PlayStation Classic | A First Look At The PlayStation Mini Console
The PlayStation Classic is finally here! Here’s our first look at this nostalgic Sony gaming console.
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In this article:
- Overview
- PlayStation Classic Pros
- PlayStation Classic Cons
- Framerate Issues
- What Comes in the Box
- PlayStation Classic Games List
- List of Games Common to All Regions
- North America / PAL / South East Asia Region Exclusive Games
- Japan / Taiwan / Hong Kong Region Exclusive Games
PlayStation Classic | The Return of a Gaming Icon
Overview
Sony has finally thrown its hat in the ring of classic mini consoles with the PlayStation Classic. Following in the footsteps of Nintendo who released the NES and SNES Classic, Sony has released this tiny console as a throwback to a pivotal point in the console era of gaming. It was announced back in September 2018 during the Tokyo Game Show and is modeled after the original version of the PlayStation. It is 45% smaller than the original. Available right now for $99.99, this classic console comes bundled with 20 games.
PlayStation Classic Pros
- Small form factor
- Has memory cards built-in
- HDMI output
- Ability to suspend your game in a “saved state” and continue later on even after turning off the console
PlayStation Classic Cons
- Original controllers — Fairly uncomfortable and could mean no support for any games that require the analog version of the controller
- Not the best selection of classic games, but not the worst. Has some all-time greats, but also has some fairly lesser known titles.
- No post-launch updates
- Has no ability to add more games
- No AC adapter included
- Most expensive of the classic mini consoles at $99.99
- Framerate issues with some games
Framerate Issues
One major flaw of the PlayStation Classic that might deter a lot of potential buyers is the really odd choice of using the PAL/Europe ports of 8 of the 20 games we get in the North American or NTSC version. Back in the day of large CRT television sets, consoles usually shipped in two versions — the NTSC and the PAL versions. This is because the two regions used to use different refresh rate standard for their TV’s. PAL used 50hz while NTSC used 60hz.
Refresh Rate Definition: The number of frames displayed by your television or computer monitor in one second represented in Hertz.
Almost all HDTVs these days run at 60hz, so playing a 50hz game on a 60hz display makes it feel slow and has an unnatural stuttering effect. The choice to add the PAL version of these games is quite strange since these games are also available in the NTSC 60hz versions. A side-by-side comparison was even done with the original PlayStation console, and it shows that even the NTSC games run worse and are less stable than the original console.
What Comes in the Box
- PlayStation Classic mini console
- HDMI cable
- Micro USB cable
- 2x original PlayStation controllers (without analog sticks)
One large thing missing from this list is an AC adapter, leaving you unable to draw power from a wall outlet. According to an official PlayStation Blog post, the AC adapter will be sold separately. There is some good news though, if your current smartphone charges using a micro USB adapter, then you can use it for your PlayStation Classic! This is, as long as your adapter is 5V, 1.0A and is a USB Type A.
Another thing Sony has decided to not include is the original analog PlayStation controllers. This has caused some concern with PlayStation fans because this could mean that games that require the analog controllers may not be supported. There is no news however if the analog controllers would be available in the future.
PlayStation Classic Games List
There are currently two versions of the PlayStation Classic. Regardless of which version you buy, each console comes preloaded with 20 games total. 12 of those games are found on both versions while each region gets 8 exclusive games.
The overall selection of classic games has been quite divisive, even with multiple iconic franchises missing. Even gaming sites such as IGN are posting their own list of 15 Games We Want on the PlayStation Classic. Unfortunately, a Sony spokesperson has confirmed that there will be no support post-launch for adding more titles. So, unfortunately, fans of the iconic characters such as Crash Bandicoot or Spyro the Dragon will be left wanting. Here’s hoping that there will be some form of jailbreak that allows us to add games like with the SNES Classic.
List of Games Common to All Regions
- Battle Arena Toshinden
- Final Fantasy VII
- Intelligent Qube
- Jumping Flash!
- Metal Gear Solid
- Mr. Diller
- R4: Ridge Racer Type 4
- Resident Evil: Directors Cut
- Revelations: Persona
- Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo
- Tekken 3
- Wild Arms
North America / PAL / South East Asia Region Exclusive Games
This version of the PlayStation Classic is what is currently available in most major retailers. You can even order through the Official PlayStation site.
- Cool Boarders 2
- Destruction Derby
- Grand Theft Auto
- Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee
- Rayman
- Syphon Filter
- Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six
- Twisted Metal
Japan / Taiwan / Hong Kong Region Exclusive Games
- Arc the Lad
- Arc the Lad II
- Armored Core
- G-Darius
- Gradius Gaiden
- Parasite Eve
- SaGa Frontier
- XI
See all 20 games included in PlayStation classic in this video from PlayStation Access:
The Sony PlayStation Classic is a nice little throwback console complete with the same but smaller look and a wide selection of games. With new features like HDMI bringing it to the modern day living room, it’s a great way to relive the glory days of the original PlayStation. Not without its flaws, this could still make a great gift for that someone who could use a dose of gaming nostalgia in their lives.
Which games do you think should be have been included in the PlayStation Classic? Let us know in the comments section below.
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