Sony PlayStation Classic revealed: price, UK release date and games list
Sony’s retro console takes on Nintendo’s Classic Mini series
Sony is getting in on the craze for retro technology by launching a mini version of its original PlayStation.
The PlayStation Classic is around 45% smaller than the 1994 games console, and ditches the disc drive in favour of 20 pre-installed games. The new system also features high-definition HDMI video output - which means it is compatible with newer TVs.
Like the original, the Classic comes bundled with two full-size wired controllers, but these are now connected to USB plugs rather than being bespoke to Sony systems, says Ars Technica.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The Japanese test giant appears to be taking its lead from Nintendo’s Classic Mini series, says Eurogamer. Over the past two years, the rival company has launched micro versions of its Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES).
A Classic Mini version of Nintendo’s N64 is also expected to arrive later this year, the gaming site says, so the PlayStation Classic may face stiff competition when it launches, on 3 December.
How much does the PlayStation Classic cost?
Prices start at £89.99 - around £10 more than Nintendo’s Classic Mini: SNES.
Although the mini PlayStation is more expensive, The Verge says that Sony “seems to be a bit better than Nintendo when it comes to hardware supply”, so suppliers should have better stocks of the new console than they did of the SNES when it launched last September.
What games are included?
Sony has confirmed five of the 20 classic games to be installed. These are:
- Final Fantasy VII
- Jumping Flash
- Ridge Racer Type 4
- Tekken 3
- Wild Arms
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Why Bhutan hopes tourists will put a smile back on its face
Under The Radar The 'kingdom of happiness' is facing economic problems and unprecedented emigration
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
7 beautiful towns to visit in Switzerland during the holidays
The Week Recommends Find bliss in these charming Swiss locales that blend the traditional with the modern
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
The Week contest: Werewolf bill
Puzzles and Quizzes
By The Week US Published
-
Netflix's epic quest into gaming
Under the radar The streaming giant's entry into the video game industry has been a slow burn, but that could change soon.
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
Pong at 50: the video game that ‘changed the world’
Under the Radar Atari’s breakthrough invention remains a ‘touchstone’ in the history of gaming
By Julia O'Driscoll Published
-
Lamborghini V12 Vision Gran Turismo: a preview of the rumoured Aventador successor?
In Depth Radical virtual concept to join Gran Turismo Sport roster next spring
By The Week Staff Published
-
The Last of Us Part II: latest trailer, new features, plot details and release date
In Depth Sequel finally set to arrive after seven-year wait - here are all the details
By The Week Staff Last updated
-
Mario Kart Tour: what is the game and how much does it cost to play?
In Depth Nintendo’s mobile racer launches today
By The Week Staff Published
-
WRC 8 review: racing’s most underrated gaming franchise?
The Week Recommends Kylotonn’s latest rally game boasts a revamped handling model and F1-inspired career mode
By The Week Staff Published
-
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2019 - why is it so controversial?
The Week Recommends Rebooted shooter launches amid criticism over its portrayal of Russians
By The Week Staff Last updated
-
Grid 2019 game review: can it match the highs of F1 2019?
The Week Recommends Codemasters’ revamped racer lands this week. Here’s what you need to know
By The Week Staff Last updated