Sony has announced plans to release a miniature replica of its 1994 PlayStation console, with 20 classic games included, just in time for Christmas this year.
Following in the footsteps of Nintendo and its phenomenally popular NES and SNES "Classic Mini" consoles, the PlayStation Classic is an adorable shrunk down version of the original machine which connects to modern TVs via HDMI and is powered by USB.
It includes two full-size replica controllers (the original kind, not the ones with sticks), and will cost $149.99 when it launches on December 3.
The PlayStation Classic, alongside the 1994 original.
Of primary concern will be whether Sony can conjure 20 suitably "classic" games, given the company did not make many of the console's most popular entries itself. Supporting the idea that Sony may not be very confident in its lineup is the fact that it has so far only announced five of the twenty games. A counter-argument to that is that one of the confirmed titles is Final Fantasy VII, perhaps the most iconic PlayStation game there is.
Square's role-playing epic is not just an incredible and fondly-remembered game, it was a linchpin of the PlayStation's early success. A showpiece for early 3D visuals, CD-ROM enhanced multimedia and a more mature, edgy tone, it was emblematic of the difference between Sony and previous industry top dog Nintendo. (And, of course, it was extra fitting that the game was originally planned for a Nintendo console, as all previous Final Fantasy games had been.)
Of course putting a bit of a damper on the revered game's inclusion is that it's since appeared on everything from the PS3 and PS4 to Android and iOS, and will next year be arriving on Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.
The other games so far confirmed for the PlayStation Classic are Sony's own Jumping Flash! and Wild Arms, as well as Namco's Tekken 3 and Ridge Racer Type 4.
Sony says the PlayStation Classic is 80 per cent smaller than the original in terms of volume, and all it's little buttons are functional. The power button of course turns the machine on and off, the reset button suspends your progress and the button that usually opens the lid let's you change games. It's unclear if you'll be able to perform these functions with the controller somehow, or if you'll have to get up off the couch.
Sony has confirmed all the games will be presented untouched and in their original format, displayed at either 720p or 480p, and that saves will be handled by an internal virtual memory card. What's unclear so far are details such as whether the software will include visual filters and save states like Nintendo's machines do, or how long the cables on the controllers are.
Sony artfully obscures the length of the controller cable, which was a point of contention on Nintendo’s machines.
And, of course, the biggest question still to be answered is what the other 15 games might be.
There are plenty of great games that Sony published on PlayStation and that seem relatively free of potential rights issues, which you'd think could be brought to the console quite easily. This includes entries in the Siphon Filter, MediEvil, Parappa the Rapper and Twisted Metal series.
We also know that Square and Namco are on board, so we could see more Final Fantasy entries, or Klonoa.
The tougher ask will be getting the games that really defined PlayStation, but are the property of other game publishers. This would include the likes of Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, Tomb Raider, Metal Gear Solid, Castlevania and Resident Evil.
If Sony can nail some of these down the PlayStation Classic could be a truly delightful nostalgia machine. Although with the console apparently launching in "limited quantities" and retail sites already selling pre-orders, PlayStation fans might have to take a leap of faith or risk missing out.
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