Sony PlayStation Link Cable SCPH-1040 - Genuine OEM System Link (Very Good, Loose)

Product Overview

• Product Name: Sony PlayStation Link Cable SCPH-1040 - Genuine OEM System Link
• New or Used: Used
• In Box or Loose: Loose
• Condition: Very Good
• Notes: A rare piece of PlayStation history that delivers true head-to-head competition — perfect for full-screen Gran Turismo races or intense DOOM battles where each player gets their own TV screen and zero split-screen distractions.

Photos show actual product for sale — no stock images used.

What's Included

• Item(s): System Link Cable (SCPH-1040)
• Quantity: 1
• Original Packaging: No — loose item, no packaging included
• Manual / Insert (if applicable): No
• Extras:

Accessory Description

The Sony PlayStation Link Cable (Model SCPH-1040) is an official OEM system-to-system connection cable designed to link two original PlayStation consoles together for real-time multiplayer gameplay. Released during the early years of the PlayStation era, this unique accessory allowed players to connect separate PS1 systems directly — enabling head-to-head competition or cooperative play across two independent screens. Long before online gaming or home LAN setups became common, the Link Cable delivered a true multi-system gaming experience right in your living room.

By connecting to the rear serial I/O ports on compatible PlayStation consoles, the Link Cable synchronizes game data between systems while each console runs its own copy of the game. This eliminates split-screen limitations and gives each player a full-screen view on their own TV — a major advantage for competitive racing, shooters, and combat titles. Iconic games like DOOM, Quake II, Gran Turismo 2, Ridge Racer Type 4, and Command & Conquer: Red Alert used system linking to deliver faster, more immersive multiplayer experiences. For many players, this was their first taste of dedicated head-to-head console gaming — years before modern online play became the norm.

Key Features

• Official Sony OEM PlayStation system link cable (Model SCPH-1040).
• Directly connects two original PlayStation consoles for synchronized multiplayer gameplay.
• Allows full-screen multiplayer on separate TVs — no split-screen required.
• Provides low-latency system-to-system communication without networking equipment.
• Essential accessory for supported racing, shooter, and competitive multiplayer PS1 titles.

Compatibility

• Compatible with original PlayStation 1 (PS1) consoles that include the rear serial I/O / expansion port.
• Requires two compatible PS1 consoles, two displays, and two copies of a supported game.
• Not compatible with the PSone Slim (SCPH-101), which does not include the required rear expansion port.
• Only functions with games specifically designed to support PlayStation system link play.
• Check the back of your PlayStation game case or manual for “Link Cable” or “System Link” compatibility.

Popular PlayStation Games That Support System Link

• DOOM
• Quake II
• Gran Turismo 2
• Ridge Racer Type 4
• Command & Conquer: Red Alert
• Twisted Metal III
• Twisted Metal 4
• Armored Core series
• Wipeout XL
• Destruction Derby 2

FAQ

Do all PlayStation games support the Link Cable?
No. Only specific games were designed with system link functionality. Always check the game case or manual for Link Cable or System Link support.

Can I use this with the PSone Slim?
No. The PSone Slim (SCPH-101) does not include the required rear expansion / serial port needed for system linking.

What do I need to use the Link Cable?
Two compatible original PlayStation consoles (with a serial I/O / expansion port), two TVs or displays, two copies of the same compatible game, and one SCPH-1040 Link Cable.

Why use system link instead of split-screen?
Each player gets a full-screen view on their own display, creating a more immersive and competitive multiplayer experience.

Historical Trivia or Fun Fact

The PlayStation Link Cable helped pioneer console system-link multiplayer years before Xbox System Link and long before online console gaming became standard. Competitive matches in Gran Turismo 2 or intense deathmatches in DOOM and Quake II felt revolutionary at the time — giving each player their own full-screen battlefield on separate TVs for a truly immersive head-to-head experience.

Additional Details

• Accessory Type: Console Link Cable (System-to-System)
• Compatible Platform(s): PlayStation 1 (PS1)
• OEM or Aftermarket: OEM
• Brand: Sony
• Model: SCPH-1040
• Year Released: 1995
• UPC: 711719404309
• SKU: 3005494

Important Information

• All used items are cleaned, tested, and 100% guaranteed to work.
• Backed by Retro Game Fan’s 60-day warranty.
• Photos show the exact item for sale unless noted otherwise in the listing above.