The original PlayStation had a ton of great games, and the PS1 also served as the console that introduced us to franchises like Resident Evil, Crash Bandicoot, and Tomb Raider. Other classics like Gran Turismo and Spyro the Dragon also got their starts on Sony’s first home console. And in the years since, many of these series continue to see new entries release alongside remasters and remakes of the original PS1 games.

However, not all PlayStation 1 games are created equal, and that means a number of beloved franchises have sadly not gotten much attention in recent years. While you might expect some of the more obscure PS1 games out there to never see the light of day again, there are a few that seem unjustly forgotten about. Now, however, it looks like one of those widely-adored (but mostly ignored) series from the ’90s is finally making its way back to PlayStation consoles.

There have been recent rumors that PlayStation is bringing back Ape Escape, even though the series hasn’t gotten much love outside of a couple Astro Bot shoutouts lately. Over on ResetEra, one user decided to reach out to NatetheHate2 about it, to which the prominent insider said, “As I said a while ago, Sony is looking to bring back some dormant franchises.”

That may not be direct confirmation, but it’s certainly not a denial, which has led others in the thread to pose their own questions. According to NatetheHate2, Team Asobi isn’t on the new Ape Escape, which might be surprising considering the studio’s pedigree and that Team Asobi’s successful platformer Astro Bot won Game of the Year in 2024.

Ape Escape is adored by a lot of people who grew up playing games in the ’90s and early ’00s. The original launched on PS1 in 1999, with two sequels on the PS2 and Ape Escape: On the Loose on the PlayStation Portable. However, the main series hasn’t gotten a new game since Ape Escape 3 came out on the PlayStation 2 in 2005, so the series is long overdue.

Despite not having a main game in over 20 years, and no spin-off since the PlayStation Move’s Ape Escape party game on PS3 in 2011, a number of other franchises have featured Ape Escape characters in some form or another. LittleBigPlanet, Astro’s Playroom, Astro Bot, and Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater are just a few of the titles that have shown love to Ape Escape since the franchise’s seeming demise in the early 2000s.

Sony and PlayStation have also recently increased the amount of Ape Escape merchandise out there, particularly in Japan, which could also hint at the series’ return. With Sony looking to bring back classic franchises, and with Ape Escape‘s 30th anniversary quickly approaching, the timing is perfect to bring back this beloved PlayStation franchise.

Brand

Sony

Original Release Date

September 9, 1995

Original MSRP (USD)

$299.99

HDR Support

No

Weight

3.2lb (1.5kg)