Editorial: Why PS Plus Premium’s Ridge Racer Leak is a Massive Missed Opportunity
The Bottom Line: Leaks for January 2026’s PS Plus Premium lineup suggest the inclusion of the original PlayStation port of Ridge Racer. While we always welcome 32-bit nostalgia, this specific choice is baffling given that an arcade-perfect version already exists on the storefront via the Arcade Archives series. For subscribers, this means a technically inferior experience that prioritizes "home console content" over the blistering performance the franchise is known for.
The Technical Trade-off: Arcade vs. Console
Our analysis of this leak highlights a recurring issue with Sony’s "Classics" strategy. Back in 1994, the PS1 port of Ridge Racer was a technical marvel that helped Sony win the console war against the Sega Saturn. Today, however, it’s a tough sell. Unlike the buttery-smooth 60fps found on the original System 22 arcade hardware, this PS1 version is locked to a sluggish 30fps on NTSC—and a borderline unplayable 25fps for our PAL readers.
Compare the two versions below to see why we're skeptical of this "Premium" addition:
| Feature | PS1 Port (Leaked) | Arcade Archives (Available Now) |
|---|---|---|
| Frame Rate | 30fps (NTSC) / 25fps (PAL) | 60fps (Rock Solid) |
| Visual Fidelity | Downsampled textures, lower poly-count | Arcade-perfect System 22 rendering |
| Exclusive Content | Galaxian minigame & 8 unlockable cars | Pure arcade experience |
| Trophy Support | Likely None (Bandai Namco standard) | Standard Arcade Archive high-score trophies |
Why Not Revolution or Rage Racer?
If Sony and Bandai Namco wanted to pad the PS Plus Premium tier, the original Ridge Racer is the least efficient way to do it. We believe the move to include this port instead of Ridge Racer Revolution or the fan-favorite Rage Racer is a significant QoL oversight.
- Ridge Racer Revolution: Offers more tracks and refined handling while maintaining the same engine.
- Rage Racer: A total shift in art style and career progression that would actually offer "Information Gain" for modern players who missed the PS1 era.
- Trophy Drought: We’ve seen a pattern with Bandai Namco’s emulated titles (like Tekken 2 or Mr. Driller). They almost never include Trophy support. Expecting Platinum hunters to care about a 30fps racer with no digital rewards is a stretch.
The "Bandai Namco" Problem
The consequence of this rollout is clear: Sony is prioritizing "brand recognition" over the actual quality of the emulation. While the Galaxian loading screen minigame is a legendary piece of gaming history, it doesn't compensate for the dropped frames and shimmering textures that plagued the 32-bit era.
We’ve seen this before with the glacial rollout of the Classics catalog. Instead of giving us the definitive versions of these hits, we're getting the compromises. If you’re a purist, you’re better off sticking with the Hamster Arcade Archives version for a few bucks rather than waiting for this to hit the sub service. It’s a niche addition that feels redundant before it even launches.
Final Verdict: We’re crossing our fingers that the remaining five leaked titles for January 2026 offer more meat on the bone. As it stands, Ridge Racer PS1 is a "nice to have" for collectors, but a "hard pass" for anyone who actually values performance and gameplay fluidity.