Sony's $100 PlayStation Classic: Available December 2018 with 20 Games
by Anton Shilov on September 19, 2018 9:25 AM EST- Posted in
- Consoles
- Sony
- PlayStation
- PlayStation Classic
Sony’s PlayStation game console made a strong influence on the entertainment industry when it was launched in 1994. Having been sold in quantities of over 104 million units globally, the original PlayStation introduced video games to many people by offering them titles and even genres that have since become iconic. In an attempt to bring back good memories to owners of the first-gen PlayStation, Sony intends to release its PlayStation Classic console later this year that will be compatible with select PlayStation titles.
The Sony PlayStation Classic (SCPH-1000R) will look like the original PlayStation, but will come in a miniature package and will consume just around 5 W of power. The console will feature an HDMI port capable of 720p and 480p video output that will also be used to output linear PCM audio. Also, the device will have a USB Micro-B port for power delivery, similar to the other 'mini' consoles that have entered the market recently. The PlayStation Classic will be equipped with two controllers that look similar to Sony’s original controllers but have different plug in methods. The only things missing will be actually playing a CD, or putting in a memory card.
Sony intends to preload 20 games originally developed for its PlayStation in the 1990s, including Final Fantasy VII, Jumping Flash!, R4 Ridge Racer Type 4, Tekken 3, and Wild Arms (Ian: Wild Arms? Sold!).
Sony notes that the title lineup other than the said five games will be different for various regions. Furthermore, the PlayStation Classic will not be able to add any more games via download or any other way, so the number of supported titles will always remain at 20 games. Meanwhile, although this is not the first time when Sony and its partners re-release titles for the original PlayStation, the collection of 20 games seems to be the most comprehensive one made available so far.
Sony does not disclose hardware that powers its PlayStation Classic device. Considering the fact that we are dealing with a very low-power device that will be compatible with select titles only, it is highly likely that Sony will use an SoC and an emulation layer to run the games, just like it did previously (and like Nintendo makes select PS1 and PS2 titles run on its Switch).
| Sony PlayStation Classic | ||
| SCPH-1000R | ||
| SoC | Unknown | |
| Video Output | 720p, 480p | |
| Audio Output | Lineup PCM | |
| Input/OOutput | HDMI USB port (Micro-B) 2 × Controller port |
|
| Power | 5W (DC 5 V / 1 A) | |
| External Dimensions | Width | 149 mm | 5.8 inch |
| Height | 33 mm | 1.3 inch | |
| Depth | 105 mm | 4.1 inch | |
| Mass | Console | 170 grams | 6 ounces |
| Controller | 140 grams | 4.9 ounces | |
| Product Bundle | PlayStation Classic 2 × Controller HDMI Cable USB Cable Printed Materials |
|
| MSRP | $99 | €99 | 9,980 yen | |
Sony’s PlayStation Classic will be available on December 3 across the world at an MSRP or $99 in the U.S., €99 in Europe, and 9,980 yen in Japan. One thing to note is that the PlayStation Classic will remain a limited-edition product.
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Source: Sony
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0ldman79 - Wednesday, September 19, 2018 - link
No memory card support or CDROM?Why?
I'll just keep playing on my PS1, PS2, PS3 and emulators.
They could have at least given us memory card support. I would have considered it if I could at least copy my save games from the Gran Turismo series and Street Fighter Alpha series to it.
Those probably aren't on the console though.
0ldman79 - Wednesday, September 19, 2018 - link
The controllers do have my interest though. If they're standard USB then I'd like to pick up a pair to ride along in my laptop bag.The DS2, DS3 and DS4 don't travel well with the analog joysticks. You'll find they don't work well after riding in a bag with the sticks held during travel.
soliloquist - Wednesday, September 19, 2018 - link
As others have said, there are certainly cheaper ways of getting old PS1 games on emulation. I think the attraction to these "classic" consoles is the controllers. They are damn near identical to the original controllers and that makes playing the games very nostalgic. I have both the NES Classic and the SNES Classic and have had lots of fun with them (particularly the Zelda games). I am not sure that I will get this PS1 classic for $100 bones, kinda pricey. The NES classic was only $60 and it came with 30 games. It will all come down to what games they put on it.Ian Cutress - Wednesday, September 19, 2018 - link
Having a pre-packaged thing that just 'works' is a pull as well.cheinonen - Wednesday, September 19, 2018 - link
For me, while I could setup an emulator for this, having a plug-and-play option that my kids can use without any help is great. Now they can experience the same games I played when I was younger (though much older than they are now) and there's nothing for me to keep updated. I'll probably get an HDMI switch so this, the SNES and NES Classics are all easy for them to use.MFinn3333 - Wednesday, September 19, 2018 - link
Until I can find retro console that has Mutant League Football, this is all pointless!/Rant over, this looks compelling as a gift for some people I want to beat Ridge Racer at.
Mr Perfect - Wednesday, September 19, 2018 - link
<quote>One thing to note is that the PlayStation Classic will remain a limited-edition product.</quote>A limited edition run just before the holidays? The scalpers will be all over this, just like they where with the NES Classic. Mere mortals will be paying $300 on ebay for one of these.
Inteli - Wednesday, September 19, 2018 - link
It probably depends on the demand. Nostalgia for Nintendo consoles seems much stronger to me than any other console/company. I'm not sure a Playstation Mini will be a "must have" like the NES Mini was.willis936 - Sunday, September 23, 2018 - link
You underestimate the power that the FFVII cover art wields.ajp_anton - Wednesday, September 19, 2018 - link
Not a single mention of Nintendo's classic consoles? Biased much? Or a paid article?"In an attempt to bring back good memories to owners of the first-gen PlayStation"
And to mimic the success of Nintendo's NES and SNES classic consoles.