In the distant past of gaming, in a time before analogue sticks protruded prominently from our game controllers there existed a console that took the world by storm, the PlayStation. Today Sony has resurrected this gaming legend and gaven the world the PlayStation Classic, simultaneously giving the retro gaming world a huge shot in the arm.

Here at Highpants we put down our cold hard cash for our very own gaming time machine. After powering up the reborn PSX we can without a doubt say this is our favourite retro console so far. The retro SNES, C64 and MegaDrive have nothing on this mini PSX. The interface is reminiscent of the original PSX, with the games displayed in a carosel. The Classic has replaced the old memory cards with virtual memory cards that let you save more frequently and let you jump out of a game and save anytime.

Having only 20 games built into the classic obviously limits the ability for it to help relive every gaming memory but there is something in there for everyone. Our highlights so far include Rayman with its cartoon cute platformer graphics, Ridge Racer Type 4 keeps the adrenalin flowing and Tekken 3 will undoubtedly bring on a fighting championship at work at some stage.  Also keep in mind that the creativity of those that love retro gamin shouldn’t be underestimated and this creativity will eventually spawn a way to load other games onto this shrunken wonder.

Sony has wisely made the new controllers exact replica’s of the PSX controllers, but they are now USB.  Two controllers are included in the box along with a HDMI cable and USB power cable but there is no USB power adapter.

Of all the retro consoles released the PlayStation Classic has by far the best graphics which translates well to today’s flat panels TV’s. This really is down to the power of the original PSX, a console that was ahead of its time. Now the only thing left to do is get comfortable and prepare to travel back to a time when phones were plugged into walls and the closest thing to social media was getting a signed photograph from someone famous.

The full game list includes:

• Battle Arena Toshinden
• Cool Boarders 2
• Destruction Derby
• Final Fantasy VII
• Grand Theft Auto
• Intelligent Qube
• Jumping Flash!
• Metal Gear Solid
• Mr Driller
  Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee
• Rayman
• Resident Evil Directors Cut
• Revelations: Persona
• R4 Ridge Racer Type 4
• Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo
• Syphon Filter
• Tekken 3
• Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six
• Twisted Metal
• Wild Arms