The long-awaited PlayStation 5 versions of the original Call of Duty: Black Ops games may finally be getting closer to release.
While Activision has yet to announce an official launch date, recent backend updates have renewed hope that both titles will arrive before the end of July.
The latest activity was spotted by PlayStation Game Size, a source known for tracking PlayStation database changes. According to its findings, both upcoming PS5 ports received new updates, with each title moving to version 1.03. Although the contents of these updates remain unknown, they suggest that development and release preparations are continuing behind the scenes.
🚨 Call of Duty®: Black Ops / Call of Duty®: Black Ops II Update 01.03 Added to Database. https://t.co/bOCaL30Zu6 pic.twitter.com/J53bCC84Zm
— PlayStation Game Size (@PlaystationSize) July 3, 2026
PS5 Database Activity Sparks New Speculation
Database updates are common during the final stages of preparing a game for release. Developers often use these updates to finalize installation packages, address compatibility issues, or prepare digital storefront listings before launch.
In this case, the version 1.03 updates do not reveal any gameplay changes or new features. However, seeing both games updated within a short period has encouraged fans who have been waiting for official confirmation.
Activision has remained silent regarding an exact release date, leaving players to speculate that an announcement could happen at any time during July.
Fans Expected the Games to Join PS Plus
Earlier this month, some players believed the original Black Ops titles might become part of the PlayStation Plus Essential lineup. That expectation was fueled by the lack of confirmed release dates and the growing number of backend updates.
Instead, PlayStation included Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 in the monthly lineup, leaving the upcoming Black Ops ports absent from the subscription service.
While that disappointed some fans, the recent database activity suggests the games are still progressing toward release rather than being delayed.
What Players Can Expect
Unlike a full remaster, these PS5 releases are expected to deliver the original games with modern console compatibility instead of rebuilt visuals or redesigned gameplay.
Players should receive the complete experience, including:
- The full single-player campaign
- Classic multiplayer modes
- The fan-favorite Zombies experience
For many longtime Call of Duty fans, especially those who consider the early Black Ops entries among the franchise’s best, simply having convenient access on PS5 is reason enough to return.
Why Black Ops and Black Ops II Still Stand Out
More than a decade after their original releases, Call of Duty: Black Ops and Call of Duty: Black Ops II continue to rank among the most beloved entries in the franchise. Their lasting appeal comes from a combination of memorable storytelling, fast-paced multiplayer, and a Zombies mode that became a defining feature for millions of players.
The original Black Ops introduced a campaign built around Cold War espionage, memorable characters, and unexpected plot twists that left a lasting impression on players. Black Ops II expanded on that formula with branching story paths and multiple endings, giving players greater control over how the narrative unfolded.
Multiplayer also played a major role in the success of both games. Well-designed maps, rewarding progression systems, and iconic weapons created an experience that many longtime fans still compare favorably to more recent Call of Duty releases. Maps like Nuketown continue to be recognized as some of the most iconic multiplayer arenas in franchise history.
Zombies became another major reason for the series’ enduring popularity. Whether playing solo or teaming up with friends, players spent countless hours surviving endless waves, discovering hidden Easter eggs, and mastering maps that remain fan favorites years later.
Could the PS5 Ports Bring Multiplayer Back to Life?
One of the biggest questions surrounding these PS5 ports is whether they can breathe new life into the multiplayer community.
A release on modern hardware could encourage thousands of returning players to revisit classic multiplayer modes. Many fans no longer own a PlayStation 3, making the PS5 versions the most convenient way to experience these games again.
A larger player population would also improve matchmaking during the early launch period, making it easier to find online matches across multiple game modes. For players who have missed the faster-paced gameplay of the original Black Ops era, the new ports could offer a welcome return.
However, the long-term health of the multiplayer community will depend on several factors. Stable online servers, effective anti-cheat protection, and continued player interest will all play important roles in determining whether the renewed excitement lasts beyond launch.
Even if multiplayer activity eventually slows down, many players are expected to return simply to replay the campaigns and revisit classic Zombies maps with friends. For longtime Call of Duty fans, nostalgia alone could make these PS5 ports worth picking up.
Pricing Could Be the Biggest Drawback
One concern surrounding the upcoming releases is pricing.
If the games launch as standalone digital purchases, players may need to buy each title separately. That could make collecting both games significantly more expensive than many fans had hoped, particularly since these are legacy releases rather than newly developed entries.
Until Activision confirms pricing details, buyers should wait before making assumptions about the final cost.
Community Excitement Remains High
Despite the lack of official announcements, excitement surrounding the PS5 ports continues to grow across social media and gaming communities.
Many longtime players appear just as excited about revisiting the original Black Ops experience as they are about the next major Call of Duty release expected later this year. That level of enthusiasm highlights the lasting reputation of these games and the strong nostalgia they continue to generate.
The combination of memorable campaigns, competitive multiplayer, and one of the franchise’s most celebrated Zombies experiences has helped keep both titles relevant long after their original releases.
Waiting for an Official Announcement
At this point, the version 1.03 updates are another encouraging sign that the PS5 ports remain on schedule for a July release. However, no official launch date has been confirmed, and Activision has not shared additional details regarding pricing, technical enhancements, or release timing.
Until more information becomes available, fans will need to wait for an official announcement. If the recent backend updates are any indication, though, the return of two of the franchise’s most beloved titles could be just around the corner.
