Activision is bringing Call of Duty Black Ops and Black Ops 2 to PlayStation 5 as standalone ports, each priced at $40. The ports launch this July and deliver the full single-player campaigns alongside multiplayer and Zombies modes from the original PS3 releases.
The catch: neither port includes downloadable content. Players won't access the map packs, character skins, or weapon variants that shipped separately during the original games' lifespans. This matters because Black Ops 2 particularly benefited from its DLC ecosystem, which extended the multiplayer experience considerably.
Both games arrive with enhanced visuals optimized for PS5 hardware, though Activision hasn't detailed specific graphical upgrades or frame rate targets. The ports appear designed to capture nostalgia from longtime Call of Duty fans rather than attract new players, given the $40 price tag per title.
This move signals Activision's interest in monetizing legacy IP on current-generation hardware. Black Ops and Black Ops 2 remain fan favorites within the franchise, particularly Black Ops 2, which many players consider the series' creative peak. By porting these classics without DLC, Activision avoids licensing complications and ongoing content obligations while charging premium prices.
The timing aligns with Call of Duty's franchise fatigue among some players, where Warzone resets and annual releases have worn down engagement. Offering beloved legacy titles provides an alternative for players seeking proven experiences. However, charging $40 per port without DLC inclusion draws criticism given that these games launched over a decade ago and originally cost $60.
Success depends on whether nostalgia and enhanced graphics justify the price for PS5 owners who already played these games. Players seeking the complete original experience, including DLC maps and cosmetics, won't find them here. Activision's strategy essentially