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Let’s face it – as advanced as new video games and consoles are today, there will always be gamers (including yours truly) who will still be fans of older games and older video game systems. Retro games and even newer games styled in retro fashion have always existed, and this trend of fandom for yesteryear’s gaming experiences has made its presence felt whether it be through second-hand consoles, mint collector’s items, emulation, and whatnot. A good example of this undying wave of gaming nostalgia would be Nintendo and its release of the NES and SNES Mini consoles, miniature versions of Nintendo’s earliest video game systems.
Which now brings us to Sony. The Japanese electronics giant has established its success in the video game industry thanks to its PlayStation brand of gaming systems. Now, Sony looks to challenge Nintendo in the retro-console reboot department with the impending launch of the PlayStation Classic, set to hit shelves on December 3, 2018. But should you buy it? Let’s take a look.
What is the PlayStation Classic?
Similar to Nintendo’s NES and SNES Minis, the PlayStation Classic is a replica of the original PlayStation, first launched way back in 1994. Of course, this version of the PlayStation is modified to be equipped with newer hardware features and is a whole lot smaller in size. In addition to this, Sony has also included the power and reset button on the design of the console, maintaining the looks of the original PlayStation.
The PS Classic will come with an HDMI port and cable, and a USB Micro to Standard USB cable. In addition, an AC adapter for the system will be sold separately.
One good thing about the PS Classic is that it will ship with two controllers, so multiplayer gameplay is definitely a built-in feature. Of course, it will not be compatible with original PlayStation controllers and memory cards, which have long since been retired.
How do You Play Games on It?
With the original PlayStation, the games were sold in CD format. You pressed a button, a disc tray would pop open and then you’d be able to load your disc inside the console. With this version though, it’s a bit different as the PS Classic has 20 built-in games, which admittedly is a lot more convenient.
As for which games are on the console, Sony has included the following titles:
- Battle Arena Toshinden
- Final Fantasy VII
- Intelligent Qube
- Jumping Flash
- Metal Gear Solid
- Mr. Driller
- R4: Ridge Racer Type 4
- Resident Evil: Director’s Cut
- Revelations: Persona
- Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo
- Tekken 3
- Wild Arms
- Cool Boarders 2
- Destruction Derby
- Grand Theft Auto
- Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee
- Rayman
- Syphon Filter
- Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six
- Twisted Metal
While there are some great classic games on that list, some fans may be disappointed by the lack of more popular PlayStation games such as Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, Medal of Honor, and more. This is one downside that we can see that may affect the PS Classic’s market performance. But then again you get some big-name games to go along with the system, which is not so bad.
Should You Buy it Then?
Of course, this question always boils down to personal preferences. If you’re a PlayStation fan or even someone who enjoys retro gaming in general, then the PS Classic is right up your alley. It offers hardware that will be compatible with modern TV sets and a list of games which include some unforgettable titles like Final Fantasy VII and Metal Gear Solid. However, if you’re bothered by the somewhat-limited games catalogue on the system, then maybe the PS Classic might not be for you.
The PS Classic is set to be launched on December 3, 2018.
Hi, I was on the verge of selling my kid’s original Playstation and Nintendo game consoles that got left behind at my house after they took off to college. So, I have been trying to do a little research trying to make sure that I can understand the differences between the original consoles and the new versions of the old games.
Please forgive me if I am not using the correct gaming terminology in my questions. I never played the games myself. I just funded the purchases of the game consoles and the games themselves.
So…1. Is there anyway that a person can use the old game consoles on the televisions that we have today?
2. If someone purchased this new Play Station Classic that was released yesterday, can they still purchase additional games, such as Medal of Honor, to go with it?
I am wondering if my kids would enjoy getting one of the new versions for Christmas or if I should consider surprising them with their old original systems. I know they still enjoy playing games as does my grandson.
Thanks in advance,
Hi Sondra, I’ll try t answer your questions as best as I can:
1. Yes you can. A lot of older consoles use AV cables to connect to the TV, and these days some modern flatscreens still come with AV ports. If you have a working AV cable for your console and a port for the TV, it will be able to connect the two together. However, if the TV does not have an AV port, you might want to try an adapter to connect the two together.
2. Sadly, no. The Playstation classic’s games are built-in, and it looks like there’s no port for usb memory expansion. There maybe ways to modify the hardware to add more games, but it most likely will have legal and warranty issues.
Hope I was able to answer your questions!
Yes you did Mike. Thank you.
This console in specific definitely brings back some childhood memories. Looks just the way I remember it. I find it pretty cool that they upgraded the insides of it though and didn’t make it a complete retro attempt. I have a feeling that if I tried really hard I could actually find some of the discs for the games we used to play.
Gladly, some of those include the ones you mentioned as the built in ones, like Tekken 3, Metal Gear Solid, Resident Evil: Director’s Cut and Twisted Metal. It’s busted how many hours me and my brother spent on these games in summer while living at my grandparents. Some of the ones mentioned I haven’t even heard of though.
Do I get this correctly, with this console you’re not really able to pop in a disc compatible with the original PlayStation? Cause I do have some Crash Bandicoot games I’d like to take for a spin (if I remember correctly there were several).
Thanks for the awesome post, cheers, have a Great One!
Matiss
I agree with you, the addition of games like Tekken and MGS are certainly great, although I too am not so familiar with the other games on the list.
Sadly though, the PS classic won’t’ be compatible with CDs, as it’s a lot smaller than the original console. I wish Sony made a feature for it to be backwards-compatible.
Thanks for dropping by!
The gaming industry back then had a lot of great play so it’s really a shame they limit the games that are produced on these comeback systems. SNES had a game called excite bike and double dribble that I wanted to play on the console and didn’t quite get the chance even though it was advertised on the box. It just wasn’t in the console of options to play!
When they bought back the sega genesis the gaming was limited as well with only a few classics but sega had multiple games that were awesome!
My most favorite console was the original sega. Me and my brother would play the wrestling for hours on end. Me and a friend from school would trade games and I remember he gave me a card to play a vampire game that was awesome! I miss those days of gaming! I actually miss the arcades as well!
Thanks for sharing the post of this new release
Shannon
Thanks for dropping by!
As a kid I never really saw a SEGA console in person, I was mostly surrounded by famicoms and Playstations, so SEGA systems had somewhat of a mythic status for me, before the age of information and the internet. I did have a lot of fun playing on my friend’s dreamcast though!
Although I am not a gamer, I found this article interesting and informative. It was well written and informative, especially for other gamers who might be considering the PlayStation Classic. They would now have insight into what to expect from this product.
So the question is, have you purchased this PlayStation Classic and did it meet your expectations?
Nice job,
Michele
Thanks for checking out the article. I’m still on the fence about it, to be honest. Though it would be fun to play my old favorites.
I am not a game lover, but your post is great, and now I would like to try and learn to use this PlayStation classic. I remember when my friends always were arguing about the PlayStation, who won, which is next. Now is “retro” at that time was on the top of entertainment 😉
It certainly is interesting to see how times and technology transform gaming favorites into what we have today. Thanks for commenting!
Thank you for detailing the features and looks of the PlayStation Classic and the games that it offers. My husband and I are big fans of the retro systems and games, and I’ve been looking to get him a system for Christmas this year. I was looking at Nintendo, but he always enjoyed the PlayStation more, so that’s what I’ve decided on!
We hope you guys have fun! It’s always a blast to play through beloved retro games.