The LEGO Group has released a new buildable set that meticulously recreates Sony's original PlayStation console from the 1990s at a near 1:1 scale. To delve into the design process and the conception of the set's hidden Easter eggs, IGN spoke with Isaac Snyder, the senior model designer responsible for the LEGO PlayStation set.
Snyder detailed his journey into becoming a set designer, which began with a passion for building his own LEGO models and evolved through engagement with the Adult Fan of LEGO community and formal design education. He joined the LEGO Group and initially worked on the LEGO Minecraft team, designing over 25 products for that theme. His portfolio also includes work on other notable sets such as LEGO Horizon Forbidden West - Tallneck, LEGO Architecture - Paris City of Love, LEGO One Piece – The Baratie Floating Restaurant, LEGO City - Lava Land, LEGO Ideas - Viking Village, and several LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog sets.
While Snyder himself did not grow up playing the original PlayStation One, he noted that other LEGO designers involved in the project brought their firsthand passion and memories to the table. This enthusiasm helped shape the set, infusing it with thoughtful details and authentic feedback. The selection of games featured in the set's hidden dioramas was a collaborative effort with Sony Interactive Entertainment.
Designing the functional elements of the set, such as the open and power buttons, presented significant challenges. Snyder highlighted the complexity of the open button, explaining that numerous variables needed to be resolved to ensure the lid opened correctly. The team utilized Technic shock absorber elements, but considerable experimentation was required to integrate them effectively into the primarily system-based model.
Snyder expressed particular satisfaction with the design of the controller, which underwent numerous iterations to achieve a simple yet satisfying build that accurately resembled the original PlayStation One controller. Looking ahead, Snyder indicated a strong interest in designing more video game-based LEGO sets, citing the rich and diverse worlds and characters that video games offer as fertile ground for future creations.