Jak and Daxter: Sony Enhances PS2 Classic with New Emulator
Despite facing initial criticism, Sony’s new emulation technology is proving to enhance several PS2 classics. Recent improvements have been made to beloved titles like Siren and Sly Cooper, with the latest benefiting another fan-favorite PS2 game.
Sony Enhances Jak and Daxter with New Emulator
Sony has recently enhanced one of the genre-defining classics of the PS2 era – Jak and Daxter. The game now boasts improved visuals, breathing new life into Naughty Dog’s iconic 3D platformer.
Feedback from Reddit users on the PS5 subreddit indicates positive reception towards the enhancements made to Jak and Daxter. Many have noted significant improvements in resolution, although there is some debate over whether it reaches native 4K. Nevertheless, players agree that the upgrade is a vast improvement from the original PS5 release.
The new PS2 emulator was introduced to the PS5 in June 2024, albeit with a rocky start. Technical tests conducted by Digital Foundry revealed issues such as poor upscaling, glitches, and unstable performance. Critics pointed out stretched final images and missing music, prompting concerns about the overall quality.
“It feels like Sony simply doesn’t want to spend the time to present its classic titles at their absolute best,” noted Digital Foundry in their analysis.
Despite the initial setbacks, Sony has been quietly working on improving the emulator. By August 2024, players began to notice significant enhancements, and recent analysis by PushSquare confirms a noticeable boost in image quality.
PS Plus Premium subscribers stand to gain the most from these improvements, thanks to the Classic Catalog offering access to PS2 games like Jak and Daxter, Sly Cooper, and Timesplitters at no extra cost. However, these titles are also available for individual purchase, showcasing Sony’s commitment to ensuring all players can enjoy the benefits of this cutting-edge technology.