Sony is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its original PlayStation game console with the launch of the PlayStation Classic – a miniature and modernized version that is 45% smaller, offers HDMI output, and comes pre-loaded with 20 classic PlayStation games. The new console maintains the classic boxy gray look at the original including the CD cover, large power and eject buttons, and memory card slots, but the bespoke controller ports have been swapped out for USB connections and around back the RCA jacks (or AV out on newer revisions) have been replaced with a HDMI output. The retro console uses USB for power though an AC adapter is not included (any 5V1A charger will do). The miniaturized PlayStation Classic does still have the door covering the Parallel port but Sony did not mention if the port itself is still there or not (I would guess not and that it’s just there for nostalgia but I suppose it’s possible it’s under there). Sony’s PlayStation Classic will cost $99.99 and will be available on December 3rd 2018. The box will include the console, two classic PlayStation controllers (remakes of the original game pads that lack the DualShock’s dual analog sticks), a HDMI cable, and a USB cable.

The PlayStation Classic features 20 pre-loaded games along with a virtual memory card. Users can use the CD eject button to switch between games and use the virtual memory card to save games. Sony has not yet released the full list of launch games, but it did tease the following five games:

  • Final Fantasy VII
  • Tekken 3
  • Wild Arms
  • Ridge Racer Type 4
  • Jumping Flash!

I would love to see games from the Metal Gear, Syphon Filter, Spyro, Gran Turismo, Red Faction, and Twisted Metal series make the list of included games though the lack of analog sticks might make some of those games harder to play. I am curious if Sony will allow future games to be added or if they will end up doing additional versions of the PlayStation Classic. Youtuber RGT 85 further speculates that Sony may include Gran Turismo 2 and the original Resident Evil (I am skeptical on GT2 if only because if it was planned I think they would have led with that in the announcement, but maybe they are still working on it).

Interestingly, while the PlayStation Classic is 45% smaller than the original PlayStation, the PSone (which is the console I had) is a smidge over 51% smaller. If you can’t wait until December or just want to get the full experience on the original hardware, the PSone may be a good option as you can find them on the cheap used and they do not take up much space while the white plastic allegedly does not yellow as much as the older gray consoles. You can also play more than the 20 built-in games on the PlayStation Classic. Alternatively, many of the older games can be downloaded and played on the PSP or PS3 and the disc PS1 games can be played on the PlayStation 2 and 3 consoles (with some exceptions). On the other hand, getting HDMI out on the older consoles, while possible, can be a pain to get the best image quality so the PlayStation Classic may be worth it just for the convenience factor especially if you only need a short trip down memory lane and don’t want to jump down the retro gaming collection rabbit hole (hehe).

Do you still have your original PlayStation and games? What do you think about the PlayStation Classic? What PS1 games did you play the most on the original console?