Sony PlayStation Classic revealed: price, UK release date and games list

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.  

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