Sony announces PlayStation Classic mini console, available December 3 with 20 preloaded games

25 years ago, Sony was stepping onto the home gaming console stage with the PlayStation - the first console to really stand up to Nintendo’s supremacy at the time. PlayStation was among the first 32-bit consoles to hit the mass market, and it single-handedly eliminated most of the competitors, to the point the only real challenge came from Sega and Nintendo, which skipped the 32-bit generation altogether and rushed for a 64-bit version.

Sony already presented a special edition PlayStation 4 Pro earlier this summer, but the retro gaming community that embraced Nintendo’s NES and SNES classic remakes demanded a re-release for the original PlayStation. It took a bit, but now Sony is finally announcing the PlayStation Classic console, which will come bundled with 20 of the most iconic games of the mid ‘90s.

Taking cues from Nintendo, Sony’s PlayStation Classic will come in a smaller form factor than the original. According to Sony’s press release, “the mini console is approximately 45% smaller than the original PlayStation, and it emulates the original’s look and feel by featuring similar controllers and packaging. “Long-time fans will appreciate the nostalgia that comes with rediscovering the games they know and love, while gamers who might be new to the platform can enjoy the groundbreaking PlayStation console experience that started it all. All of the pre-loaded games will be playable in their original format.”

In addition to the PlayStation Classic console, the bundle will also include an HDMI cable, a USB cable, two controllers for split screen multiplayer, and a virtual memory card which will store users’ game progress. Of the 20 games that will be preinstalled on the console, Sony only confirmed Final Fantasy VII, TEKKEN 3, R4: Ridge Racer Type 4, Jumping Flash!, and Wild Arms for now.

The PlayStation Classic console will begin shipping on December 3, exactly 25 years after the initial release, and will get a US$99.9 MSRP.

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