E3 2008: Sony On Backwards Compatibility: "We're Not Going Back"
See Full ImageThe subject of backwards compatibility has been a sensitive one between gamers and Sony since the launch of the PlayStation 3. The original 60GB model came with that nifty graphics synthesizer chip that enabled full b/c for both PS1 and PS2 software. But it soon became clear that Sony was moving away from the feature, and now, the current 40GB model doesn't support any PS2 software (despite being able to play all PS1 games).
With the announcement of the new 80GB PS3 at this year's E3, it should be assumed that backwards compatibility, at least as far as PS2 software is concerned, is gone. The new model will have "all the features of the current 40GB model," and you know what that means... Of course, SCEA CEO Jack Tretton was asked about this at a roundtable with journalists yesterday, and his reply was both clear and firm:
"I would like to have had it in there, but Sony's collective strategy determined we could afford to lose it. We've now gone down that road: we're not going back."
Contrary to what many believed, it doesn't appear to be a matter of cost; it's just a decision Sony has made. As Tretton went on to say- "We're selling PS2 software to PS2 customers, and selling PS3 software to PS3 consumers." That's it, and that's all. Therefore, we have to assume that full backwards compatibility will not return in any future iteration of the PlayStation 3. Hence, it's going to make the most sense to have both a PS3 and a PS2 in the future, which - for many people - isn't really a problem. In fact, these days, it costs less to buy a new PS3 and and a PS2 than it did to buy only the PS3 at launch. Ever think about that, guys?
7/16/2008 Ben Dutka
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Comments (Beta)
krazzymoose
Thursday, July 17, 2008 @ 4:27:17 AM
Greedy bastards!!!
WE WANT BACKWARDS COMPATIBILITY
1 up, 0 down
Deleted User
Thursday, July 17, 2008 @ 6:48:49 AM
I still have my PS2 so that's what I play my PS2 games on.
Maybe in the future with the PS3 slim they might add BC.
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Damaine
Thursday, July 17, 2008 @ 8:25:08 PM
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Deleted User
Friday, July 18, 2008 @ 1:57:05 AM
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OtisFeelgood
Wednesday, July 16, 2008 @ 10:02:42 PM
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ActionJackson
Wednesday, July 16, 2008 @ 10:09:13 PM
So don't worry, it won't be a problem. :)
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Zapix
Wednesday, July 16, 2008 @ 10:58:48 PM
behold the power of ebay!
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Advent Child
Wednesday, July 16, 2008 @ 10:24:19 PM
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Damaine
Thursday, July 17, 2008 @ 8:24:54 PM
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AscientDire
Wednesday, July 16, 2008 @ 11:07:11 PM
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QuasarSquirrel
Wednesday, July 16, 2008 @ 11:10:13 PM
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aaronisbla
Thursday, July 17, 2008 @ 12:47:04 AM
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QuasarSquirrel
Thursday, July 17, 2008 @ 8:06:22 PM
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Jed
Thursday, July 17, 2008 @ 12:03:11 AM
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HOW THE HELL does it make sense to have a ps3 AND a ps2?????? I fail to see the logic there. This is a horrible move by sony.
Last edited by Jed on 7/17/2008 12:04:19 AM
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bugzbunny109
Thursday, July 17, 2008 @ 12:26:34 AM
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aaronisbla
Thursday, July 17, 2008 @ 12:51:46 AM
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The new version of the 80gb is going for $399. You could ( if you want ) use the extra money you saved and get a used ps2 slim.
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Zapix
Thursday, July 17, 2008 @ 2:49:18 AM
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As such, the PS2 is a seperate system, thus adding it back to the current system would raise need to increase the cost of the system. Like it or not, that's just the way it is.
As many have stated, if you have a PS2, keep it. If you don't have one, you can get a new one, or a used one so frigging cheap. I've seen them go on ebay, with the harddrive and network adapter for as low as $30 just 6 months ago.
If you don't have a PS2, go buy one. If you want a PS3, get a PS3. The cost for the system with B/C added back in would be atleast $100... So go spend that $100 on a PS2.
If you absolutely have to have a PS3 with B/C, go look on ebay or something. Sony said they're not going to add it back, they said they weren't months ago, and as long as they still manufacture the PS2, I highly doubt it'll change.
It's a dead horse topic.
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ThePoetRazel
Thursday, July 17, 2008 @ 5:42:02 AM
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The amount of PS2 owners out there is huge, and bringing them over to the next gen would be a massive boost to the PS3. But the subject of a lack of backwards compatibility is holding many people back from switching up to the next gen.
and let's face it, yes you can own both a PS2 and PS3 but, people don't usually have 2 main television setups to run them on. So it's either continuous switching or relegate one console to a backroom tv.
Sony's higher up obviously want to keep PS2 sales going on thinking that eventually PS2 owners will buy a PS3. But eventually is not soon enough. We need lots of new games, and the best way to persuade devs to make new games on a machine is to show them that there's enough units in consumer's hands to allow for a large enough audience for the game. This in turn, of course, makes the PS3 a more attractive system to consumers. Sony should be careful not to lag behind the competition with this.
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bugzbunny109
Thursday, July 17, 2008 @ 10:17:12 AM
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orangpelupa
Thursday, July 17, 2008 @ 7:59:51 AM
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Deleted User
Thursday, July 17, 2008 @ 8:34:14 AM
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danr
Thursday, July 17, 2008 @ 9:03:16 AM
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pavlovic
Thursday, July 17, 2008 @ 9:29:04 AM
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Minishmaru
Thursday, July 17, 2008 @ 9:42:06 AM
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bugzbunny109
Thursday, July 17, 2008 @ 10:18:53 AM
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KingRed
Thursday, July 17, 2008 @ 10:54:19 AM
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Deleted User
Thursday, July 17, 2008 @ 2:24:04 PM
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Enjoy your 60GB PS3s!
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Odd Child
Thursday, July 17, 2008 @ 5:43:30 PM
Nah though seems to run at the same Temp, Decibel volume and speed as my brothers 80 Gig.
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ThePoetRazel
Thursday, July 17, 2008 @ 7:20:18 PM
My 60GB PS3 runs beautifully. And i can revisit any of my old PS2 games anytime i want without having to switch wires around or wait for downloadable versions that'll never arrive.
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Thursday, July 17, 2008 @ 9:57:25 PM
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To claim otherwise is just...ridiculous.
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Deleted User [Administrator]
Friday, July 18, 2008 @ 1:58:44 AM
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Last edited by n/a on 7/18/2008 1:58:57 AM
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tlpn99
Friday, July 18, 2008 @ 6:55:04 PM
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Lordnicon
Monday, July 21, 2008 @ 2:19:09 AM
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If money isnt an issue then I think its a great thing to make the transition better for ps2 owners. I dont mind having both the ps2 and 3 plugged up since one uses component and the other hdmi and i have space but the fact remains that my ps2 has been showing its age for a while (not being able to load every game etc) and i think Sony knows that. Ive had 2 ps2's already (launch and 2nd gen) and quite frankly i dont care how much they cost. 100 dollars is more than I want to spend on something ive bought at full price twice. I have a 1st gen ps1 and it still runs very strong.
Ive had minor issues on timing with the 60gig and i dont know why and i dont know the situation with the current 80 but this whole situation just forces those like me who have yet to transition, to source out used units or prolong the debate on if/when to make the plunge. And when you work etc. the answer is not so blatant as it was 10 years or so ago.
Last edited by Lordnicon on 7/21/2008 2:19:52 AM
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thesuffering85
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Wednesday, July 16, 2008 @ 9:58:14 PM