Rumor: PS3 Price Cut And Backwards Compatibility Confirmed

We've often talked about the possibility of a PlayStation 3 price drop and a redesigned model, but there is also some talk concerning the return of full backwards compatibility for Sony's new machine.

It should all happen at GamesCom, if it's going to happen at all. And to add more fuel to the fire, it seems there is some verbal confirmation from an anonymous Sony representative, who let something slip when asked a direct question by a GameStop employee. The supposed evidence comes from ScrawlFX, where the employee asked about the rumors going around about the PS3 slim and the chance of seeing b/c again. The response, which is already getting a ton of attention online, is as follows:

"All I'm going to say is this: both a price drop and a firmware update with backwards compatibility are coming soon."

Now, you will notice he makes no mention of the PS3 Slim, and we all assumed the price drop was coming in some form, for some version of the console. But this backwards compatibility idea has kinda sprung up out of the blue in recent weeks, and if proven true, it will come as a welcome surprise to those with big PS2 collections who often have to keep both the PS2 and PS3 hooked up. Only the original 60GB PS3 could play most all PS2 software along with PS1 software but since then, Sony has been phasing it out. As of now, the current 80GB PS3 doesn't play any PS2 games at all (although it can still play PS1 titles).

Therefore, to have the return of full backwards compatibility would definitely be big news. Guess we'll have to wait until Sony's press conference on Tuesday to find out...

8/16/2009 Ben Dutka

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Comments (110 posts)

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firehahahahaha
Sunday, August 16, 2009 @ 10:24:49 PM
Reply

You forgot to mention that the 20 gig also had backwards compatability

7 up, 2 down

apofisboricua
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 9:38:36 PM

OHH YEAH MAN

Mine is 20 gigs original updated with a 250 gigs HD. I believe this completely black model was the best looking PS3 EVER made!!

PEACE AND GAMING!

0 up, 0 down

Cpt_Geez
Sunday, August 16, 2009 @ 10:31:33 PM
Reply

Ill just wait until gamecon to see what sony says, I dnt trust gamestop.

10 up, 2 down

sticklife
Sunday, August 16, 2009 @ 10:33:13 PM
Reply

I have the 60 gig and I love it. I was wondering if they do have an update with BC will my ps2 games run off the emotion chip or the emulation?

1 up, 0 down

LegendaryWolfeh
Sunday, August 16, 2009 @ 10:39:37 PM

It'll probably run off of the one that gives the consoles the best performance, so the EE Chip pprobably for the 60 and 20 gb users.

1 up, 0 down

LegendaryWolfeh
Sunday, August 16, 2009 @ 10:38:25 PM
Reply

Sigh....see...now that my 80gb PS3 YLOD'd, I'm wondering if I should just wait for a Slim or get mine refurbished ._.

Last edited by LegendaryWolfeh on 8/16/2009 10:42:31 PM

7 up, 3 down

newchef
Sunday, August 16, 2009 @ 10:40:21 PM

YLOD'd=yellow light of death?

1 up, 0 down

LegendaryWolfeh
Sunday, August 16, 2009 @ 10:42:17 PM

yes =(

3 up, 1 down

b3mike
Sunday, August 16, 2009 @ 10:45:42 PM

I'm on the same boat with my 60gb. I see the Sony Defense Force is out in full force. I can't believe you got down voted for that. Believe it or not the ps3 does break and it has it's own version of the rrod people

6 up, 4 down

shindelion
Sunday, August 16, 2009 @ 11:27:41 PM

I got my 60Gb fixed a few months ago after a storm hit it out. 100% back to normal, apart from ALL my save files for every game played PS1 to 3 gone. :( some of those games i will never play again because of that.

Last edited by shindelion on 8/16/2009 11:29:05 PM

3 up, 0 down

LegendaryWolfeh
Sunday, August 16, 2009 @ 11:29:02 PM

lol yeah mike
and yeah shin, that's the only thing that's gonna suck, but hey, i'd rather have a ps3 that works without my saves, thena ps3 that doesn't with my saves =)

1 up, 0 down

Shadow_Ninja
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 12:01:15 AM

im in the same situation you are.
only i have the original 60gb.

1 up, 0 down

Highlander
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 12:20:30 AM

@shin, that's why it's a good idea to make backups from time to time...

3 up, 1 down

johnld
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 3:07:35 AM

highlander, I wouldnt use the backup that the ps3 uses because its just a waste of time. I know because my 60 gb ps3 just got a ylod. They sent me a refurbished ps3 and when i did the restore, all of the copy protected files/video/gamesaves couldnt be restored because it wasnt the original system. So if your ps3 breaks, kiss those files goodbye. I found that it was more effective to just copy your noncopy protected save file on an external drive. i use an old psp memory stick. this way you can save time and can backup your game saves anytime you want.

3 up, 1 down

Fane1024
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 3:52:32 AM

Given Highlander's technical savvy, I'm pretty sure that's what he meant. Still, for protected saves like Rock Band (why, Harmonix?), you're screwed either way.

2 up, 0 down

CrazyIrishBoy
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 6:02:29 AM

@shindelion
What the Highlander meant is back it from time to time before it breaks down so that we wont be stuck in your position.

My origional 60GB got the YLOD aswell, in Europe we can get it refurbished for free :D but I hear in the US u have to pay... :S So I was happy enough with my refurbished 60GB, the only thing I noticed is that it had a louder fan which is slightly annoying. Btw, Theres no way to back up data when it has the ylod.

0 up, 0 down

CrazyIrishBoy
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 6:07:53 AM

Oh wait i read johnld's comment properly now.. lol

0 up, 0 down

Dridion
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 6:16:03 AM

PLEASE ANSWER!!!!!!!

Are all 60 gb models gonna eventually llod. If so I'm going to cry cause I still have my original 60 gb model and love that monster. It's been working fine as usual Just some hiccups here and there. I just want to be mentally prepared for that time if it HAS to come even though there's no way to prepare yourself for such a tragedy. Also what is Sony doing about this issue beside warranty and stuff?

1 up, 0 down

Lotusflow3r
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 7:20:58 AM

Just a quick question, how would i go about backing up my files? As in best method. i have a lot of stuff on my 60gb PS3 and im beginning to panic at these stories, anybody?

*just noticed many are asking the same lol

Last edited by Lotusflow3r on 8/17/2009 7:23:51 AM

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 10:10:14 AM

Yep, you're all right, I was meaning to backup your game save files to a USB drive of some kind, and not use the PS3 system backup/restore.

The PS3 system restore is as useful as a chocolate teapot unless you want to restore an entire PS3 on an identical PS3 and HDD to the one that failed.

Back when Burnout Paradise was having game glitching issues and you could lose a game if someone in your online session was glitching (rare, but it happened) keeping multiple game saves on a USB memory drive was truly a Godsend.

I keep a copy of all the important game saves on a USB drive, although I haven't updated my backups in a while. I need to make a backup tonight...

If you're worried about all yhour stuff on a PS3, do a full system backup, although be aware that you can't backup/restore some of the copyrighted media types. Although you should be able to re-download them without a penalty a long as it's to the same system. If your system fails, you need to have Sony deactivate it so that the existing activation doesn't count against you when you try to re-download your content.

I doubt that all 60GB (or 20GB) PS3s will flake out. In fact even with all the posts here it's still true to say that the PS3 has very good reliability, and very few units fail. However as electronics age, they have a greater chance of failing. That's not something unique to game consoles. And clearly the more heavily used a system is, the more likely it is to fail. BUT, unlike other consoles, the PS3 doesn't have a design flaw or deficiency that causes it to fail. PS3 failures are in general due to one of two things, wear and tear or a failure of a particular component. This is completely normal, and completely unavoidable. Some PS3s will fail over time, if you are unlucky enough to have one that fails, I sympathize with you, but it's not part of a plague of failing PS3s.

Last edited by Highlander on 8/17/2009 10:17:52 AM

2 up, 1 down

Hezzron
Sunday, August 16, 2009 @ 10:38:32 PM
Reply

I'm packin' some extra underwear on the 18th.

5 up, 0 down

kevinater321
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 8:39:00 AM

I already got some diapers.

4 up, 1 down

Alienange
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 3:21:58 PM

No kidding! If they announce the next firmware as having BC then these shorts are history!

3 up, 0 down

newchef
Sunday, August 16, 2009 @ 10:41:20 PM
Reply

i dont no much nerdspeak but a firmware update would be for all ps3's or would i have to buy a new one?

0 up, 0 down

LegendaryWolfeh
Sunday, August 16, 2009 @ 10:43:00 PM

It'd be for all, it's the system updates you have to do every couple months.

2 up, 0 down

newchef
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 12:40:21 AM

epic

1 up, 0 down

newchef
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 12:40:46 AM

i can finally play Jade Cocoon and Drakengard again

Last edited by newchef on 8/17/2009 12:44:35 AM

1 up, 0 down

bebestorm
Sunday, August 16, 2009 @ 10:41:54 PM
Reply

Thats good news I hope its true I don't have bc. Maybe with the return of backwards compatibility we will see PS2 titles in the store, Im sure Japan will get them first! I forgot Gamescom is this week maybe a new rpg will be announced.

1 up, 0 down

bkd111
Sunday, August 16, 2009 @ 10:42:06 PM
Reply

how can it be "rumor" and "confirmed" at the same time??

3 up, 0 down

LegendaryWolfeh
Sunday, August 16, 2009 @ 10:43:19 PM

It's confirmed to be a rumor?

7 up, 0 down

Victor321
Sunday, August 16, 2009 @ 11:00:39 PM

Lol nice one LegendaryWolfeh!

0 up, 0 down

LegendaryWolfeh
Sunday, August 16, 2009 @ 11:29:13 PM

Thank you, thank you =D lol

2 up, 0 down

xnonsuchx
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 12:50:11 AM

RUMORS of CONFIRMATIONS run rampant here...I've lost count of how many just over the past 2 months.

4 up, 1 down

Alienange
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 3:23:38 PM

I've lost count of how many people complain about it.

1 up, 0 down

godsman
Sunday, August 16, 2009 @ 11:11:59 PM
Reply

Backward Compatibility explains why Sony insisted on selling PS2 on E3 2009. They were going to bring BC so the 140 million PS2 owners gradually transfer over to PS3.

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 12:10:07 AM

This has always been the plan IMHO. I think that the removal of the PS2 hardware before the software was ready was a mistake though.

If they add it back now though, I suspect a lot of people will forgive and forget.

6 up, 0 down

godsman
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 12:36:56 AM

The fact that PS2 is still selling, means that people are still into the last generation gaming. PS3 gaming might explode in the next couple years when PS2 production finally stops.

1 up, 0 down

tes37
Sunday, August 16, 2009 @ 11:16:39 PM
Reply

I definitely welcome backwards compatibility, but when I hooked up a ps2 to my hdtv it looked awful.

Does anyone know if ps2 games look better on a hdtv when played on a ps3?

0 up, 0 down

fluffer nutter
Sunday, August 16, 2009 @ 11:23:04 PM

In a word, YES. They look way better via a PS3 connected to an HDTV with an HDMI cable. This is why I don't have my PS2 hooked up anymore. It hurt to look at that thing on a nice sized HDTV.

2 up, 0 down

Squirreldriver
Sunday, August 16, 2009 @ 11:35:48 PM

Also, yes. You just have to turn on the PS3's DVD upscaler. It's one of the Video? (not sure) settings in the XMB. I play Ico sometimes and it looks, well not great but acceptable. And Ico is on a CD!

3 up, 0 down

Highlander
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 12:05:12 AM

Yes, absolutely they do because the PS3 scales them for you resulting in the removal of a lot of jaggies, and a much better image.

We've found that some games actually look better on the PS3. Xenosaga 3 played on the PS3 still looks stunning, better than on the PS2, and basically as good or better than most early PS3 RPGs. GT4 runs at 480p or 1080i and looks great, and Soul Calibur 3 in progressive/ widescreen looks very PS3 worthy. I haven't seen any PS2 game look worse than on the PS2 itself.

Last edited by Highlander on 8/17/2009 12:08:57 AM

2 up, 0 down

Squirreldriver
Sunday, August 16, 2009 @ 11:31:45 PM
Reply

This is BIG! If it's true that is, (we all know how trustworthy some GS employees can be; Really? inFamous is multi-plat you say?!)A price drop coupled with B/C via firmware update and there is NO reason not to pick up a PS3. Then when we get motion control all those poor saps with Wii's can finally join the current gen.

0 up, 0 down

End of line
Sunday, August 16, 2009 @ 11:42:03 PM
Reply

Seriously the wait is killing me!

<Insert clip of Cartman running out of the classroom screaming in the Wii South Park episode>

0 up, 0 down

Superman915
Sunday, August 16, 2009 @ 11:48:04 PM
Reply

i really hope ps2 games look better through the ps3. In HD, my ps2 looked horrid. Except for god of war 2 in 1080p. that looked great but controls were horrid.

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 12:04:18 AM
Reply

Regarding Backwards compatibility.

With regard to PS1 games. All PS3 models and the PSP, and the most recent PS2 slimline models use software emulation to run PS1 games, and do not use any hardware at all for it.

With regard to PS2 games, the only PS3 models that come with backwards compatibility are the systems with 4 USB ports, that includes the 20GB and 60GB launch systems sold in Japan and NA, the 60GB launch system in Europe and the first 80GB PS3 models (only the ones with 4 USB ports) in Europe, NA and Japan. ALL 40GB PS3 models and ALL versions since the 40GB launched (these only have 2 USB ports)

Basically if your PS3 has 4 USB ports you have some form of PS2 compatibility built into the unit, and if your PS3 only has 2 USB ports you have no PS2 compatibility.

A PS2 compatibility update included in the firmware will work on all models of PS3, although I would be shocked if the emulation didn't take full advantage of any PS2 hardware your particular PS3 model happens to have, in order to improve performance and/or compatibility.

8 up, 0 down

Xra897
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 12:09:17 AM
Reply

gamescon is turning into what sony shldve said at e3

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 12:19:31 AM

E3 was all about the games, the reasons to buy a PS3. That was them saying "Hey, this is what we have in store, and you want it, you really want it. Look, see, you really want these games, look...."

Now they are saying "Hey, you want a pS3, right? how about this one? It's slim, it's less expensive, and you can afford it. Oh, it plays BluRays....Psst! If you wait a short while, it'll play PS2 games as well. You want it, you want the games. Now, you can have it...you CAN have it."

3 up, 0 down

Fane1024
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 4:01:25 AM

I suspect the announcement was "delayed" because the existing models weren't close enough to being depleted.

Also, it gives the new head of SCEE the chance to make a splash.

1 up, 0 down

Qubex
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 12:13:20 AM
Reply

Does anyone know where we can see a live stream of the announcements taking place at GamesCon?

Q!

"i am home"

0 up, 0 down

Fane1024
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 4:04:00 AM

The European playstation blog

...and in the Euro version of Home, I think.

edited to remove URL

Last edited by Fane1024 on 8/17/2009 4:05:45 AM

0 up, 0 down

VersusAlby
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 1:08:11 PM

try eurogamer
it's going to be a live blog

0 up, 0 down

BigBoss4ever
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 12:27:05 AM
Reply

i am actually quite indifferent about this subject. my focus is on when we can get the awesome coming up titles, and u all know wut the titles are..

Last edited by BigBoss4ever on 8/17/2009 12:28:10 AM

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 12:39:16 AM

Indeed, this is why it was a mistake to remove the PS2 BC. Now is the time for it to be about the PS3 games and not the legacy and transition.

That said, there are more than 140 million PS2s, so there are at least 100-120 million PS2 users, many of whom have yet to upgrade to either PS3 or 360, and have an investment in games. putting bC back in via firmware would enable a lot of those consumers upgrade plans by not throwing away their exiting game investment.

3 up, 0 down

johnld
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 3:17:57 AM

I think their goal in the beginning was to show people that the ps3 can play ps2 games which would be seen as an upgrade since the ps3 launch library wasnt much. Then when people started to complain about price, they removed as much as they can to lower cost, hence the limited backwards compatibility. Then once the ps3 games finally arrived, they dropped backwards compatibility completely to probably save them money and also to shift the focus to the ps3 library instead of ps2. Of course when people werent happy about this, they went on to find a way to do it again. Now that they have established that the ps3 has an amazing game library and with the arrival of ps3 slim, a cheaper price, backwards compatibility is just that little extra for its users. Its a great thing when they listen to consumers.

2 up, 0 down

BigBoss4ever
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 @ 1:21:53 AM

Hignlander, your point and analysis is very true

0 up, 0 down

Deleted User
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 12:31:48 AM
Reply

I'm glad I got the original 60 gig, I missed out on PS2 (by purchaseing a different system, and with low income there wasnt a chance to get anothe) and I'm playing catchup on alot of titles I missed out on

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 1:46:00 AM

Dreamcast?

0 up, 0 down

Deleted User
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 2:47:57 AM

think more crappy and less games

0 up, 0 down

Fane1024
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 4:08:09 AM

Xbox?

I kid.

0 up, 0 down

Squirreldriver
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 12:44:00 AM
Reply

(off topic)
Ahh, what would we do without the insightful Mr. TheHighlander? You sir are one of the most informative posters I've ever seen! Thanks for always being there to help explain the specifics on the hardware/firmware aspects of our beloved black Beast! You truly know how to speak to the laypeople in a way that makes sense. BTW, nice new avatar! Don't know what it says though...

2 up, 0 down

Highlander
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 12:54:55 AM

Re- The new Kos-Mos Avatar, I'm not sure what it says either, I dread an actual translation! LOL! She is nice though.

1 up, 0 down

artson1966
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 12:52:44 AM
Reply

All ps2 games look equal to or better then they looked on the ps2. example is God OF war 1 and 2 Final fantasy XII really looks great. So this is great if true and will make a lot of future PS3 owners very happy not to mention all the owners of the currant, 40,80 and 160 gig units even happier. So manyu of us have gotten spoiled with the BWC over the last generation and exspected it to remain with this generation. I for one believe it cost Sony a huge market share by removing it in the first place. I also believe with all mistakes that Sony has made these last 3 years BWC was the biggest. What do you all think? am I on the right track here?

7 up, 1 down

mustang750r
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 12:55:43 AM
Reply

I'll buy a Slim PS3 but I will always keep my original 60. No matter how many times it might die or crap out I will always find a way to fix it. As we speak I'm awaiting a shipping sticker to send it in for repairs because of YLOD. Thank God I purchased that extended 2 year warranty for a total of 3, one with SONY, the other 2 with WalMart. Also let me assure you that the WM warranty plan is well put together as I have used them before.

0 up, 0 down

BeezleDrop
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 1:00:04 AM
Reply

I knew it! B/c, it had to be true Highlander. Although I don't really need to worry about b/c because my obese ps2 is still working just fine. Until I try to put a dvd in there....

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 1:18:28 AM

My fat PS2 is still working, but I've adjusted the laser about half a dozen times in the last few years.

0 up, 0 down

Squirreldriver
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 1:29:49 AM

Have you tried cleaning the laser lens? My fatty had the same problem a couple years ago. Disc read errors, lot's of trouble playing newer DVD's. I cleaned the lens (very gently) and she works like new to this day! Youtube is a good place to look if you need help. Try this one,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6AgzkU2C3g

0 up, 0 down

DaNgerSteVe
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 1:07:26 AM
Reply

Ben if this firmware update is true, how would it affect us 20.60gb users

0 up, 0 down

xnonsuchx
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 2:03:48 AM

It shouldn't affect us at all.

1 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 1:38:30 AM
Reply

Sounds good

1 up, 0 down

___________
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 1:52:33 AM
Reply

hmmmmmmm i wonder who this so called sony rep is?
how do we know hes not some joe smo?
anyway ill take this with a heavy dose of salt, when it comes from the horses mouth than ill believe it but until then.
but if i was sony i would just keep putting it off just to see how long these rumors and so called confirmations run rampant.
i love it how this happens just before every trade show.
price drop at GDC does not happen.
no wait sorry i miss understood my source its actually comming at E3, no gamescom, no TGS, no back to GDC, back to E3.
hilarious.
instead of saying sorry we were wrong its always next time, next time, next time.

2 up, 0 down

sunspider13
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 1:53:08 AM
Reply

I have one of the 80 gig beasts with the 4 USB ports and it plays the majority of my PS2 collection (I haven't checked to see if it plays all of them yet). I recently played both GoWs, Okami, and Beyond Good and Evil and man do they look sweet. If bc is in the the PS3 Slim then I will be buying one. Besides my gf has recently found the joys of the Lego games and it's starting to cut into my game time, lol.

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 10:20:54 AM

There are one or two notable exceptions to the compatibility in that model. There's a link somewhere that you can check....

Here you go. Click on this, and it'll prompt you to enter the name of the game you want to check. It's an official Sony site, so it should be accurate up to the most recent firmware.

http://www.us.playstation.com/Support/CompatibleStatus

The information that this search will give you should include whether it plays, and what issues you should expect. There is a similar sire available for Europe and Japan. Google can give you the other links if you need them. Just search for "PS3 backwards compatibility list".

Last edited by Highlander on 8/17/2009 10:27:29 AM

1 up, 0 down

sunspider13
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 @ 12:53:22 AM

Thx Highlander you're, as always, the man with the answers.

0 up, 0 down

xnonsuchx
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 2:02:33 AM
Reply

If PS2-compatibility comes back via firmware update, don't expect it to be 100% compatible. Up to 75-80% would be about the best to hope for with later-released games more likely to be incompatible than earlier games.

1 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 2:09:38 AM

That's a good ratio for a firmware update. They'll just keep patching it

But you know, for ps2 games, people should just use their ps2 (IMO)

But for ps1 games, the ps3 is the best thing since.....since ps1!

Seriously, ps1 games look f***ing beautiful on the ps3, well on these bigger HDTVs anyway...

But ps1 still looks good on standard tvs

1 up, 1 down

LegendaryWolfeh
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 3:03:02 AM

They've already been doing that for the 80gb users, a bunch of my ps2 games had compatibility issues but now none of them do, so I actually think it's at least 95% by now

0 up, 0 down

Mornelithe
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 5:52:31 AM

I doubt it, the patent they filed recently over the software emulation of the emotion engine et al. Seemed to be pretty sweeping and all-inclusive.

@ Scarecrow - Well, I don't know if it's 100% on every game, but I can tell you (from experience) that if you take Tekken 5 (Not Dark Res, not the PSN d/l...the PS2 game), and pop it into your PS2...take a look. Then take it out, pop it into your PS3...there's a difference in how that looks. It may not be a big deal to some...but if you've got a PS2 and PS3...would be loads easier just having the PS3 there, than 2 consoles. Ya know?

Last edited by Mornelithe on 8/17/2009 5:53:26 AM

2 up, 0 down

Highlander
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 10:35:44 AM

You're right, it won't be as good as the actual hardware, but it could be better than the 80GB half an half hardware/software hybrid form of PS2 compatibility. After all the subsequent updates, that managed to be about 85% compatible, and by 85% I mean 85% of all PS3 games ever released.

Oddly enough the new approach appears to be to use a dynamically reconfigured emulation that also does some level of dynamic recompilation of the game itself so that graphics operations that cannot be emulated directly are replaced with equivalent graphics operations performed by the RSX or Cell hardware as required. Because the software can be altered by firmware update, Sony can target specific high profile games that are not compatible in order to make them work. So in the end, this solution could/should be better than the half and half emulation on the 80GB systems.

0 up, 0 down

ShadowRunner
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 3:13:05 AM
Reply

It beats me how a title starts with "Rumor" and ends with "Confirmed"

8 up, 1 down

Ultimadream
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 3:15:22 AM
Reply

I hope this means Tekken Tag will finally work, that game kept the essence of classic tekken in the ps2 generation.

I also hope Shadow of Memories fully works along my PS1 version of FF8

0 up, 0 down

Tha_Joker_186
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 3:44:24 AM
Reply

@TheHighlander: you should seriously replace kaz hirai and become the CEO of SCE seriously, you are a genius lol, seriously, i know you'd perform very well as a CEO. Also let's say if you were the CEO would you lower the price for a PSP Go? I think many ppl are saying that its expensive for a portable machine.

0 up, 2 down

xnonsuchx
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 4:56:23 AM
Reply

It's just been reported elsewhere that at least 2 EU retailers (in Portugal & Spain) have already lowered their 80GB PS3s to under 300 euros (292.00 euros at one and 299,99 euros w/ a copy of INFAMOUS at another).

I'm still thinking this might be a special price to clear old models before the PS3 Slim appears @ $330-350, but I guess it COULD happen.

0 up, 0 down

xnonsuchx
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 5:51:30 AM

I forgot to mention the websites for these 2 retailers ARE, in FACT, selling at those prices NOW.

0 up, 0 down

Snaaaake
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 5:24:26 AM
Reply

Uhh........this article is about a rumour confirming a rumour?

0 up, 1 down

xnonsuchx
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 5:50:13 AM

It's confusing, yes, but it's a rumor that that something's been confirmed. You could also call it an unconfirmed confirmation. :-) Maybe the best description is a SUPPOSED CONFIRMATION.

1 up, 0 down

Snaaaake
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 5:43:18 AM
Reply

If this is true then the date for me to own a PS3 will change from November to October.

0 up, 0 down

Douchebaguette
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 5:48:33 AM
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How gullible can you people get?

0 up, 6 down

Mornelithe
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 6:11:38 AM

Says the Douchebag.

Last edited by Mornelithe on 8/17/2009 6:11:53 AM

4 up, 1 down

Douchebaguette
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 6:21:36 AM

Douchebaguette, actually. You my friend, are the douchebag =P

Seriously, though: expectation leads to disappointment.

0 up, 5 down

Mornelithe
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 6:58:16 AM

Sorry with equality dictates I don't have to differentiate.

1 up, 1 down

ceedot
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 6:00:44 AM
Reply

And people believe this sh**? If they work at sony, they won't be as stupid as people make rumours about them are.
'All I'm going to say is that theres a PS3 slim and it's going to be less than the PS3 now. It'll be announced at gamescon 2009. Nothing more, so don't ask Me.'

Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 8/17/2009 10:14:36 AM

1 up, 2 down

Mornelithe
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 6:12:43 AM

Given recent inabilities of Sony employee's to keep their effin mouths shut, over everything Sony has planned, it wouldn't surprise me to know they'd actually kept things on a need to know basis at this point.

0 up, 1 down

Andysw
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 8:09:55 AM
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If bc returns, then what's the point of having the playstation 2 in the market?

0 up, 1 down

Highlander
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 10:37:44 AM

The same point that kept the PSOne selling long after the PS2 was on the market and had even gone slim...it costs less, which makes it ideal for a younger gamer's bedroom.

1 up, 0 down

Andysw
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 12:15:13 PM

Ah I see.

0 up, 0 down

phade2blaq
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 8:43:47 AM
Reply

If BC returns to the PS3 it would be nice to see considering that the PS2 has sold over 130 million units and plenty of people still play PS2 games !

I bought a 60GB at launch and I welcomed the ability to play some of my favorite PS2 games especially at launch when new PS3 games were slow to appear !

People tend to forget that some people may have a PS2 that doesn't work anymore and rather than spending money on repairs or buying a new PS2, some would prefer BC if they want to keep playing their PS2 games !

My fatty original PS2 conked out on me about a month before the PS3 launched so I was glad I got a BC PS3 as I was able to play my PS2 games without having to pay repair costs or buying a new PS2 !

Kudos to Sony for doing the right thing finally !

Last edited by phade2blaq on 8/17/2009 8:56:52 AM

0 up, 0 down

Lemon_Saint
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 9:01:50 AM
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My 80 Gb PS3, (the one that came with Metal Gear Solid 4), plays my old PS2 games ...

0 up, 0 down

FreQaZoiD
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 9:32:44 AM
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It would be good biz sense to bring back BC via a firmware update. Imagine the $$$ they could make by re-releasing our fave PS2 games on PSN...

0 up, 0 down

Riku994
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 10:42:45 AM
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I'm really tired of all this talk about PS3 price cuts, can't we just have a wait-and-see attitude?

2 up, 0 down

Orvisman
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 10:53:21 AM
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If you have a backward compatible PS3 why would you buy PS2 or PS1 games on PSN? I never understood that logic.

If every PS3 has PS1 BC, who is buying PS1 games on PSN? Maybe I understand this for those hard to find games or to play them on your PSP, especially if you don't know how to rip Ps1 games to your PSP fat.

Last edited by Orvisman on 8/17/2009 10:53:50 AM

1 up, 0 down

Mornelithe
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 10:56:38 AM

I've bought several classics off PSN. Just because they were good games. Twisted Metal 2, Tekken 2, FFVII come to mind.

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 12:05:12 PM

Because you take them with you on your PSP. I bought FFVII because my original copy I bought in 1997 is scratched to hell, rather pay 10 bucks for a digital copy then 100 bucks for a used copy on eBay or Amazon.

0 up, 0 down

Robochic
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 10:55:54 AM
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I'll wait to hear it from Sony's mouth, not that I don't think it could happen just like to hear it from the big wigs first.

It doesn't effect me I was the lucky few to get a launched PS3 the only thing I don't have is the SD cards slots, wireless, and a few other slots that all other models have but Hey whatever I'm happy with my little 20GiG upgrade to 320 gig ps3

0 up, 0 down

Jian2069
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 11:15:26 AM
Reply

I think I have the perfect ps3 :80gb purchased dec07
it has all the 80gb bells and whistles, and b/c for every ps2 game i own

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 11:29:58 AM
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This is going to be an expensive year. PSP Go! And s Slim PS3? Yikes.

1 up, 0 down

VersusAlby
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 12:55:29 PM
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Can't wait till tomorow

0 up, 0 down

Masterofallz
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 3:00:20 PM
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Oh how I love rumors. <3

1 up, 0 down

Douchebaguette
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 3:50:06 PM
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Wow. People thumb me down for stating how gullible people can get from believing a fishy rumour?

I mean. How gullible can you people get in this planet...if you're gonna believe that a "Sony rep", who supposedly updated a friggin' koisk, in 1 puny Gamestop store...told a mere Gamestop employee that there's going to be such changes?????????? JESUS CHRIST, PEOPLE. THIS IS JUST LIKE THE WHOLE 2012 THEORY. Wait 'till there's an official announcement, yeh?

I mean I know the guy seems honest [and he probably is], but this is the internet. Also the Sony representative could have even spoke out this information jokingly, to create false hype, or he could of even made a prediction [predictions are close to assumptions, and as far as I can remember, never assume, otherwise it'll make an ASS out of U and ME].

Even so, it is inevitable that there is going to be a price cut, and backwards compatibility is only a small possibility considering Sony have wavered how they aren't interested in pursuing this.

My point is that some rumours are close to true, and some are just plain dodgy. As a person, I'd prefer not sparking and dwelling on any rumours [yes, it's really all because you all wish these rumours were true], but if you people decide to continue, then AT LEAST DO NOT fall for s**t like this... Just no.

1 up, 0 down

Alienange
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 3:56:38 PM
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Here we go with the GameStop employee. You mean that guy making 6 bux an hour had a high profile call with Sony? Found out some awesome tid bits from his super contact? Just another reason I can't stand GameStop. Bunch of loud mouth losers. Even if I pretended that this clown actually got inside info, it behooves me that he'd let a confidential matter loose a day before the big announcement... how unprofessional. Hope he loses his job and suffers Sony wrath for decades to come.

2 up, 0 down

Orvisman
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 @ 2:04:23 PM

Ben left something out of his article. It wasn't a high level Sony employee.

From ScrawlFx:

"Over at my local GameStop (where I work), our Sony rep stopped in earlier today to update the PlayStation 3 kiosks and check in with us. I decided to ask him about all the rumors going around on the PlayStation 3 slim. When I asked him about whether or not is coming he told me this:

"All I'm going to say is this: both a price drop and a firmware update with backwards compatibility are coming soon." "

0 up, 0 down

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