PSX Game Discs vs. PSOne (PSN) Classics??

[game_fanatic]

Hey guys; quite the dilemma here. I'm starting to get back into collecting older-gen games, such as the PSX, but I'm torn between actually buying the game discs, or waiting for the games to be released on the PSN network. On the one hand, I would physically have the discs to show off and whatnot, but alternatively, the PSN downloads would be cheaper (even moreso if I gameshared) and they'd be available right at my fingertips, without fumbling for discs. What would you guys do??

Also, I asked this question on RFD, but I figured I'd ask it here too; Does anyone know of the PSOne classics on the Japan PSN can be played with english subtitles or voiceovers? Thanks!

[handsome_rakshas]

Hey guys; quite the dilemma here. I'm starting to get back into collecting older-gen games, such as the PSX, but I'm torn between actually buying the game discs, or waiting for the games to be released on the PSN network. On the one hand, I would physically have the discs to show off and whatnot, but alternatively, the PSN downloads would be cheaper (even moreso if I gameshared) and they'd be available right at my fingertips, without fumbling for discs. What would you guys do??

Also, I asked this question on RFD, but I figured I'd ask it here too; Does anyone know of the PSOne classics on the Japan PSN can be played with english subtitles or voiceovers? Thanks!

I'd imagine only if the original games had the option or not.

[ragnar14]

Buy the real original games.

Certainly PSN games are cheaper for the highly sought out titles, but many games actually aren't cheaper. The eBay value on PSN released games drops off considerably. Also getting something that's digital doesn't provide a better value. The depreciation on a PSN download is 100% the instant you buy it. A old copy of Final Fantasy 7 will always be worth something. Convenience of digital copys? No reason you can't have that with the real thing. Rip yourself an iso and you can make eboot's to play on a PSP, or hook your PC up to your TV and play them on that.

[poiuiu]

I recently bought the original Rayman for PSX for 3 bucks and in the same condition as the download; game only, no box or manual. Take that and smoke it, Sony. :p

And there's no fumbling around discs if you actually take care of them and put them where they should be, ie where you keep the rest of your movies, cds and other media.

[game_fanatic]

Normally I'd agree with you poiuiu, but I have quuuite a few games floating around (over 200 across the PSX/PS2/PS3/Xbox/Xbox 360/N64/PSP/GameCube and GBA; If I had an inconspicuous way to store all my games, without having 3-4 bookshelves scattered across my basement, I would go for the discs hands-down; since space is starting to get limited, I may have to make some sacrifices. I mean, buying FFVII right now on disc is, what, $50? Gamesharing on PSN? $3, max. Hard to justify the extra cheddar for just a disc, manual, case and artwork. The latter of two that can be acquired through other means.

[Mako1215]

I prefer the actually game and disc. I like having the game and case and artwork to have. Plus no need to keep the same user id and all that junk.

[poiuiu]

Normally I'd agree with you poiuiu, but I have quuuite a few games floating around (over 200 across the PSX/PS2/PS3/Xbox/Xbox 360/N64/PSP/GameCube and GBA; If I had an inconspicuous way to store all my games, without having 3-4 bookshelves scattered across my basement, I would go for the discs hands-down; since space is starting to get limited, I may have to make some sacrifices. I mean, buying FFVII right now on disc is, what, $50? Gamesharing on PSN? $3, max. Hard to justify the extra cheddar for just a disc, manual, case and artwork. The latter of two that can be acquired through other means.

You have a library now; congratulations and I know your feeling. Two IKEA shelves are not enough for the damn things and I have all my carts packed away. But short of the exception (that being games like FF7 which is stupid expensive even tho there are 3 million plus copies floating around in NA alone) disc is always the way to go. After all, who knows when the hell will Sony et all (with the big exception being Valve with Steam probably) will feel like being dicks and pushing the big red button that arbitrarily makes all your legacy game downloads obsolete forcing you to buy them again. At least if you have the disc, so as long as it's pristine, there will always be a way to run them, one way or another.

[game_fanatic]

Actually you make a great point poiuiu; who knows what's going to happen to those PSN downloads once my PS3 craps the bed, or my HD gets erased, or some catastrophic event that erases all my data. I guess discs are the way to go, and I think I might just use extra closet space/under-the-couch storage, or even a simple ikea bedroom dresser to deal with my storage problems heh.

[poiuiu]

You'd be surprised how much milage you can get out of a closet just by adding an extra shelf or two inside.

[game_fanatic]

This is indeed true! But yet another question arises; is it worth buying the original PSX game, or a re-make released on the PSP? A prime example for me is Valkyrie Profile; purchasing the PSX version can cost upwards of $80 or so for a complete package, or I could just buy Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth, which is simply a remake of the original...any pitfalls to buying the PSP version and saving myself upwards of $50 or so?

[poiuiu]

80 bucks for PSX VP is CHEAP; the game averages about, iirc, over 100 bucks and up to 200 depending on how mint and pristine it is. And why is it so expensive?

The PSX version of the game actually had improvements over the JPN version, namely a streamlined interface, better menu system overall, and better loading. The PSP port, done by TOSE, was a direct localisation of the JPN PSP version so it doesn't have the english VP menu and interface streamlining. In addition, both PSP versions have blurrier backgrounds since they were blown up to fit the PSP screen rather than them being redrawn. In addition the usual slowdown and overall lack of polish found in the english PSX VP. Everyone I know who owned both versions (including my wife) much prefers the original PSX version.

HOWEVER, the PSP version using custom firmware makes it much more bearable. It removes the slowdown (because you can force the game to 333mhz), loading (since it's running from your memory stick) which are the most glaring issues. Unfortunately, I can't tell you how to get CFW on your PSP.

I suggest getting the PSP version even if you don't have CFW, because while the PSX version is superior, it isn't 100$ more superior. :P

[game_fanatic]

Well as it stands I can get the PSX VP for $78.50USD shipped, or I could get the PSP version for around $40CDN, give or take. About $45 difference, but as it stands I don't have CFW on my PSP, nor do I plan on getting CFW; still go for the PSx version, or opt for the PSP version? If I were a dedicated gamer I'd just get both haha.

[poiuiu]

If you know someone in the US, and they happen to have a BB that by some miracle have VP PSP, it'll be 10 US; but it's highly doubtful.

But for the time being, in terms of holding value, the PSX version will probably maintain it for years to come (quality pending), while the port-up will only get you msrp for the second hand market if at that years down the line.

[ragnar14]

After all, who knows when the hell will Sony et all (with the big exception being Valve with Steam probably) will feel like being dicks and pushing the big red button that arbitrarily makes all your legacy game downloads obsolete forcing you to buy them again. At least if you have the disc, so as long as it's pristine, there will always be a way to run them, one way or another.

It should be mentioned that CD's/carts don't last forever. CD lifespans are supposed to at least be in the 25+ year range before they rot. But I'd be pretty shocked if Sony's current distribution system stays up as is for another 10 years (without booting content or whatever).

I'm going to kill myself when my 500+ PSX games start dieing... :cold:

[game_fanatic]

Well you've convinced me! PSX version it is! I got a bunch of PSX games on request on Goozex, gotta build the collection sooner rather than later!

[game_fanatic]

It should be mentioned that CD's/carts don't last forever. CD lifespans are supposed to at least be in the 25+ year range before they rot. But I'd be pretty shocked if Sony's current distribution system stays up as is for another 10 years (without booting content or whatever).

I'm going to kill myself when my 500+ PSX games start dieing... :cold:

jesussss 500++? I have like 15 max haha....trying to get all those rare RPG's (Valkyrie, Lunar, Vagrant Story, FF's, etc.)

[WillGabriel]

The ability to load PSOne Classics to a memory stick and play them on a PSP makes this an easy answer for me. Then again, it may just be that I prefer portable gaming more than the average bear.

[ragnar14]

The ability to load PSOne Classics to a memory stick and play them on a PSP makes this an easy answer for me. Then again, it may just be that I prefer portable gaming more than the average bear.

Are you talking about PSN downloads? Cause as I mentioned up a ways, that's feature you can do with real discs :bouncy: Well, assuming you have CFW on your PSP.

[poiuiu]

It should be mentioned that CD's/carts don't last forever. CD lifespans are supposed to at least be in the 25+ year range before they rot. But I'd be pretty shocked if Sony's current distribution system stays up as is for another 10 years (without booting content or whatever).

I'm going to kill myself when my 500+ PSX games start dieing... :cold:
Oh, I know about disc rot, but in the least, modern day pressed discs won't be as susceptible to disc rot as the original pressed discs over a decade ago.

However, disc rot is determined by nature while Sony download life spans are determined by HDD life and, more so, a Sony CEO; I'll take my chances with disc rot in this situation. :p

After wards ... well, hope you made back ups of all your games (assuming we're still alive after the end of 2012 :P ).

The ability to load PSOne Classics to a memory stick and play them on a PSP makes this an easy answer for me. Then again, it may just be that I prefer portable gaming more than the average bear.

In a perfect world, since the PS3 also reads CDs by default, gamers would be given the option to rip all of their legacy PSX discs via the PS3 and load them onto the PS3 hdd. However, since Sony is a business (ie dicks), that'll never happen.

[game_fanatic]

In a perfect world, since the PS3 also reads CDs by default, gamers would be given the option to rip all of their legacy PSX discs via the PS3 and load them onto the PS3 hdd. However, since Sony is a business (ie dicks), that'll never happen.

If that happened I would die one happy gamer. Great selling point for Sony. "Can't play your PSX/PS2 discs? Rip to the HD and play them from there! 3 systems in one!"

[poiuiu]

"It only does everything except play your PS2 discs and rip your PSX discs."

[ass-assassin]

I would download them personally. It's more convenient, often cheaper for the more popular games and you can play them on PSP as well. Also, no need to worry about scratched discs, broken cases, ripped manuals, etc...

Often times I'm tempted to redownload some of my favorites just for the convenience of having them on my PS3 HDD.