Sly Cooper is one of those iconic video game franchises that has maintained a cult following since its debut on the PlayStation 2. With its unique blend of stealth, platforming, and a charming cartoon art style, fans have long hoped to see the series make its way to other platforms. One question that often comes up is: is Sly Cooper on PC? As PC gaming continues to grow in popularity, the demand for classic console exclusives to be ported over has only increased. For fans of the Sly Cooper series and newcomers alike, the availability of the game on PC is a topic of significant interest.
Sly Cooper Series Overview
What is Sly Cooper?
Sly Cooper is a third-person action-adventure platformer series developed initially by Sucker Punch Productions and later by Sanzaru Games. The storyline revolves around Sly Cooper, a master thief raccoon, and his gang of skilled friends, Bentley the turtle and Murray the hippo. The games are known for their engaging mix of stealth-based gameplay, clever puzzles, fluid platforming, and humorous storytelling.
The main games in the series include:
- Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus(2002)
- Sly 2: Band of Thieves(2004)
- Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves(2005)
- Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time(2013)
The franchise was originally a PlayStation exclusive, showcasing the capabilities of Sony’s consoles while offering a unique and light-hearted alternative to darker action games of its era.
Official Availability on PC
Has Sly Cooper Been Released for PC?
As of now, there is no official PC release of any Sly Cooper game. All four mainline games have remained exclusive to the PlayStation family of consoles. Even with the rising trend of PlayStation games being ported to PC such as Horizon Zero Dawn, God of War, and Spider-Man Sly Cooper has yet to receive similar treatment.
This means that if you’re looking to play Sly Cooper on PC through an official, legal channel, you currently won’t find it on Steam, the Epic Games Store, or any other digital PC game storefront. Fans hoping to relive the nostalgia or experience the series for the first time are left to consider other options.
Alternate Ways to Play Sly Cooper on PC
Emulation as an Option
While there is no native PC version, one method that players have turned to is using emulators. Emulation is the process of running software meant for one system on another through a virtual machine. For Sly Cooper, this generally involves using:
- PCSX2: A PlayStation 2 emulator that supports all three of the original trilogy games.
- RPCS3: A PlayStation 3 emulator capable of running Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time and The Sly Collection (a remastered bundle).
It’s important to note that using emulators requires access to legally owned game files and console BIOS data. While the emulation community provides the technical capability, downloading copyrighted files you don’t own is against the law and violates intellectual property rights.
That said, for players who own the original game discs or digital licenses on PlayStation, emulation can be a viable way to play Sly Cooper on PC with higher resolutions and improved performance.
Streaming Services and Remote Play
Another method, though still not a true PC version, is using Sony’s Remote Play or PlayStation Plus cloud streaming. Through these services, you can technically play Sly Cooper on a PC, but it requires:
- A PlayStation console that owns the game (for Remote Play)
- A subscription to PlayStation Plus Premium (for cloud streaming)
- Stable high-speed internet to maintain smooth gameplay
This approach allows PC users to access PlayStation content indirectly, though it’s far from ideal for those hoping for a standalone PC experience with full mouse and keyboard support.
Will Sly Cooper Ever Come to PC?
Possibility of a Future PC Port
In recent years, Sony has shown more openness to releasing former PlayStation exclusives on PC. Titles like Days Gone, Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection, and The Last of Us Part I have made their way to Windows platforms, signaling a shift in strategy for PlayStation Studios.
Given this trend, the possibility of Sly Cooper coming to PC cannot be ruled out completely. However, several factors influence this likelihood:
- Popularity: While beloved, Sly Cooper does not currently have the same commercial weight as God of War or Horizon.
- Development Status: There have been no confirmed announcements regarding a remaster or reboot, though rumors occasionally surface.
- Fan Demand: The more fans voice their interest, the greater the incentive for Sony to consider a PC port.
Until an official announcement is made, players can only hope that the success of other PC ports will encourage Sony to revisit their legacy titles, including Sly Cooper.
Why a PC Release Would Matter
New Audience and Renewed Interest
Releasing Sly Cooper on PC would do more than satisfy nostalgic fans. It would introduce the franchise to an entirely new audience especially younger gamers who may have missed its initial run on PlayStation 2 and 3. A PC version could spark renewed interest in the series and potentially justify a new sequel or a full remaster collection.
PC gaming also allows for enhanced graphics, mod support, and accessibility features that were limited on older hardware. For a series like Sly Cooper that already has a strong visual identity and stylized design, a modern remaster could truly shine on high-end PCs.
Preserving a Gaming Classic
Preservation is another compelling reason. Many iconic games from the early 2000s risk being lost to time due to hardware limitations and lack of digital availability. A PC port ensures that Sly Cooper remains accessible for future generations, especially as physical media and older consoles become harder to find and maintain.
So, is Sly Cooper on PC? The simple answer is no at least not officially. As of now, the only way to experience Sly Cooper on PC is through emulation or streaming via PlayStation services. While these methods offer workarounds, they’re not the ideal solution fans are looking for.
Still, the gaming landscape is evolving. Sony’s willingness to share its iconic franchises with the PC platform opens the door for possibilities. Whether through a remastered collection or an entirely new entry, a PC release of Sly Cooper would be a welcome addition that could breathe new life into a beloved franchise.
Until then, the best approach is to keep supporting the idea, sharing interest, and celebrating the legacy of Sly Cooper in the hopes that one day, it will finally make its way to PC in an official capacity.