PSone Classics PS4 PlayStation Sony 1

This week saw the release of two PlayStation 2 titles on the PlayStation 4: The Warriors and Metal Slug Anthology. The two articles that we wrote confirming these releases went on to become among the most viewed on the website over the past seven days, proving that there's pent-up demand for these retro re-releases. But isn't it time that Sony started delving into the PSone library, too?

There was a survey a while back listing all of the PS4 firmware features that gamers may want. In addition to the likes of folders, the questionnaire also included mention of PSone and PS2 Classics. The latter format launched late last year at PSX 2015, but we're still waiting on the former to accompany it. So, what's the hold up?

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PSone Classics PS4 PlayStation Sony Metal Gear Solid 2

Well, it's perhaps worth remembering that there was a big, big backlash to PS2 Classics to begin with. Sony opted against cross-buy with the PlayStation 3 versions of the last-last gen titles, opting instead to update the clients with Trophies, upscaled presentation, and integration into the console's operating system. This, of course, meant that games needed to be re-purchased.

And this led to much outrage around the community. Many felt, at the time, that Sony shouldn't be including new features, and instead should simply be adding support for these old titles in their original state – with cross-buy offered, of course. That backlash has softened somewhat in recent months, but it would be revived should PSone Classics follow the same path.

PSone Classics PS4 PlayStation Sony 3

But in our opinion, it's the right way to bring these retro releases to Sony's new-gen system. Trophies may not be everyone's cup of tea, but they do offer incentive to revisit decades old experiences – and when coupled with the ability to livestream and share screenshots on social media, classic games are certainly infused with new energy.

The problem is that more people own PSone Classics on the PS3, Vita, and, indeed, PSP than was ever the case with PS2 Classics – and Sony's set the expectation across the aforementioned formats that they're cross-buy. Thus, charging again for the likes of Syphon Filter and Jumping Flash will cause a revolt – with more pitchforks than were present at the PS2 Classics riots.

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And so the platform holder perhaps finds itself in a difficult position. We want PSone Classics on the PS4, and we think that they need to be fully integrated into the new-gen system's operating system. But that all requires time and effort, which the manufacturer will want to charge for. Yet in doing so, it threatens to draw the ire of its most passionate fans.

It may be something that it ultimately feels isn't worth the inevitable Internet outrage, and that may be why PSone Classics appear to be on the backburner for now. But if that's truly the case, we reckon that it would be a shame. We'd pay good money to play Metal Gear Solid with a Platinum Trophy right now – and, irrespective of any online protests, we reckon that a lot of people would do the same.

Is it time for Sony to put PSone Classics on the PS4? If so, should the platform holder update these legendary titles with features such as Trophy support or leave them as they are? Let us know whether you're Red E in the comments section below.

Is it time for PSone Classics on PS4? (138 votes)

  1. Yes, and I’m willing to pay for Trophies and full OS integration51%
  2. Sure, but ditch all of the extra features and give me cross-buy31%
  3. Meh, I’m not fussed to be honest with you10%
  4. No, I’m not interested in playing old games at all anymore8%

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