PS3 Slim Questions Answered, Sony Says "No" To B/C

We've done everything we could to fully reveal the new PS3 Slim, but as always, there were a few lingering questions. Well, Sony has already answered them for you.

ArsTechnica spoke to Sony's John Koller and clarified a few important facts that many gamers have been eager to learn; such topics include the state of the current PS3 model, backwards compatibility for PS2 software and why we'll no longer be able to use different Operating Systems. So here we go:

On model availability and pricing

Retailers will continue to get rid of their current stock of 80GB PS3s and once they're gone, they're gone for good; the PS3 Slim "will be the hardware moving forward." As for the 160GB model, it was always supposed to be a limited-time deal, so if you want to snag it now that it features a more attractive $399 price tag, you had best take advantage. As for pricing, as of now, the 80GB PS3 should be reduced to $299, and to reaffirm, the PS3 Slim will also debut at that price on September 1 in North America and Europe (299 Euros in Europe).

On the new hard drive

The PS3 Slim boasts a larger 120GB hard drive and according to Koller, you can indeed replace it with a bigger one if you wish, and furthermore, this will not void your warranty. In fact, it's actually encouraged; the hard drive is accessible in the front of the system and changing it is merely a "two-screw process."

On the new redesigned interior

The PS3 Slim has a new power cable that uses about 1/3 less power, and with the decreased power consumption, the cooling system has also been redesigned and the Cell processor is down to a 45nm process from the previous 65nm. The new slimmer console will be lighter and quieter and will still have all the same capabilities and features of the older, fatter model. Koller also said the system will have a power brick, but it'll be small; it'll be "nothing like" the one that comes with the Xbox 360.

On disallowing other Operating Systems

The new PS3 won't let you install a new OS and Koller explained it simply- "There are a couple of reasons. We felt we wanted to move forward with the OS we have now. If anyone wants to use previous models and change the OS, they can do so. We wanted to standardize our OS."

On backwards compatibility

In what may be the most disappointing news for long-time PS2 fans, Koller firmly said full b/c for PS2 software won't be coming back. After saying clearly that it won't be returning, he added- "It's not as big as a purchase intent driver as you may be hearing. We've got such a substantial lineup of titles on the PS3; most people are buying the PS3 for PS3 games. They've buying it for PS3 games and Blu-ray movies." We know a lot of you out there still wanted to see b/c return, and rumors had hinted that it might come with a new firmware update in the future, but that rumor has been officially shot down.

'whew' Okay, that should just about do it. There can't be anything else you need to know, can there?

8/18/2009 Ben Dutka

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Comments (136 posts)

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Karosso
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 @ 10:29:15 PM
Reply

Buying the Slim to play PS3 gamesand BR movies and keeping my 80GB with B/C for my old PS2 library ;)

Last edited by Karosso on 8/18/2009 10:29:35 PM

2 up, 0 down

LegendaryWolfeh
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 12:13:18 AM

Well that's close to me xD I'm buying the slim and then sending my 80gb model back in to be repaired, then I'll have 2 =D one with b/c and one without lol

2 up, 0 down

N a S a H
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 12:27:42 PM

I don't get why you're still playing PS2 games.

0 up, 6 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 1:05:48 PM

For fun Nasah

5 up, 0 down

LegendaryWolfeh
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 4:22:32 PM

So you can say you wouldn't want to play SOTC or GOW 1&2 again? Or other great games that aren't playable on the PS3? Sorry but the ps3 doesn't have every greatest game in the world.

3 up, 0 down

bamf
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 5:31:45 PM

There are still many great PS3 games I missed out on, I have some I have yet to play. I have a PS2 slim but would prefer if I had just the PS3 with b/c rather than have a PS3 and PS2 on the unit.

What about using your older hdd thats in your fatter PS3 and putting it in the slim? Will it need to be formatted, I'd hate to lose everything, allot of its recorded with the tv play that we have in he UK.

2 up, 0 down

jlch777
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 @ 10:29:47 PM
Reply

Lots of news today!!!
The PS3 is going to kill the competition this holiday season!

Just bundle the PS3 slim with GT5 and i will buy another one!

Last edited by jlch777 on 8/18/2009 10:33:34 PM

3 up, 0 down

NiteKrawler
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 @ 10:30:17 PM
Reply

I have an original 60gb PS3, so not having B/C doesn't affect me.

4 up, 0 down

Lotusflow3r
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 7:03:47 AM

me too and i see it as vital.

I missed out on a lot of great games last gen and i continue to catch up to this day.

Right now, as im a Level 5 fanatic, im going through Rogue Galaxy as thats the only Level 5 game i missed and obviously, its on ps2 so, the B/C on the 60 is vital to me.

What if Rogue Galaxy 2 is announced for PS3 (which i see happening)? I would of been half screwed (as i ain't hooking an old ps2 up to a hd tv!).

3 up, 0 down

NiteKrawler
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 2:06:12 PM

Well, according to Sony, you are in the minority. There are too many great new games to play to worry about the old ones.

2 up, 0 down

inkme101
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 @ 10:33:08 PM
Reply

i watched an unboxing on you tube and there is NO powerbrick

10 up, 4 down

Highlander
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 1:34:03 AM

That was my understanding, besides, the new system isn't *that* much smaller.

The power supply in the PS3 Slim is an internal one. If Koller is this mis-informed about his most recent product, you'll have to excuse me if I doubt anything the man says about Backwards compatibility.

Oh, here's a close-up of the rear end of a PS3 Slim, note the 2 prong power cord socket....the PSU is internal.

http://www.joystiq.com/photos/ps3-slim-unboxing/2217799/

And as you can see from this second image, the box clearly lists only an AC power cord, and no external supply. If you look through the rest of the gallery, you'll see this confirmed in other images.

http://www.joystiq.com/photos/ps3-slim-unboxing/2217812/

Last edited by Highlander on 8/19/2009 1:37:02 AM

8 up, 0 down

godsman
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 @ 10:36:07 PM
Reply

maybe they just aren't ready to announce the BC yet. (although its the best chance to announce it with new Slim)
but................ i'm clinging onto any slim hope for that BC!

4 up, 1 down

Highlander
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 1:37:23 AM

They'll announce it only when it's imminent.

3 up, 0 down

inkme101
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 @ 10:37:52 PM
Reply

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQy_gPS0X-0

ps3 slim unboxing

1 up, 0 down

inkme101
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 @ 10:39:05 PM
Reply

i really wish they'd have some sort of game or blu ray bundled with it

3 up, 2 down

www
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 6:41:41 AM

You're really excited. You don't have PS3?
We'll welcome you aboard when you get one ;)

Last edited by www on 8/19/2009 6:42:45 AM

3 up, 0 down

LegendaryWolfeh
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 7:04:01 AM

They do in Japan, lol, it's a gundam game

2 up, 0 down

Gogaku
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 @ 10:41:05 PM
Reply

I do believe that B/C is more important to consumers than Sony wish to believe. There are over a hundred million ps2 users out there, and to be able to play your old games on your new platform is essential for a lot of those people. Especially when the new platform offers upscaling for the old games. To not include B/C in a future update is a bad move for Sony. It also seems like such a simple thing to do in order to make people happy.

Lucky me that I have the 60gig machine though :)

7 up, 1 down

CH1N00K
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 @ 11:12:02 PM

I kind of figured we might see this. Most of the people that are crying for B/C are the early adopters, who own multiple systems, (Including the PS2) With the PS2 at 99 dollars now, Sony doesn't see the need to push B/C. The people that are going to be buying the new lower priced PS3 Slim for the most part won't care about B/C. They've got their hands full with a great PS3 library to catch up on. It's sad to see that it won't be happening. I was hoping for a firmware update that would improve the B/C of my 80 gig, but I've already got a B/C PS3. And to be honest, for the amount I play my PS2 games on it....I can shell out 99 bucks for a PS2 if it ever dies.

3 up, 4 down

Oxvial
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 @ 11:20:06 PM

you know for some people 99 dollar are a lot those ones perhaps are the same that wanted to wait for the price drop because they dont have enough money duh!.

also Ps2 looks horrible on HDTV .

Last edited by Oxvial on 8/18/2009 11:21:26 PM

8 up, 0 down

fluffer nutter
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 @ 11:41:09 PM

Don't ever hook up a PS2 to a 73" HDTV unless you want a headache. Or a flashback. Ha ha.

2 up, 0 down

NiteKrawler
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 12:09:59 AM

Yeah, I bet Sony is wrong about B/C. I'm sure all of their professional highly paid marketing researchers just don't have a clue...[/sarcasm]

1 up, 5 down

CH1N00K
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 10:03:56 AM

Oxvial, if people had really wanted to play their PS2 games on a system, most would have (not all) bought a PS2 when it went to $99 or they already own one. Even though most people on this web site are still crying for B/C, you have to remember that we aren't the majority that are going to buy a PS3 after a price drop. Most of us already have a ps3, and quite a few of those are b/c already. And if you are crying for B/C then that means chances are you already own a PS2 and PS1.

The new PS3 is going to be sold to a majority of people who wanted to get the system but felt that the price was to high to pay for "just a video game console" These are the general masses that don't check websites for gaming details, they don't care whether FFVII ever gets remade. They are the people that bought the Wii. They aren't hardcore gamers, they're casual. Most of them won't even know that the PS3 Slim is coming until they see it in the stores and go "whoa!" it's cheaper and skinnier.

For the 23 million PS3's that are out there now, the % amount of those users who are actually crying for B/C is not that big. Sony knows this. The next group of people that are going to rush out and buy the Slim are going to make that number even smaller. The nintendo and the 360 didn't include B/C in their new systems, and they outsold the PS3. Once the "late adopters" see the graphics of the new PS3, there is going to be a few that want to play b/c, but the majority won't really care.

We may see an update eventually from sony that includes B/C, but Sony is going to be focusing on getting back into the number one spot for consoles. That means looking onwards and upwards, not backwards. Eventually, I'm sure you'll be able to download thousands of popular PS1 and PS2 sales on the PSN, to play on your PS3 or PSP GO. That is the B/C that they are heading for.

If you really want to play them from disc format..well the PS2 is only the cost of 2 new games. Which over a year of what most people spend on a console...it isn't really all that much.

Last edited by CH1N00K on 8/19/2009 10:06:42 AM

1 up, 2 down

Oxvial
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 @ 10:45:47 PM
Reply

Stupid opinion .. of course people care about BC! .

5 up, 4 down

NiteKrawler
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 2:08:40 PM

Obviously not enough.

3 up, 1 down

inkme101
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 @ 10:52:39 PM
Reply

on gamestops website it says that if i pre order the slim it ships on the 24 of this month. is that when i'd get it or when it goes out?

1 up, 0 down

MadKatBebop
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 @ 10:59:36 PM

I think when it goes out.

1 up, 0 down

MadKatBebop
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 @ 10:58:59 PM
Reply

So no BC in the firmware update(sigh)oh well guess I cant get any old PS2 games.

Last edited by MadKatBebop on 8/18/2009 11:00:02 PM

1 up, 0 down

inkme101
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 @ 11:01:56 PM
Reply

ok did anyone else watch that unboxing?

4 up, 1 down

fluffer nutter
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 @ 11:20:03 PM

I saw it but the box looked tatered. Maybe he forgot to mention the power brick? He didn't look very bright either.

1 up, 0 down

Jed
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 @ 11:22:45 PM

Ya I saw it, no power brick. But in Bens article it is under "interior" so maybe that is just a misunderstanding.

Last edited by Jed on 8/18/2009 11:25:41 PM

1 up, 0 down

MadKatBebop
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 @ 11:27:11 PM

I just watched it, it looks decent not as good as the current PS3 though.

2 up, 0 down

Highlander
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 1:47:44 AM

@Jed,

I suspect that it's Koller with the mis-understanding...

Here's the actual quote from the Ars Technica article.
<<
He also told us that there will be a power brick, although we can expect it to be small. He laughs when I ask about the power brick's size in relation to the 360's power supply. "It's nothing like that," he assured Ars.
>>

It's pretty clear that they are referring to an external power supply, not an internal one. This is clearly not the case. Perhaps Koller was simply not well briefed. However if he's not well briefed about that, why should we suppose that everything else he said was accurate?

3 up, 1 down

Alienange
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 @ 11:01:57 PM
Reply

Sony's just patenting emotion emulation for fun then. Yeah right. The announcements are over for now. Don't expect Sony to confirm BC just because we're asking.

3 up, 0 down

Highlander
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 1:20:06 AM

Sony will not talk about it until it's ready to go.

2 up, 0 down

kokoro
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 6:28:46 AM

I hope you're right about BC-I really don't want to have to buy another ps2 (my old one died).

2 up, 0 down

Highlander
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 4:10:32 PM

The only thing that will stop Sony from releasing software based PS2 compatibility for the PS3 (when the PS2 is discontinued) is if it is literally impossible to make the emulator run fast enough to emulate the PS2 properly. If that turns out to be the case, then I expect we'll have to wait for the PS4 for PS2 compatibility through software.

But I still think it's coming to the PS3 in due course, but we won't hear it from Sony until it's definitely ready to go.

1 up, 0 down

sabitrulz
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 @ 11:17:01 PM
Reply

Time 2 buy anotha 1,juz cant wait. . . . . . . .

1 up, 0 down

Oxvial
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 @ 11:18:22 PM
Reply

still with the price drop people care about bc.

just remember the questionary for how people wanted the CE of God of War 3...more than 70% wanted to be packed with GOW 1 and GOW 2.

4 up, 0 down

Jed
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 @ 11:26:34 PM
Reply

Has anybody E-Mailed Bobby Kotick with the PS3 news today???

2 up, 0 down

fluffer nutter
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 @ 11:34:26 PM

I sent him an email and this auto-reply was generated.
"Thank you for your email but I am unavailable at this time. We are currently hard at work, raising the prices of our premium game lines, such as Guitar Hero, to help counteract the PS3 price drops. Thank you for your money and your patronage through these times."

Last edited by fluffer nutter on 8/18/2009 11:35:08 PM

11 up, 0 down

CH1N00K
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 10:10:00 AM

LOL

2 up, 1 down

Jed
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 11:11:34 PM

sweet

1 up, 0 down

HeXeN
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 @ 11:27:22 PM
Reply

I just don't understand some people.When everyone was asking for a price drop no one mentioned BC just that the PS3 was to expensive(which is ridiculous since I $600 for mine)and needed to come down so it could be affordable.Now the price drop has happen and it's very affordable yet and all I am hearing today is whaaaaa no BC no buy whaaaaa.

11 up, 0 down

fluffer nutter
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 @ 11:35:52 PM

The consumer masses will never be happy.

1 up, 0 down

Oxvial
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 12:08:22 AM

After BC the next complain gonna be cross chat but to be honest I don't care too much about it when I put my Ps3 online I just want to play not to talk in front of the tv.

5 up, 0 down

CH1N00K
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 10:14:04 AM

I kind of agree with you on that one Oxvial. I can't stand talking to most people that I run into in an online game..lol, let alone talking to someone else who's in another one. I can see how it could be important to some people, but usually if I'm online and a friend is, we send a message to each other and then hop into the same game together and play a few rounds.

1 up, 0 down

Jed
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 11:12:52 PM

It's only an issue because the 360 has it and the PS3 does not.

1 up, 0 down

Day_v
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 @ 11:43:05 PM
Reply

I hope the ps4 will have bc as standard.

6 up, 0 down

LegendaryWolfeh
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 12:12:45 AM
Reply

Everyone prepared for the 250gb PS3 slim model rumor =P

1 up, 0 down

Fane1024
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 5:15:29 AM

I don't know if you saw the posting on Joystiq, but Sony already applied for FCC testing in March; it's model # CECH-2001B.

So, yes, people are already talking about it.

Last edited by Fane1024 on 8/19/2009 5:20:14 AM

1 up, 0 down

orangpelupa
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 12:25:48 AM
Reply

hmm.. sony choose to disable "other os" on PS3....

this will only make hackers all around the world more interested in hacking PS3. to make it as an "open platform" again.

3 up, 0 down

Highlander
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 1:38:14 AM

Wanna bet that they found a vulnerability in the hypervisor and decided to plug that by dropping the OS support and toughening the hypervisor?

4 up, 0 down

orangpelupa
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 11:53:01 AM

maybe its to stop people from using PS3 linux to rip blu-ray movies

1 up, 0 down

Bo0mKiiD
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 12:26:31 AM
Reply

I'm sorry but a power brick? I hate power bricks no matter the size. GAHHH!

1 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 1:22:18 AM

I personally will be picking up another "big" PS3 in the coming weeks since there will surely be a few sales going on to get rid of the 80 gig models. I just wanted a price cut, could careless about a redesign.

Last edited by LimitedVertigo on 8/19/2009 1:22:38 AM

1 up, 0 down

Highlander
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 1:39:53 AM

There is no power brick, have a look at the unboxing images at Joystiq (dot com), the PS3 Slim box clearly lists only an AC power cord, not an external power brick, and the power socket on the back of the Slim is a standard 2 prong AC type. The power supply is internal.

3 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 10:15:07 AM

Highlander, multiple sites have posted that there is indeed a power brick. A sony rep did an interview after the Presentation and said the power brick will be much smaller than the one used for the 360.

1 up, 3 down

nath08
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 11:44:38 AM

limited vertigo... no there is definatley not an extrenal power brick! i have watched all of the unboxings i can find! there is NO external power brick, also highlander is probebly the most accurate poster on here... i would listen to him/her!

2 up, 1 down

nath08
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 11:45:56 AM

theres no power brick! the ps3 is better than the xbox, meaning no power brick!

1 up, 0 down

Highlander
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 3:56:50 PM

@LV, I was careful not to post anything categorical about the power brick until I had checked a couple of unboxings. It's clear from the pictures at Joystiq dot come that there is no external power unit, and the packaging itself lists the contents of the package which includes an AC power cord, but no external power unit.

Other than that, the casing hasn't shrunk by enough to mandate an external power unit. In fact it looks about the same size and layout of the original PS2 (fat), and that had the PSU in the left hand edge of the case (bottom of the case when vertical). This is a form factor Sony has a lot of experience with, so I am pretty sure Koller was simply mis-informed or mis-quoted.

Last edited by Highlander on 8/19/2009 3:58:19 PM

2 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 12:52:25 AM
Reply

I personally don't see the problem with playing ps2 games on the ps2.

Are people THAT lazy?
The visual differences aren't that insane.

2 up, 5 down

LegendaryWolfeh
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 1:02:06 AM

To be fair, the visuals are actually quite noticeable. Playing a PS2 game on the ps2 with an HD TV really shows how bad it tries to fit the screen and stretches. But with the PS3 upscaler, it does a great job at fixing it just the way it's needed by smoothing it and such, it really does help.

8 up, 0 down

Highlander
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 1:22:33 AM

1) my PS2 is 9 years old, it will die soon of old age.
2) Then I'd have to buy another one? No thanks, I just upgraded to this swanky new $299 thing from Sony, why the hell doesn't it play the games?
3) why should I have to have two Sony systems to play Sony games?
4) PS2 games on an HDTV look like crap without the scaling that the PS3 does.
5) When they announced the PS3, Sony stated categorically that it would be backwards compatible. Removing the capability in the first place was breaking a promise. Not restoring the capability is simply pointlessly pathetic.

13 up, 2 down

Charger7302
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 1:00:33 AM
Reply

Well I still have a question, is the ps3 now profitable for Sony? And if so by how much?

Last edited by Charger7302 on 8/19/2009 1:01:25 AM

2 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 1:20:52 AM

Several sites have been posting that Sony has cut the production cost for the PS3 by 70%. I imagine that would put them in the profit margin, by how much I have no idea.

2 up, 0 down

Fane1024
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 5:26:45 AM

It would be roughly $50 per PS3, if all the statistics were accurate ($299 - $250 or so).

2 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 1:26:57 AM
Reply

So the PS3 is now only 50 dollars more than the PSPGO....hmm

1 up, 0 down

Highlander
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 1:42:22 AM

PSPGo! will cost about $200 soon. The special GT PSP offer announced makes the PSPGo! effectively $200 anyway. Expect a bundled game followed by a core unit without a game for a base price of $200.

That's my prediction...

3 up, 0 down

Fane1024
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 5:29:08 AM

Watch that price drop faster than the iPhone's.

1 up, 0 down

Kai200X
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 1:37:39 AM
Reply

I just think it's fair to PS3 owners such as myself who bought original 60GB PS3 when it first came out to keep B/C. Those who waited already got what they want. A cheaper and lighter PS3.

4 up, 0 down

Ultimadream
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 3:11:02 AM

Ha yeah, i remember i saved up every penny i could just to get one of the last 60GB PS3's. i even borrowed money and i got one on the last week before they disapeared! i was so relieved.

2 up, 0 down

Jed
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 11:17:04 PM

I remember saving for mine. It was hard, but I got it. Then I had to camp outside of Best Buy on a particularly cold night in November.

2 up, 0 down

Ultimadream
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 3:09:07 AM
Reply

No offence even though the slim is rather cool and well built, if it doesnt have PS2 compatibilty ill stick with the brick. Its the only way to get PS2 games looking good on a HDTV. The PS3's upscaling does make a difference.

4 up, 0 down

SSRGohan
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 3:12:16 AM
Reply

I'm definitely buying one and I'm handing down my ps3 to my little brothers (6&8), i guess they are going to be lucky Sony remake their machine, its very sexy.

1 up, 0 down

Ultimadream
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 3:18:47 AM
Reply

The price doesnt seem to be that different here in the UK, i just looked on amazon and the slim will be £250, the Big PS3's havent dropped price like they said they would.

1 up, 0 down

Byakko2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 3:24:08 AM
Reply

I know many of you are disappointed with the lack of B/C, but really if it's so important, go buy a use B/C PS3 from Gamestop. What with the price drop, a used PS3 is probably about $250.

Let's look at what was nice about the conference, shall we? Maybe I'm one of the few, but I'm really excited about the 3.0 firmware. The new themes look amazing! I just saw the LBP theme on youtube, and it was awesome. Sure, it's rather mundane for gaming, but it gives the XMB more life when compared to the Xbox dashboard. Also, the software they showed for the new motion controller looks solid.

My advice to anyone who really desires to play their PS2 games upscaled on their PS3s is to just go buy a used one from GameStop. While I admit it was disappointing to hear, I have to say if it was so important to me, I would purchase a used B/C PS3.

4 up, 2 down

tanner1
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 3:25:59 AM
Reply

Why is it £200 in the U.S & £250 in the UK? Is it because theyre selling so bad over there yet good in Britain so we get punished?

3 up, 2 down

xnonsuchx
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 4:24:19 AM

Tell the Brits to do whatever they can to devalue their currency. :-)

2 up, 0 down

Fane1024
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 5:42:16 AM

Why is it that we have to explain the difference between the VAT and NA sales tax to you blokes every time?

Add 7 - 15% to U.S. prices and you'll see what we actually pay. My $599 launch PS3 cost me nearly $750 at the register.

It doesn't cover all the disparity, but the rest is likely tariffs.

If you want one for £200, find an importer who'll smuggle it past customs for free (good luck).

Last edited by Fane1024 on 8/19/2009 5:45:01 AM

2 up, 0 down

Oliver
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 8:09:25 AM

Unless you live in or near a state with no sales tax, like Delaware. My $599 PS3 was $599 at the register. :-)

1 up, 0 down

nath08
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 11:41:52 AM

no its because our currencey is sh** and we should have addopted dollors

1 up, 0 down

DGo8
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 3:59:55 AM
Reply

I agree ^^

2 up, 0 down

DGo8
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 4:02:11 AM
Reply

..And im sick of people on this site...when they say.."oh..ima get the ps3..and play God Of War(just and example) on 100inch HDTV(piss take btw) not on this article but many others i've been on..its people bragging about a tv..whats that about lol?

4 up, 4 down

Ultimadream
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 4:10:33 AM

Not sure if that was against me mention about the PS2 upscale, but i can certainly say i wasnt bragging. My TV is a 26 inch HDTV and i only have it because my TV at the time was broken and because it was on sale rediculousy cheap; £19. Though saying that im more that satisfied with it, it fits perfect in my bedroom, but a PS3 with B/C is vital if i want to play PS2/PS1 games.

4 up, 0 down

xnonsuchx
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 4:10:11 AM
Reply

PRICE DROP: Nice!

SLIM PS3 INTERIOR: Nice!

SLIM PS3 EXTERIOR: Debatable (I might need to handle on in person to decide for sure if I like it or not).

FIRMWARE 3.0: Sounds more like a 2.85 or 2.90 candidate.

NO PS2 COMPATIBILITY: I have a launch 60GB...what do I care? ;-) Seriously, too bad, but about what I expected (since solely software B/C is usually VERY finicky).

NO 'OTHER OS' OPTION ON SLIM PS3: Sucks huge ones considering it's a FIRMWARE option not needing any specific hardware support, even though 95+% of users would never use it. Home users just playing around with it out of their g33kiness is ONE thing, but what about the compan(y/ies) selling PS3 Linux clusters to scientists/researchers??? "Thanks for buying thousands of our machines, but now go F yourself!"???

NO MORE RUMORS OF CONFIRMATIONS (for a while): Nice! ;-)

4 up, 0 down

LegendaryWolfeh
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 7:06:16 AM

actually there'll be a rumor soon about the 250gb slim, haha

1 up, 0 down

Highlander
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 3:48:26 PM

Regarding the use of PS3s by researchers.

I would be unsurprised if Sony didn't either do a special price on the debugging stations with Linux capability for use in academic research, or sell something else similar only to genuine academic researchers.

2 up, 0 down

Titch1794
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 4:24:28 AM
Reply

What will become of my collection of ps2 games? sniffle sniffle.

2 up, 0 down

xnonsuchx
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 4:39:31 AM

Play them on your PS2!

5 up, 2 down

djduke316
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 6:09:19 AM

Honestly, I hardly ever play PS2 games on my 60 gig.

2 up, 0 down

Ultimadream
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 7:22:49 AM

Well i certainly do, MGS2 upscaled looks phenominal

1 up, 0 down

Deleted User
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 6:24:10 AM
Reply

f*ck its no PS3 slim for me. i am happy with my 80gig/bc fatty i was hopen that the slim will have bc.

1 up, 0 down

robinhood2010
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 6:57:01 AM
Reply

My god this is so stupid.

I am listening to BBC Radio 1, and they are talking about the new slimline PS3. They are claiming that the PS3 is lagging behind the other consoles, which is not true anymore.

Uninformed reporters make me sick.

Well done Radio 1 and John Koller.

3 up, 0 down

Jonesy555
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 7:45:12 AM
Reply

I already have my PS3 (original 60GB version), but I'm happy for Sony and the imminent success they are going to have this holiday season.

IMO, I still think the original looks better. Maybe I like my systems to have a little meat on its bones tho.

1 up, 0 down

TEG3SH
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 8:56:33 AM
Reply

it is a cool addition but i really dont see the need to upgrade . way too happy with my 40 gig ps3
regarding B/C i dont care that much i dont play ps2 games anyway........

1 up, 0 down

jaybiv
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 9:33:04 AM
Reply

Original 60gb owner here so BC doesn't impact me, but I think Sony will bring it back. It may not be perfect, but it's better than nothiing. Just think over the next three years of so how many people will transition from the 2 to the 3. And the lifecycle for the 2 is nearing it's end. Blame the cheapos for BC being taking out. They wanted a cheaper system, so Sony had to make some cuts. Sometimes being an early adopter isn't so bad.

2 up, 0 down

Orvisman
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 10:05:43 AM

Adding PS2 software emulation via download costs Sony nearly nothing.

Last edited by Orvisman on 8/19/2009 10:06:15 AM

2 up, 0 down

orangpelupa
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 11:59:11 AM

yeah maybe sony will do full software emulation to play PS2 games on PS3. Just like what microsoft did with Xbox 360 to be able to play xbox 1 games.

the downside is, software emulation not as good as the old PS3 that use hardware emulation. so expect to see only popular games and a few not-so-bad games supported by software emulation.

1 up, 0 down

xnonsuchx
Thursday, August 20, 2009 @ 2:33:52 AM

The CPU in the original Xbox is simpler than the chipset of the PS2, so easier to emulate, plus I believe the GPU of the 360 was tweaked to help more easily emulate the one from the original Xbox. In the PS2/PS3 case, since they were just going to put the PS2 chipset in for backward compatibility, the other hardware wasn't specifically designed to make emulation easier.

I still think that if PS2 compatibility was a cost issue from the beginning, Sony shoulda designed it as a $30-50 add-on (like a PCMCIA-like card w/ the PS2 chipset that installed in a special slot). That way, also only those who really wanted it would be paying for it.

1 up, 0 down

vicious54
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 9:38:55 AM
Reply

I know you guys love your ps2 games but you should have bought the 60gb if it was so important to you.

I'm ready for the thumbs down, I paid $600 for mine so go complain somewhere else.

9 up, 2 down

Scarecrow
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 12:04:18 PM

Aye aye!

1 up, 0 down

Button Masher
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 9:40:13 AM
Reply

I have the 60gb and I've rarely played any PS2 games.

As far as b/c is concerned, anyone remember it wasn't so long ago that a certain rumble feature was considered "last gen"? What eventually happened on that one? Hmmm...

2 up, 0 down

Robochic
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 10:19:24 AM
Reply

I have a launched 20gig I love it, I really am unaware of the "Loud" fan they speak of in the fat PS3's my 20gig is really quite my Wii is louder.

On B/C I have to agree with vicious54 if people wanted B/C for the PS2/PS1 games they would of invested into the Launched PS3's.
We all have to say guess what no B/c I mean we got the price cut and the PS3 slim model why aren't people happy?

I think Sony is listening and doing a damn good job but their are some things that they are going to stop and say sorry no to and lets move on and continue with the PS3 games and console.

1 up, 1 down

anjpikapp3
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 11:38:19 AM
Reply

OK....after reading this, I see most ppl are upset with the B/C. So sad...I agree with Kai200X in that you should have bought the original when you had the chance (this is a prime example of why buying something the first time around is a good thing). However, there is one thing I don't understand..."As for the 160GB model, it was always supposed to be a limited-time deal, so if you want to snag it now that it features a more attractive $399 price tag, you had best take advantage."

Does this mean they are going to remove all of the original models (80 and 120 GB)? is the Slim taking over? I know it looks good (I have already pre-ordered mine) but so does the original. Why take that one off the shelves to??

1 up, 0 down

JMO_INDY
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 6:13:45 PM

Buy things the first time around? Tell that to iPhone users, i waited for video, and i got it, more power, i got it. Things get better with time.

1 up, 0 down

sunspider13
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 11:41:05 AM
Reply

For people that want a b/c PS3 there's always craig's list and ebay; looking for a 60gb model for the bedroom. I'm planning on getting a new 'futuristic pizza box' model for my gf. I like my monolith model thank you very much.

Sony is doing what it can to make itself profitable again and this a step in the right direction.

1 up, 0 down

TubbyUrchin
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 12:03:48 PM
Reply

All you b/c g33ks need to calm down, I have a ps2 and not a ps3 yet but I'm picking up the slim. I don't care I can't play my old games and you know why? Because I didn't buy the ps2 to put it on my tv and play the ps1 games I have. It's the same with the ps3.

2 up, 2 down

Scarecrow
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 12:06:47 PM

I wonder what they did before ps3 was even out

So they never played their ps2 games on the ps2?

1 up, 0 down

Oxvial
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 12:25:18 PM

My ps2 broke but I dont want to buy another my room has a HDTV so when I needed to play PS2 games it was in another room with a normal TV.

So yeah BC is a great ad .

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 1:10:27 PM
Reply

I think Ben put it best when he mentioned that some people just don't want multiple systems hooked up in their entertainment center.

3 up, 0 down

Tribble
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 3:27:07 PM
Reply

The answer is usually 'no comment'. This seems pretty definitive... Didn't SONY post a job advertisment for a software engineer a while back (specialising in software emulation)? What about the recently patented software emulation technology? Maybe that's for the PS4?!

2 up, 0 down

CH1N00K
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 3:50:25 PM

Or to put on the PSN so we can buy all of our favourite games all over again and play them on the PS3..

1 up, 0 down

Highlander
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 3:55:07 PM

You're right that they usually say "no comment" or "no plans". However as always the implied statement after someone says no to something is "not that I know of."

The last time a Sony person gave a categorical "no" (I think it was regarding a price cut that materialized less than a month later), it turned out that the truth was in fact the opposite of what had been said. Koller is marketing, not technology. If someone in the engineering side of things builds a workable emulation, the only time that Marketing will be informed is if/when it's ready for prime-time. Until then, as far as marketing is concerned, BC has been removed and isn't coming back.

So in a sense it's like plausible deniability. It can be denied until it's announced.

1 up, 0 down

Tribble
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 4:19:35 PM
Reply

Dedspite the denials, I suspect B/C will eventually reappear. The patent suggests it can be done. if it were my business, I would want to exploit the market if I could. personally I wouldn't invest in another black box, but i might download the odd title.

Sony, like may other media companies is always looking for ways to make you buy the same software again (SONY famously said that copying a CD you owned was akin to theft). Strange that they would ignore such a lucrative market almost begging for the oppotunity to buy back catalogue products.

I think the reason for removing the 'Other OS' option is pretty straightforward; SONY were wary of the hacking communuity finding a hole in the hypervisor , and potentially finding a way to run pirated software.

2 up, 0 down

JMO_INDY
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 6:15:54 PM
Reply

Reason for no B/C: Its simple, SONY wants you PS2 owners to buy the PS3, duh.If you buy a lot of PS3s, well give you B/C in the future.You scratch our back, well scratch yours.

2 up, 2 down

JMO_INDY
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 @ 6:54:35 PM
Reply

i just realized a sad fact, this will be the first PS home console to not have the quad-color PS logo on the disc drive, *crys*

1 up, 0 down

shadowscorpio
Thursday, August 20, 2009 @ 10:59:32 AM
Reply

@ Highlander

Is the removal of switching OS a big deal? I have yet to own any PS3 and there are features of the 180gb HD PS3 that attract me but the smaller amount of power comsumption of the slim is appealing to me as well. 120gb HD is bad either.

Another thing that wasn't answered was whether or not the slim actually has card reader slots like the original PS3?

1 up, 0 down

Highlander
Thursday, August 20, 2009 @ 12:19:14 PM

No the 'other OS' thing was a facility that allowed you to install a version of Linux. The thing is that Linux didn't have access to the GPU and could only use 256MB of RAM. So it wasn't exactly the most used feature around.

The PS3 Slim, like all of the PS3s since the 40GB system launched (basically any PS3 with only 2 USB ports) does not include a memory card reader. There are 2 USB 2.0 ports, and of course you can plug pretty much any memory card reader into one of those, as well as any other USB device, and a standard USB hub will extend the number of ports you have. It's not ideal, but it is workable.

1 up, 0 down

shadowscorpio
Thursday, August 20, 2009 @ 11:22:51 AM
Reply

@ anyone

If you ask me the concept of B/C is genious. If Sony were to continue B/C they're legacy of games would live forever.

Does anyone know if Sony has a patent for B/C?

One way I see backwards compatibility for PS2 titles coming to PS3 is if they take PS2 out of production. IMO removing it in the first place was one of their biggest mistakes.

Think about it. Would the PS2 have been as successful without B/C?

Last edited by shadowscorpio on 8/20/2009 11:24:57 AM

1 up, 0 down

Bardock617
Thursday, August 20, 2009 @ 11:52:31 AM

so your saying you still want to see PS3's costing 499+? Backwards Compatibility costs money to do. thats why the Original 80GB and the one now are different prices.because they dropped B/C to lower production costs.

1 up, 0 down

Bardock617
Thursday, August 20, 2009 @ 11:55:05 AM
Reply

i don't get why everyone wants B/C so much. you all want to step back a generation and not forward? come on guys wake up here the PS3 is bigger,better and badder than the PS2. better graphics, gameplay all of that. sure, some nostalgia is great here and there but its time to move on. Next-Gen is here!

1 up, 0 down

shadowscorpio
Thursday, August 20, 2009 @ 12:29:13 PM

It just seems practical. Yes the new gen is here but ps2 is still around is it not? Ps2 games are still around are they not?

you might as well say get rid of ps1 and ps2 titles and only produce Ps3 titles period. Tell me there wouldn't be a massive uproar?

1 up, 0 down

Mounce
Thursday, August 20, 2009 @ 11:57:15 AM
Reply

Well, from what I know is, just because it's shot down 'Now', doesn't meant their minds won't change at all. That patent that the Cell can fully emulate the PS2's GPU and CPU still exists and raises a brow for obvious reasons...

They're just hiding the truth and saying what they feel they must, only to announce and confirm it when they feel most comfortable.

2 up, 0 down

shadowscorpio
Thursday, August 20, 2009 @ 12:31:03 PM
Reply

Btw. Thanks for the info Highlander.

1 up, 0 down

dumbnut
Thursday, August 20, 2009 @ 8:34:11 PM
Reply

Yes, what about DVR capabilities coming to the PS3? That's been talked about in the past, but I'm still waiting for it.

0 up, 0 down

WATSHAPPENIN25
Saturday, August 22, 2009 @ 12:32:45 PM
Reply

I think we need to have a poll on here to see how many ppl on this website actually want b/c, don't care about b/c, or already have b/c.

0 up, 0 down

racingboy123
Saturday, August 22, 2009 @ 12:39:28 PM
Reply

according to my dad

He says Sony needs to drop the console because they are to worried about the PSP

Also he claims that there's no games out for this system (only plays RPG's) that there all going to the handheld

He also said that if the PS3 didn't have a Blu Ray player he would have turned it back in

He claims that there is no such thing as FF13
he thinks its just a joke that SE is playing to get people to buy the PS3

0 up, 1 down

mike rlz
Saturday, August 22, 2009 @ 2:11:52 PM
Reply

i have ONE question about the power buttons... i dont own a PS3 yet. i heard on the fat PS3, the power buttons were just touch sensitive or something, and that the buttons on the new slim are going to be actual buttons. is this true?

0 up, 0 down

racingboy123
Saturday, August 22, 2009 @ 2:19:59 PM

for the "fat" playstaion everything was touch screen
though most people use the controller to turn the playstation on and off the a button that is in the same spot as the analog button the ps2 controllers

0 up, 0 down

Subtracterall
Sunday, August 23, 2009 @ 1:14:21 AM
Reply

I'm glad the power brick is going to be small. when i want to get rid of an erection i just think about the 360 brick.

0 up, 0 down

shootu
Sunday, August 23, 2009 @ 2:19:46 AM
Reply

WTF no b/c??? I thought Sony was making the slim better. Thats GAY!

1 up, 0 down

redstar
Monday, August 24, 2009 @ 2:22:59 PM
Reply

Ok, so I didn't bother to read all these comments, questions, or anything posted but I got a question and if it has already been answered I guess I apologize.

Will this PS3 Slim Version be able to play old PS1 and PS2 games?

I'm not sure if that is the question already answered when the article is talking about "backwards compatibility".

0 up, 0 down

racingboy123
Monday, August 24, 2009 @ 2:40:03 PM

ALL ps3 play ps1 games
from wat ive read the slim does not

SOny feels its cheaper to own a ps2 and a ps3

0 up, 0 down

deadpanda
Monday, August 24, 2009 @ 5:41:40 PM
Reply

I was really looking forward to the slims official announcement and spec list. I am one broke mutha and have to spend wisely. If they had included the b/c I would have been on board with the slim day and date. I have two choices now. Spend the 99 on a third ps2 and 300 for a ps3 or hunt for a 400 60 gig. And why does a redesign still cover the same amount of surface area?

0 up, 0 down

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PS3 Slim Questions Answered, Sony Says "No" To B/C

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