PS3 Question

minendo

Elite Member
Aug 31, 2001
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By no means am I an avid gamer, but I am interested to know if the rumor that the 40gb version of the PS3 is not backwards compatible with PS2 games is true.

If it is true, why is it that I can't find a PS3 60gb or 80gb version anywhere locally? The guy at best buy told me they only carry the 40gb version now.
 

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 28, 1999
62,484
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No BC with PS2 games on the 40GB. There's lots of rumours on why BB has stopped carrying the 80 gig. It's likely a combination of Sony putting the breaks on the 80 gig and stopping the profit losses (much more expensive to make than the 40gb) and because BB can move the 40 gb quicker due to the $100 less asking price.

If you want the 80 gig, apply for the sony style card and get it for $399 on the Sony Style site. Depending on the deals you might score a second controller for free.
 

JPB

Diamond Member
Jul 4, 2005
4,064
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Yes, the 40 gig is NOT backwards compatible with PS2 games. You will probably have to get the 60 or 80 from Ebay.

Although I think there may be a future software update will allow the 40 gig BC.
 

gorcorps

aka Brandon
Jul 18, 2004
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Yes it's true, and you can't find the old versions because they aren't being made anymore (to my knowledge).
 

DaveSimmons

Elite Member
Aug 12, 2001
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It's true:
1. 20GB & 60GB - has PS2 ES & GS chips for hardware BC ~90% compatible
2. 80GB - software BC (allegedly still using PS2 GS chip) ~80% compatible
3. 40GB - no BC

All versions do have PS_1_ BC in software.

Rumor has it that the 80GB is going to be replaced with a 120-160GB model that includes the new Dual Shock 3 controller with rumble.

Sony's BC database: Sony BC

 

secretanchitman

Diamond Member
Apr 11, 2001
9,353
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Originally posted by: vi_edit
No BC with PS2 games on the 40GB. There's lots of rumours on why BB has stopped carrying the 80 gig. It's likely a combination of Sony putting the breaks on the 80 gig and stopping the profit losses (much more expensive to make than the 40gb) and because BB can move the 40 gb quicker due to the $100 less asking price.

If you want the 80 gig, apply for the sony style card and get it for $399 on the Sony Style site. Depending on the deals you might score a second controller for free.

the sony style store got rid of the 80GB earlier this week. your best bet is either finding a 60GB/80GB from some store (if you are lucky), or just getting a 40GB and buying either a used/new ps2.
 

imported_Imp

Diamond Member
Dec 20, 2005
9,148
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They discontinued the 60 and 20GB models a year ago. Just a month or so ago, they discontinued the 80GB model. There are RUMOURS that there will be a new SKU announced soon. Aside from possibly being 120GB, I haven't heard about its features like BC or not. Most rumours point to the elimination of BC in all future models cause Sony wants people to focus on the PS3 and PS3 software. Best bet is to just buy a PS2. If you even manage to find a 60 or 80GB somewhere, chances are you will not be able to get one back if it ever breaks down.
 

Queasy

Moderator<br>Console Gaming
Aug 24, 2001
31,796
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There are also rumors of either software emulation coming for backwards compatibility or Sony selling PS2 games through PSN.

In any case, the 80GB is gone. It's not even up on the SonyStyle store anymore.
 

minendo

Elite Member
Aug 31, 2001
35,560
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Originally posted by: joshsquall
Just buy a PS2 if you want backwards compatibility. You can get one for like $50 used.
Thanks, but I already have one. I was hoping I could get rid of it as I don't need it since I only play 1-2 of the games I have. I guess I can just rebuy madden and sell off the ps2 stuff.
 

Modeps

Lifer
Oct 24, 2000
17,254
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Sony removing backwards compatibility was a bonehead move. Although I rarely play my PS2 anymore, I'd prefer it if I could play the few games I have kept around with it.
 

randay

Lifer
May 30, 2006
11,018
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Originally posted by: Modeps
Sony removing backwards compatibility was a bonehead move. Although I rarely play my PS2 anymore, I'd prefer it if I could play the few games I have kept around with it.

the numbers dont lie, ps3 is doing well even with the bonehead move. perhaps a majority of gamers dont really care about backwards compatibility.
 

Eeezee

Diamond Member
Jul 23, 2005
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Originally posted by: randay
Originally posted by: Modeps
Sony removing backwards compatibility was a bonehead move. Although I rarely play my PS2 anymore, I'd prefer it if I could play the few games I have kept around with it.

the numbers dont lie, ps3 is doing well even with the bonehead move. perhaps a majority of gamers dont really care about backwards compatibility.

I read some polls (conducted by statisticians, as opposed to an TOT poll) indicating that they don't. I guess people will just get the PS2 if they want to play those games.

I really like having BC, I'm playing Devil May Cry 2 (for the first time) on my PS3
 

erwos

Diamond Member
Apr 7, 2005
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Originally posted by: joshsquall
Just buy a PS2 if you want backwards compatibility. You can get one for like $50 used.
This sounds great, right up until you realize that:
1. It's yet another mess of cables that you'll need to deal with. Component/composite cable, optical-out, ethernet, power - that's four cables with 6-8 connectors.
2. People may be running out of inputs on their TVs - not everyone is using switches or receivers.

I really don't blame the OP for wanting to buy one that has BC.
 

Queasy

Moderator<br>Console Gaming
Aug 24, 2001
31,796
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Originally posted by: randay
Originally posted by: Modeps
Sony removing backwards compatibility was a bonehead move. Although I rarely play my PS2 anymore, I'd prefer it if I could play the few games I have kept around with it.

the numbers dont lie, ps3 is doing well even with the bonehead move. perhaps a majority of gamers dont really care about backwards compatibility.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to $$$. Having a $400 PS3 was more important than having backwards compatibility. Though, I do wonder how many people bought a 40GB PS3 and were surprised that it wasn't backwards compatible.
 

hans030390

Diamond Member
Feb 3, 2005
7,326
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Originally posted by: Queasy
Originally posted by: randay
Originally posted by: Modeps
Sony removing backwards compatibility was a bonehead move. Although I rarely play my PS2 anymore, I'd prefer it if I could play the few games I have kept around with it.

the numbers dont lie, ps3 is doing well even with the bonehead move. perhaps a majority of gamers dont really care about backwards compatibility.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to $$$. Having a $400 PS3 was more important than having backwards compatibility. Though, I do wonder how many people bought a 40GB PS3 and were surprised that it wasn't backwards compatible.

More than enough.