Backwards Compatibility Returns To 40GB PS3 This October?

[JPB]

PSXextreme

Rumor ahoy! We keep talking about the upcoming firmware update 2.40 for the PlayStation 3, hoping it will include the much anticipated in-game XMB and Trophies, but here's another future firmware possibility.

As most of you know, backwards compatibility has been slowly draining away from the PS3. The original 60GB model offered nigh-on full b/c for both PS1 and PS2 software, but the 80GB machine that showed up less than a year later offered PS1 b/c and only partial PS2 software emulation. The latest model, the 40GB, supports PS1 software but no PS2 software. Depending on your library, this may or may not be a problem for you, but either way, backwards compatibility may be returning. According to German game site InPlayStation, an October firmware update for the PS3 will bring full b/c for PS2 games. Now, Sony has said they plan to make PS2 games downloadable on the Network at some point, so perhaps this is a very plausible rumor.

However, October is a ways off, and it's unlikely that Sony will confirm this so soon. This won't stop us from contacting them about this rumor, though, and we'll let you know if they respond with anything besides the customary "no comment."

 

[I4AT]

A firmware update can't bring "full BC" for PS2 games, it's guaranteed to be software emulation, but I suppose that's better than no BC at all. Putting the hardware back in would be the most desirable solution, it couldn't possibly be saving them a worthwhile amount of money to cut it out.

There are several Xbox 360 games on the BC list that are littered with slowdown that makes the games unplayable, emulation really is a crappy alternative.

 

[Childs]

Emulation of PS2 games on PS3 should be easier than Xbox on 360 because Sony owns the IP for the PS2. MS doesnt own the GPU in the Xbox 1 IIRC. I doubt it would come out this year, as this is probably the last significant holiday season for the PS2. This feature would make sense when PS2 isnt sold anymore. I would think they would charge for it to still get PS2 revenue that will be missing, or a system update component for when they sell PS2 games via PSN.

And even though I have a 60GB model, I havent tried a PS2 game since I first bought it when there weren't too many decent PS3 games out. Even with upscaling its hard to go back to PS2 games. Since you can still buy a PS2 or, as most people interested in this already have a PS2, it doesnt make sense to make BC a priority. Releasing 2.4 and Home would be a better use of their time.

 

[mlm]

Somebody on NeoGAF said that he knows people who are working on title-specific compatibility.

 

[RandomFool]

Originally posted by: Childs
Emulation of PS2 games on PS3 should be easier than Xbox on 360 because Sony owns the IP for the PS2. MS doesnt own the GPU in the Xbox 1 IIRC. I doubt it would come out this year, as this is probably the last significant holiday season for the PS2. This feature would make sense when PS2 isnt sold anymore. I would think they would charge for it to still get PS2 revenue that will be missing, or a system update component for when they sell PS2 games via PSN.

And even though I have a 60GB model, I havent tried a PS2 game since I first bought it when there weren't too many decent PS3 games out. Even with upscaling its hard to go back to PS2 games. Since you can still buy a PS2 or, as most people interested in this already have a PS2, it doesnt make sense to make BC a priority. Releasing 2.4 and Home would be a better use of their time.

I have to disagree. BC is a huge selling point that I don't know why they even removed in the first place. I know they wanted to push the PS3 game sales but the addition and removal of BC has just made buying a PS3 that much more confusing. They should have just left the EE chip in there, taken the extra loss on the chin and marketed the PS3 as having the largest collection of playable games of all the consoles. I've got limited room for consoles and if buying a PS3 means I can box up my PS2 then that's a win for me.

 

[Childs]

PS2s make money when they sell, PS3s dont. I dont think someone looking to buy a PS2 is going to buy a PS3. But a person buying a PS3 would be more likely to buy a PS2 if they want that ability. I bought mine thinking the PS2 BC would come in handy with all the cheap PS2 games, but that doesnt even matter now. I would rather have bought the 40GB and saved some $$. Everyone I know IRL who has a PS3 (6 or so) bought either the 20GB or 60GB for BC. None use it. They had PS2s and games. Going back to PS2 games is hard when you've played PS3 games. BC is mainly psychological.

Of course, I didnt have a PS2 before getting a PS3. Maybe its something that 20/60GBers really use. I just hope this isnt coming at the expense of something else thats relevant to the current customer base. Heck, Getaway and 8 Days was cancelled to reallocate resources. Home keeps getting delayed. BC is should be low on their list of priority.

 

[mxyzptlk]

I didn't know that my 40GB ps3 didn't have BC until after I got it, and I have to admit i was a bit disappointed at the time but after a while it really didn't matter. Only every once in a while do I glance at the stack of 20 or so PS2 games in my closet and think of playing any of them.

Mario Kart on the Wii keeps me more than occupied for the time


I would appreciate BC for my 40gb, but I'm not losing sleep over it. More/Better ps3 games please.

 

[Jules]

Not gonna happen.

 

[CKDragon]

I won't be buying a PS3 without BC capability, that's for darn sure.

 

[Indolent]

Originally posted by: mlm
Somebody on NeoGAF said that he knows people who are working on title-specific compatibility.

well then it has to be true...

 

[mlm]

Originally posted by: Indolent

Originally posted by: mlm
Somebody on NeoGAF said that he knows people who are working on title-specific compatibility.

well then it has to be true...

Oh, come on. There are MANY people on GAF with industry contacts. This isn't just some random thing.

 

[Modeps]

Originally posted by: mlm

Originally posted by: Indolent

Originally posted by: mlm
Somebody on NeoGAF said that he knows people who are working on title-specific compatibility.

well then it has to be true...

Oh, come on. There are MANY people on GAF with industry contacts. This isn't just some random thing.

offtopic: I recently was approved to post on GAF, and I often have trouble wading through their forums because they're so full of information... That place needs a bit of cleanup or organization.

 

[abhinit90]

then the one hitch in my mind is cured and i shall very happily purchase my ps3 tomorrow

 

[Queasy]

"Backwards Compatibility Returns To 40GB PS3 This October?"

If it never had it in the first place, how can it return?

 

[bl4ckfl4g]

Software BC = FAIL

 

[erwos]

Originally posted by: Childs
Emulation of PS2 games on PS3 should be easier than Xbox on 360 because Sony owns the IP for the PS2. MS doesnt own the GPU in the Xbox 1 IIRC.

Microsoft licensed the needed IP from nVidia specifically to do backwards-compatibility. This was big news back in the day.

The simple fact remains that the hardware solution was damn near perfect, and a much better deal for consumers. Glad I got my 60gb.

 

[nakedfrog]

I've been thinking of picking up a PS3 since there won't be any more HD-DVD titles coming out, but I won't buy one without full PS2 BC, because I never owned a PS2.

 

[Kev]

That would be sweet, I still want to try RE4 and Shadow of the colossus

 

[Jules]

Originally posted by: Queasy
"Backwards Compatibility Returns To 40GB PS3 This October?"

If it never had it in the first place, how can it return?

LOL not like the 40GB is gonna get bc anyways

 

[bl4ckfl4g]

Originally posted by: Jules

Originally posted by: Queasy
"Backwards Compatibility Returns To 40GB PS3 This October?"

If it never had it in the first place, how can it return?

LOL not like the 40GB is gonna get bc anyways

It will get software BC. I'll put a few hundred dollars on that.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: CKDragon
I won't be buying a PS3 without BC capability, that's for darn sure.

Seconded. It's the main reason I haven't got one.

 

[Jules]

Originally posted by: bl4ckfl4g

Originally posted by: Jules

Originally posted by: Queasy
"Backwards Compatibility Returns To 40GB PS3 This October?"

If it never had it in the first place, how can it return?

LOL not like the 40GB is gonna get bc anyways

It will get software BC. I'll put a few hundred dollars on that.

doubt it.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: Jules

Originally posted by: bl4ckfl4g

Originally posted by: Jules

Originally posted by: Queasy
"Backwards Compatibility Returns To 40GB PS3 This October?"

If it never had it in the first place, how can it return?

LOL not like the 40GB is gonna get bc anyways

It will get software BC. I'll put a few hundred dollars on that.

doubt it.

Well if what mlm said is true, it would be title-specific like on the 360. Meaning it would probably only be for games that they sell through PSN, and possibly only if you buy the game through PSN (I would even venture to change that possibly to another probably; I don't think Sony would add software BC to the 40 GB when BC was really the only thing that made the 80 GB worth the extra money that so many people have paid for it).

 

[Dari]

Originally posted by: nakedfrog
I've been thinking of picking up a PS3 since there won't be any more HD-DVD titles coming out, but I won't buy one without full PS2 BC, because I never owned a PS2.

You do realize that SONY still sells PS2s, right? It's $129.99, if it means that much to you. The only fully BC next-gen system is the Wii and no HARDCORE gamer would be seen with one:roll:. The 360 is a joke when it comes to BC.

Your stance is pointless considering you'll buy that PS3 anyway.

 

[RandomFool]

Originally posted by: Dari

Originally posted by: nakedfrog
I've been thinking of picking up a PS3 since there won't be any more HD-DVD titles coming out, but I won't buy one without full PS2 BC, because I never owned a PS2.

You do realize that SONY still sells PS2s, right? It's $129.99, if it means that much to you. The only fully BC next-gen system is the Wii and no HARDCORE gamer would be seen with one:roll:. The 360 is a joke when it comes to BC.

Your stance is pointless considering you'll buy that PS3 anyway.

1. Not everyone wants or has room for multiple systems.
2. Many gamers have Wiis