigates the slow and cumbersome process of getting Windows 95 to boot on the PS2. Limited I/O capabilities, the complexities of the emulation layer, and the inherent quirks of Windows 95—built on the aging DOS—combined to create a challenging environment. Each step forward was met with delays and setbacks, making the journey all the more arduous.
Switching to Bochs did not simplify matters. Jace faced a barrage of issues, including read and write errors, boot order complications, and missing files and drivers. Yet, his perseverance paid off when he finally saw the Windows 95 setup screen appear on his PS2, a moment of triumph after hours of labor.
Results of the Experiment
In total, Jace estimated that the installation process took around “14 hours.” Once at the desktop, he managed to launch Paint, though the experience was less than enjoyable without a mouse. Subsequent attempts to run Doom95 were met with failure, but the journey itself was a testament to the spirit of experimentation and nostalgia.
For those interested in the full saga, the video offers an engaging look at the intersection of vintage technology and modern emulation efforts, showcasing the challenges and triumphs that come with such ambitious projects.
