PlayStation Plus Gains PS1 Classic, Best Addition in Months

PlayStation Plus is gaining a true PS1 classic of yesteryear, and one of the most beloved games of its time.

Back in the 1990s, it was truly a golden age for video gamers with consoles from the likes of SEGA, Nintendo, and the new player in the market, Sony, with its brand-spanking PlayStation.

The PlayStation treated us to so many fantastic franchises such as Tomb Raider, Resident Evil, Silent Hill, Gran Turismo, Crash Bandicoot, and so much more. So many fond memories were created that have lasted a lifetime and for generations to come.

One other series that has created many fond memories for PlayStation gamers is the arcade racer, Ride Racer. I bet veteran fans of that series can hear the main menu announcer and music playing as they read these words.

Ride Racer Is a True PlayStation Classic

Ridge Racer was first released as an arcade game in 1993, before being ported to PlayStation the following year in Japan, and then arriving in Europe and North America in 1995.

Ride Racer was very different to the simulator offering of 1997’s Gran Turismo. It’s old-school racing where players not only aim to finish in first place against other racers, but it’s a race against the checkpoint clock.

The gameplay of Ride Racer was fast, frantic and high octane with an added emphasis on perfectly drifting around a tight bend as you stylishly overtake your opponent. In some ways, Ride Racer kind of reminded me of an evolution of SEGA’s Outrun.

Screenshot of Ridge Racer, Bandai Namco/Sony Interactive Entertainment

It’s been a long time since we’ve had a new game in the series, but if you’re after that Ridge Racer fix, and subscribe to PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium, then the game's upcoming arrival on Sony’s subscription service will no doubt be music to your ears.

Yesterday, Sony announced nine new games coming to PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium, which included the likes of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth and Resident Evil Village. Oh, and of course, Ridge Racer! This classic version of Ridge Racer will be playable on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4.

What’s more, if you had previously purchased Ridge Racer on the PS3, PSP or PS Vita digital stores in the past, you’ll be able to download and play the game at no extra cost. And that’s without a PlayStation Plus subscription.

All of the new additions to PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium will be available on Tuesday, 20 January 2026.