Sony PlayStation Classic first look - It's good, but not great

A Little Bit of Disappointment: The PlayStation Classic Experience

The PlayStation Classic is a miniature retro console that brings back nostalgic memories of playing iconic games on the original PlayStation. However, it's a shame because many of the games included on the classic come with dual analog control features, which are not required but would still benefit from them in some way. If you're hoping to play Metal Gear Solid with the more precise dual analog controls, unfortunately, it's a pretty basic no-frills experience.

Playing a game like Vais II, I noticed that it was almost identical to the original game, down to the point where there were no extra frills or filters available. The only real change in the experience came when switching between games – while still having to lean forward and press the reset button, the console would automatically create a resume point every time you pressed reset, bringing you back to where you left off. If you exited the game again, the system would ask if you wanted to replace your existing resume point with a new one.

The PlayStation Classic also has a limited settings menu, which only includes basic information screensavers, language settings, and options for resetting the console back to its default settings. The guides mode is available, but it's not much more than a link to the product website and a simple console guide that tells you how to quit the game, turn off the console, or change virtual disks during gameplay.

One notable feature of the PlayStation Classic is its limited ability to play games with multiple virtual disks. While many games on the original PlayStation required this feature, the console doesn't actually open the lid, but it does give you the chance to change virtual disks and move to the next point in the game. Unfortunately, this is only necessary for a few games, like Final Fantasy 7.

The library of games on the PlayStation Classic is also limited, with only 20 titles available at launch. While this includes some iconic games like Metal Gear Solid and Oddworld, there are still many great titles missing from the original PlayStation lineup. For example, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six was a super iconic game that spawned a huge franchise, but its controls are still tough to wrap your head around from a modern perspective.

Another problem is that the console has lost some of its most beloved games due to licensing issues or other reasons. Iconic games like Tomb Raider and Crash Bandicoot are nowhere to be found on the PlayStation Classic, despite both being playable in demos of their respective buildings. This lack of exclusive content is disappointing for fans who would love to experience these classic games again.

The PlayStation Classic's design and build quality are also worth mentioning. The console looks remarkably like the original PlayStation, but it's clear that some compromises were made during its development. While it doesn't have any extra special features beyond the 20 games included on the disc, fans will appreciate the nostalgic value of playing their favorite childhood games once again.

In conclusion, while the PlayStation Classic is a fun way to revisit nostalgic gaming memories, it falls short in terms of content and functionality. With only 20 games available, limited settings options, and no extra special features beyond what was on the original console, it's clear that this is not a console for everyone. However, if you're looking for a simple, basic experience with some of your favorite childhood games, then the PlayStation Classic might be worth checking out.