Sony’s decision to release inferior PAL 50Hz versions of its PS1 games with PS Plus Premium has attracted a lot of attention, but now the service has launched in Japan there is finally some positive news: the platform holder is using NTSC 60Hz ROMs of key titles like Ape Escape. This was expected as they’re the only Japanese language builds of the games available, but it’s potentially good for those of you in North America, where NTSC was the standard as well.
Of course, it does look like those of us in Europe may be saddled with the slower 50Hz versions, which would still be a massive own goal – especially if the Japanese giant doesn’t provide us with the option to choose. Some hastily released patches in Asia attempted to alter the 50Hz code to 60Hz recently, introducing ick-inducing ghosting as a result. So, while there’s good news for Japan, Sony still has its work cut out with the emulated games that are part of its most expensive tier – don’t expect this issue to just disappear.
[source twitter.com]
Comments 52
There's barely any ps1 PS2 or psp games anyway 🤷♂️
Great news to hear.
So maybe people shouldnt jump to conclusions based on early releases? Sounds about right for todays outrage culture.
Amazing news to hear!
Amazing news!!!
@Would_you_kindly If only it were possible for Sony to add more. IF ONLY!!!
@Bentleyma they've only been out for like 20 years not like they couldn't put a decent amount of them on the service at launch I get that they want to keep people subscribed aslong as possible so they'll drip feed games onto the service it's still crap though
@Andyhunter132 Well if Sony would ever communicate with its audience these out cries could be stopped before they start.
So is it confirmed that the PS1/PS2/PSP offerings will be the same in Japan as was in the earlier Asian markets? If so... it's really underwhelming. I don't want to be trickle-fed a few games each month. People say that Sony not mandating trophies in every game will allow them to release quicker but upon first impression, that doesn't really seem to be the case.
Given back in the PS1 days there were 3 versions (Japan, Europe, America), judging by the 2 PS+ revamp launches so far I get the feeling in general Sony didn't preserve the American versions but did preserve the European and Japanese versions. In this outcome, Japan gets the Japanese versions and everywhere else gets the European versions.
@BeerIsAwesome This isn't like a game running at 50fps instead of 60fps, i.e. slightly less smooth, this is the game running in slow motion constantly. PAL50 is a fifth slower than other versions; like, if you did two absolutely identical playthroughs, the NTSC one would take, say, 50 hours and the PAL one would take 60 hours, or something like that. Action games are easier because it's all slowed down, as well.
Maybe, just maybe, we should wait for reviews of the service for the regions that actually apply to us before passing judgment. I respect what Digital Foundry does, but I can only imagine how much damage their article has already done. But hey, I’m sure it was worth the page views to have that misinformation out there in perpetuity.
Can most of you not read? The only Japanese versions available are 60Hz. It was never in doubt that they’d get the Japanese versions of the games. The issue is that PAL regions could be lumbered with the 50Hz versions as they’ve done so in parts of Asia.
I grew up having to choose between PAL in my language or NTSC in a language I didn't understand. So PAL was my superior version.
I remember back in the old days of the snes and megadrive..this issue was prevaliant as was the black borders top and bottom of the screen..the same issues plagued the saturn,ps1 and n64..we have survived it before and i'm sure we will survive it again..now where is my 60hz patch for assassins creed origins?
@Ken_Kaniff as if. Internet people can't help but be constantly negative about almost everything.
@BeerIsAwesome There's no legal reason for 50hz. Just pure laziness on Sony's part.
And also, it's not "frames" that people are talking about.
@nessisonett exactly the Japanese versions of ps1 games were always NTSC 60hz so it shouldn't be a surprise. people obviously dont remember what gaming was like back in the ps1 days
north America and japan used NTSC which is 480i 60hz where as alot of Europe and Asia used PAL 625i 50hz.
I can't believe there aren't any new classic games.
I mean it's only the most expensive tier afterall so what's the rush? /s
@__jamiie It's not laziness It's due to the regions games were originally released.
And also it "is" "frames" people are talking about. The issue is Pal frame rates not playing nicely with modern TV refresh rates. NTSC's approx 30fps works well with 60hz whereas Pal 25fps doesn't. 25 into 60 ain't happening. Not smoothly anyway.
@Eldritch It is laziness when there are 60Hz versions available that Sony could have presented instead of the ones they have. They had no reason to not use the best versions of all games but they have. It's laziness and a pure lack of respect for PlayStation fans.
Do you remember the PS Mini? Another poor attempt from Sony to highlight their past.
Its the Wii Virtual Console all over again.
@Ken_Kaniff Well if people would be more PATIENT they wouldnt jump to conclusions. There are so many videos talking about how this service is a HUGE disappointment already, its trash etc etc and they are basing everything off of the limited Asia release, really?
So is this all going to be much a do about nothing?
It would be nice for different territories to have an option to choose if they wanted the PAL/NTSC 50/60fps versions
Unfortunately,much like the limited range of ps1/ps2/psp games offered thus far,as has been pointed out,Sony could take advantage & put potential options up for users to vote on or take feedback,but instead they're staying silent.
Not exactly the best way to generate hype or interest to upgrade tiers!
For some games I’d use PAL, such as JRPGs with turn based combat and lots of narrative, but others, such as ridge racer or tekken or such, I guess the NTSC would be the way to go. Hopefully Sony give us a choice.
I live in PAL region but some PS Classics I have from way back are the American versions. However, the PS Classics Mini console had PAL games even in Japan? This makes no sense. They should offer both versions since some might want to play a German or Italian version. It was uncommon to have American versions with all languages. Personally, I would prefer the American version but I can sort of understand the issue. Stuff sometimes is frustrating. Before the PS2 era text heavy games had translated versions throughout Europe. I am a PAL gamer tha speaks English and I had bought by accident Italian or German versions of games and I can't understand them.
Seriously it is 2022, I thought this regional issues were way over over but here we are again...
The big downside about NTSC is that "Welcome to the party NTSC" makes no sense.
You’re not my pal, ntsc!
I can't believe it's taken an entire generation to finally start giving us basic Ps1 back compat that should've been available at the ps4 launch. And still even after 9 years they are making schoolboy errors with aspect ratios and PAL versions.. Sheesh! Please don't abandon this project Sony! Invest in your legacy and people will believe you care about your history, not just earning a quick buck from lazy ports
Didnt think there was any doubt the japanese service would get the 60Hz japanese versions.
Will be intresting to see what the US market gets but i feel that those in european territories are going to get the slow end of the stick with 50Hz versions.
Can’t see how this will make a difference to what the states gets. What versions did they get with the mini? It’s an easier option for them to offer pal as it covers more languages…which you have to assume is why they opt for it. Charging a premium for it though there’s no excuse that the extra work shouldn’t be done…but, again, what did they get offered with the mini?
@TheIronChimp yes i suspect Europe will get the pal versions and usa will get NTSC just like it was back in the ps1 days
Haha! I have never heard "own goal" used as a way to say something is less than desired. I like that. I'm going to start using that even though, here in the United States, many are unlikely to understand the reference. American footballizing it to "taking a safety" doesn't have the same ring to it.
@BeerIsAwesome it’s likely licensing or publishing agreements or something along those lines.
@Ken_Kaniff well, if people would stop jumping to false conclusions and make assumptions you wouldn’t need to have egg on your face so to speak (or those who participated in the faux outrage).
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@TheCollector316 scoring in your own goal is likely to be understood since hockey is quite popular in North America…
@MarcG420 Please don't speak to me like that. It's condescending and rude.
Licensing deals do not cover what Hz rate a game is displayed at. You have no idea what you're talking about.
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@MarcG420
Was that a hockey reference? I was thinking it was a soccer/football reference. I suppose it works for either, but I am ashamed to say I immediately thought of soccer/football and only soccer/football because this is a UK site.
@TheCollector316 it probably was a soccer reference lol just would work for hockey too.
Lol break out the tissues
Happy to hear this, hopefully USA releases will be the same!
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@PlayStationGamer3919 I'd want to try it out as well except it's all or nothing if you have Plus paid up for a while, which I do. I have it paid for the next 16 months and can't try this unless I sign up for that whole length of time (which I'm probably going to do, but, ain't happy about it).
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