What Went Wrong With The PlayStation Classic?

Remember Retro Mini-Consoles? Pocket-sized replicas of our favourite video-game consoles like the NES, SNES, and Sega Genesis and/or Mega Drive, complete with all the hits. And of course, the PlayStation Classic was...also there. Barely. With one of the biggest library of hits, set in a beloved era of gaming history, it seemed like the PS Classic couldn't fail, and yet it did... but how? What exactly went wrong with the PlayStation Classic? LET'S FIND OUT!

This video is dedicated to the late Philip J Reed, the writer of this script and a dear friend of the channel. We hope the video has paid justice to Philip's impeccable writing and passion for video game history.

Script: Philip J Reed

#PlayStationClassic #SonyPlayStation #WhatWentWrong

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[IronicTonic]

I picked one up when they were on fire sale for $20. At $100 it was crap, but at $20 it was a deal. Immediately modded it, fixed all of the issues and loaded a bunch more games including emulators to run other systems. For $20 and a little bit of my time it became an awesome little retro console.

[matthewmartin]

The biggest shocker to me was the absence of Crash Bandicoot on this system. I mean, not just because it's a great game, which showcased some of what the hardware could w/things like vertical platforming in these great looking semi 3D rendered environments...but because Crash was there (I believe) from the beginning. Wasn't he the PS mascot in the early days? It's like Nintendo or Sega not including Mario or Sonic, respectively.

[CarthagoMike]

It is saddening to hear this is Reeds final script, but it certainly is his magnum opus.
Excellent writing and presentation. May he rest in peace.

[Lagbeard]

The main things I remember hearing about with the PS1 Classic were the selection of games being kind of underwhelming and the emulation running somewhat poorly at times.

[RuruFIN]

Before even watching the video, I'd say:
-mixing PAL and NTSC games
-having the original non-analog controllers
-...which have damn short wires

[amirsaidi]

Do this kind of videos more often please, it's awesome!

[VexAcer]

The part of the PS1 casting a wide net is so true. You'd need like 50-100 games to do the library justice and even then you'll still be missing some core titles.

So is the part about Sony franchises just not lasting to the modern day like with Nintendo. I grew up with Jak & Daxter, Sly Cooper, and Ape Escape and unfortunately it's not like they're getting new games anymore lol

[kongyiu]

FF7, FF8, Marvel va Capcom 2 and Gran Turismo 2 were the games for me. I have fond memories of the PS1. The 3D graphics didn’t age well, but many games are still enjoyable today.

[techwiz]

You nailed it with Nintendo’s investment in nostalgia. I wasn’t alive when the NES came out and a toddler when the SNES came out, but still have fond memories of many NES and SNES games. I never owned a PS1 and have no knowledge or affinity for it

[acebandit]

This HAS to be a new series! I'm loving it!

[keithcallahan]

The first three Spyro games where absolutely spectacular! And took you on one hell of an adventure! What a huge blow not having those!

[ericjohnson]

I was an avid Playstation 1 gamer, with receiving my Dual Shock console for Christmas of 1998. Throughout the 5th gen of gaming, I only owned and vehemently defended the Playstations greatness, also enjoying many PS1 exclusive titles like Crash Bandicoot, Gran Turismo, Medal of Honor and the first three Spyro games. However, deep down inside I was always a little jealous of my N64 owning friends. Deep down I knew that while the N64 catalogue was much smaller, the titles were just as good if not better. Four controller split screen vs two was also a major advantage in an era when people played split screen together.

Now twenty years later, I also own an N64 and find myself playing the N64 alot more. Playstation's library of games have not held up in the replay value and timelessness that the Nintendo offerings have. Not to mention the fact that games like Mario Kart, Goldeneye, Smash Bros and Mario Party are great fun nowadays to play for old times sake when old friends get together. I dont know anyone who wants to play any Playstation titles in that same manner.

[londonsushi]

Tbh I think the ps mini did emulate the experience of owning a ps one back in the day - your collection of games probably had a hand full of great AAA games, Maybe a couple of hidden gems, and then a pile of oddball bargain bin games that you pulled out when you were really bored. Mixed bag overall as opposed to a proper collection of knockout hits

[bobsiddoway]

I still own my launch PS1!!! Still play it occasionally, still rad.

[LostBoy]

I would've absolutely bought this for a hundred bucks if I could choose the 20 games, I think providing choice to the players would've massively helped, that way we ALL would get our childhood in the mail

[ghost_cat_enthusiast]

I got one on sale just before the lockdowns. First time I owned a Sony gaming product and played Metal Gear Solid and Resident Evil (ascendant and exceptional gaming experiences); even though the game selection is shoddy compared to how many great titles were on the OG PSX that I used to play with friends, I appreciate that this rerelease let me enjoy those games for the first time, and it quelled a lot of the boredom I would have otherwise have dealt with. Also I had loads of fun with Ridge Racer 4

[Yomeidient]

I picked one up for like 60 on Amazon, and then got some of those true blue mini sticks...it was working great and took me back to 1999

[MrBeardsley]

The fifth generation was indeed rough for the first few years. Often what determined whether or not I liked a PS1 game was how well I jived with the controls and camera.

[gimpygamer]

This is very well done would love to see this become a series this was obviously well researched and was given a lot of thought good work guys!

[InfectiousGroovePodcast]

I never stopped to think about the lack of nostalgia for it. I knew about the other issues (lack of marquee titles, PAL issues) but I never once stopped to think about how people wouldn't be nostalgic for it from the start.