In an exciting move for retro gaming fans, Sony is rolling out a new, enhanced emulator to bring PlayStation 2 classics to the PS5 and PS4 with a host of modern improvements. The first title to benefit from this upgrade is Star Wars: The Clone Wars, slated for release on June 11th as part of the PlayStation Plus Premium catalog.
The new emulator promises a significant leap in quality over previous PS2 emulation efforts on PlayStation consoles. Key features include uprendering to higher resolutions, rewind functionality for frustrating sections, quick save capabilities, and custom video filters. These enhancements aim to provide a smoother, more user-friendly experience when revisiting beloved PS2 gems.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars, the 2002 action title from Pandemic Studios, will be the first game to showcase these improvements on PS5 and PS4. According to the PlayStation Store listing, the emulated version will offer “up-rendering, rewind, quick save, and custom video filters” along with online features requiring a PlayStation Network account.
While initially only Star Wars: The Clone Wars has been confirmed, Sony is expected to tap into its vast PS2 library and bring more classics to modern consoles leveraging the new emulator’s capabilities. Fans are hopeful that cult favorites like Bully, Twisted Metal Black, and the Ape Escape series could be next in line for a high-definition refresh.
Sony’s previous attempt at PS2 emulation on the PS4 was met with criticism for poor performance and a lack of enhancements. This revamped effort appears to be a course correction, aimed at delivering an authentic retro gaming experience with modern quality-of-life improvements.
As the gaming community eagerly awaits more details, the arrival of Star Wars: The Clone Wars on June 11th will serve as a promising first look at Sony’s renewed commitment to preserving its iconic PlayStation 2 catalog for modern platforms. With rewind, upscaling, and other enhancements in tow, these classic titles could find new life on the PS5 and PS4.
