Get # Nostalgic Bliss Meets Next-Gen: PlayStation's Grand Fusion of PS2 Classics and PSVR 2 Games

PlayStation is preparing for its anticipated Days of Play festival, which will feature some of the most exciting games coming soon to PlayStation VR 2 (PSVR 2) – the next generation of PlayStation virtual reality, set to launch in February 2023 – and will also enhance the PlayStation Plus Premium access to PS2 classics (and games from earlier consoles) to current subscribers. When it comes to making gadgets and games digitally obsolete faster than any other industry (short of cellphones), few competitors can rival the sheer pace of innovation churned out by the video games industry. It is a tough gig running a digital company. It demands a constant flow of new ideas, innovative products, and upgrades. What’s old is often made new, albeit with just enough time to dust off the intellectual property rights, install a new avatar or two, and reboot. That’s PlayStation’s unique selling proposition in the current age of polymorphic technological innovation and incessantly changing games.

Bringing Back the Classics: PS2 Enters the Premium Arena

In particular, the word ‘PS2 classic’ is practically a bullseye for triggering your nostalgia circuitry. From 11 June, Sony is launching a new PS2 classics section, available exclusively to subscribers of PlayStation Plus Premium. The games will be retro-streamed on demand by Plus Premium members, and the launch lineup currently includes a trio of heavy-hitters: Tomb Raider Legend, Star Wars: The Clone Wars and the first Sly Cooper. Sony’s move isn’t about harkening back to the glory days of PS2. It’s about celebrating the lasting appeal of those PS2 classics.

But then, it’s also the first time these legendary games are entering the modern gaming era. And the first step, in what I assume will be many, many more, down a road towards complete ‘PS2 classics’ domination, is being made with great potential for the future. And much hoped for. It would be wonderful if they added Ridge Racer 5 and Dynasty Warriors 3, and the prayers of thousands for Titan Souls to return would be answered. The PS2 classics catalog would then permanently have a place on the Sony Entertainment Network, and would act not only as a testament to the heritage of the platform, but also to Sony making sure its fans’ classics continue to kick-ass 17 years later.

A Leap Into the Future: PSVR 2 Takes Center Stage

PlayStation is excited to make this a reality as PSVR 2 ushers in high-definition virtual reality that launches on 22 February. To celebrate this momentous occasion, Days of Play is releasing five PSVR 2 games that are available now to all PS Plus Premium members at no extra cost (from 6 June). Their line-up of titles include Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord, Walkabout Mini Golf, Synth Riders, Before Your Eyes, and the award-winning adventure horror The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners – Chapters 1 & 2 (2020). This assortment of titles offers a diverse range of virtual reality experiences that will make you feel like you are wearing a cyberpunk space helmet. However, to take this plunge into the virtual reality world, the one requirement is to own a PSVR 2 headset, which means you literally can’t miss it.

The Price of Premium: A Worthwhile Investment?

Given that PlayStation Plus Premium sits as the most expensive tier in Sony’s subscription service offerings, offering up a handful of classic PS2 games and PSVR 2 titles feels like a calculated move to bolster the service’s worth. Retailing at $17.99 / £13.49 per month, or $159.99 / £119.99 annually, it’s a premium gaming experience, though one that, with these exciting new additions, is starting to feel increasingly justified.

PlayStation Hardware Deals on the Horizon

It’s not just software sales, though – PlayStation is also getting into the action with its Days of Play, which will bring discounts on PlayStation hardware. If you’re ready or willing to upgrade your console and peripherals setup, or if you’ve simply been thinking of entering the PlayStation fold, keeping an ear to the ground in case of steep discounts on hardware may be worthwhile.

PS2: A Legacy Unforgotten

But when we look back at the PS2 and the impact its remnants are having on today’s market, there’s a clear reason why its legacy has continued. When it launched back in 2000, the PS2 was the first PlayStation console to bring graphic detail to a whole new level, an ever-expanding library of games, and was one of the first to offer DVD playback for its customers. It was the console that forged a generation of gamers, and it’s the PS2 that sits amongst the first consoles ever to become a bestseller in history. This longevity and relevance wouldn’t be possible without the impact the system has had on the gaming industry and culture at large. The fact that the PS2 is making a comeback of sorts via the PS Plus service speaks to its continuing importance to today’s gamers.

To conclude, the Days of Play event from PlayStation is creating the perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation, something for every type of gamer. Not only are they revitalising the PS2 classics but they love giving us a peek into the future of gaming with the PSVR 2 games. The PlayStation stays on top of their game and continues to supply entertainment whether it’s a reboot or a brand new adventure, they want you to go on a journey with them. The PlayStation family are eagerly awaiting the start of the days of Play. If you want to see what’s going to be showcased, visit the Days of Play event on the Play Station website in May. They are promising Days of Play filled with exploring, adventure and some nostalgia of course!