Good news, retro gaming fans: Sony has announced it will release a miniature original PlayStation console that comes pre-loaded with 20 PS1 titles. Similar to Nintendo's throwback NES and SNES consoles, it's significantly smaller than the original (about 45% smaller), but the included replica controllers will be full size. The PlayStation Classic, as it's called, is set to release on December 3, exactly 24 years after the original system launched in Japan. It will cost $100 / $130 CAN.
Of the 20 games that will be available on the console, Sony has only announced five so far: Final Fantasy VII, Jumping Flash, Ridge Racer Type 4, Tekken 3, and Wild Arms. That's already a nice selection, representing an array of genres that should appeal to most people with an interest in '90s gaming. Whether it will include games like Metal Gear Solid, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Final Fantasy Tactics, Resident Evil, or whatever your favorite PS1 title is, we'll have to wait and see.
The unit will ship with an HDMI cable, USB cable, and two wired controllers. Notably, it does not come with an AC adapter. Also, it ships with replicas of the original PS1 controller, which doesn't have analog sticks. In 1997, Sony released the DualShock controller for PS1, which many people regard as a significant improvement, thanks to its two analog sticks and vibration function. There's no word yet on whether Sony will release DualShock controllers for the PlayStation Classic.
Pre-Order PlayStation Classic
It's unclear how many PlayStation Classic units Sony will make available at launch. But since the NES and SNES Classic consoles were notoriously difficulty to find early on, it's probably wise to pre-order the PS Classic if you're interested in picking one up at launch. Here's where you can place a pre-order.
Both retailers only charge you for the purchase when it ships, and you can cancel your pre-order any time if you change your mind.