PlayStation 2 fans rejoice it’s finally happening – Sony has confirmed they are actively working on PS2 emulation for the current-gen PS4; essentially meaning that all your old favorites will soon be compatible on the newer console.
The development was first rumored back when Sony revealed that the Darth Vader PlayStation 4 bundle would include three PS2-era Star Wars games – with many believing that they would be specially adapted for the PS4.
Speaking to Wired magazine, Sony have now officially confirmed the news:
“We are working on utilizing PS2 emulation technology to bring PS2 games forward to the current generation. We have nothing further to comment at this point in time.”
Sony has since confirmed the development, and said in a statement: ‘We are working on utilizing PS2 emulation technology to bring PS2 games forward to the current generation.’
They made the bold claim after testing out Star Wars: Racer Revenge, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter and Star Wars: Jedi Star fighter – and realizing that the console was simulating a PS2 memory card, a feature that developers wouldn’t be able to incorporate.
The PlayStation 2 was one of Sony’s most popular gaming platforms and had thousands of games released for it worldwide, including many classics like the original God of War, Gran Turismo 3, and Final Fantasy X among others. If Sony can get these games running on an emulator on PS4, it can sell them all over again and boost the PS4’s library significantly.
However, it’s perhaps worth noting that it won’t just be a case of dusting off old PS2 discs from the attic – as the games are only expected to be available from the PlayStation store.