When Nintendo released the much sought-after NES Mini a couple of years ago, it triggered a gold rush of micro-consoles, with hardware makers attempting to exploit our love of nostalgia by repackaging dusty old retro games in a sleeker, more compact form. Nintendo has since followed up with the excellent SNES Mini, and next year, Sega will launch its own Mini console based on the Mega Drive. Even SNK has gotten in on the act with its 'tabletop arcade' unit, the Neo Geo Mini.
Not to be outdone, Sony has today announced the PlayStation Classic, a micro-console that will ship before Christmas with 20 pre-loaded games. The full software line-up hasn't been confirmed so far, but we do know that Final Fantasy VII, Tekken 3, Ridge Racer Type 4, Jumping Flash and Wild Arms will be included. Even with those five games, you've got some of the best titles the console ever witnessed (and Jumping Flash, which, despite being a launch game, still holds up well today and is one of the first true 3D platformers).
The console also comes with two replica controllers, a HDMI cable and a USB power cable, so you'll need to either plug it into your TV's USB socket or use a mobile phone charger block. It's a lot smaller than the original console and will fit snugly under your TV. There's no official word as yet, but we'd imagine the unit will come with options such as save states, screen filters and much more besides.
With a retail price of $99.99 / €99.99 / 9,980 yen / £89.99, Sony is clearly pitting this against Nintendo's line of micro-consoles. Given that the PlayStation is one of the most popular gaming brands on the planet, this could even eclipse the demand shown for the NES and SNES Minis when it launches on December 3rd.
Sony has done a pretty good job of making sure people have access to its classic titles in the past; those with long memories will recall the Xperia Play, a phone with slide-out PlayStation controls that hosted a series of PlayStation classics, such as Tekken, Wipeout and Ridge Racer. While that particular phone didn't do as well as expected, Sony has continued to make 32-bit games available via a range of digital services, such as its own PlayStation Store.
However, very much like Nintendo's efforts, the PlayStation Classic will attract a whole new audience when it arrives on store shelves. The attractive price point combined with the iconic design, recognisable branding and eye-catching software are sure to make this one of the most popular gifts this Christmas. Will we perhaps see a PlayStation 2 Classic in the fullness of time? We don't know about you, but our fingers are firmly crossed.
by dmcferran via Featured Articles
Reviewed by Ossama Hashim
on
September 19, 2018
Rating:
Posts
No comments: