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EUR PS3's backwards compatibility supports less games
elkatas
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Registered User regular
http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSL2267625820070223
So... in the nutshell. Sony has started to remove PS2 dedicated chips from PS3 to save in manufacturing costs. As a result of this European PS3's will be less backwards compatible than their US and JPN counterparts. However, this shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone, as Sony has many times stated that PS2 backwards compatibility will be completely hardware based on only first models. It is also fairly reasonable to except that new US and JPN PS3 models will feature same kind of hardware revision.
So... in the nutshell. Sony has started to remove PS2 dedicated chips from PS3 to save in manufacturing costs. As a result of this European PS3's will be less backwards compatible than their US and JPN counterparts. However, this shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone, as Sony has many times stated that PS2 backwards compatibility will be completely hardware based on only first models. It is also fairly reasonable to except that new US and JPN PS3 models will feature same kind of hardware revision.
Hypnotically inclined.
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Edit: can't kill my own thread on this new-fangled board? Can I get a mod lock up in it?
By the way, this means we're paying about $200 more than everyone else, for the privilege of waiting 4 months and getting less features.
Current plan is that PS2 backwards compatibility will be emulation based. Originally even first models should have featured PS2 emulator, but Sony ran on technical problems.
Wouldn't surprise me entirely if Wiis suddenly become very available and 360s drop in price the day they come out too...
I want the high prices for less features. I may just have to move.
Ok, so now people can't safely sell their old PS2 to make a bit of a dent in the massive price of the PS3? This is utter bullshit, what about those that have pre-ordered under the impression it'll be 98% backwards compatible?
Rather than do this, why don't Sony just employ people to stand outside gaming stores in Europe and kick customers in the balls?
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Sony are really giving European customers more and more reasons to import a PS3 from the US. Or to buy an XBox 360 instead.
I predict that come March there will still be a lot of second-hand PS2s available, and therefore a lot (relatively speaking) of pissed-off PS3 owners wondering why Fifa and Pro Evo aren't working.
One big issue is: how many people will end up returning their PS3s because they are "broken"?
Backwards compatibility on the 360 was pretty decent by the time it was widely available, but even then, people were getting royally pissed off at not being able to play certain games. At least retailers could say "stick with it, and Microsoft will improve the emulation" when people complained.
Sony is only promising that "a limited range of PlayStation®2 (PS2) titles" will be playable on PAL consoles. This will be a huge issue if they keep this stance and don't rapidly improve the emulation.
Nice one Sony.
2) "At least"? You make it seem like Sony isn't doing the same thing. You do realise they'll be updating it as well, right? And if the PSP (and the previous 2 months of the PS3) is anything to go by, they'll be a lot more regular than the 360's ones.
Anyway, I'll wait and see. It really seemed like the PAL launch was going to be OMFG awesome, with it's launch lineup and this isn't really a huge hit to that. I'll be getting a PS3 at the end of 2007/start of 2008 anyway, so most of the problems will probably be fixed by then.
That would include me. You saying I'm retarded for wanting play some great games I missed out on by not owning a PS2, and not wanting to invest in outdated tech?
If you just buying a PS3 to buy PS2 games, yes I would see that as stupid because its much cheaper to get a PS2.
If you want to play PS3 and PS2 games, no I wouldn't see that as being stupid.
This information however is not very good for the system. But still its the PS3 and still doesn't deter me.
Or at least they would import...
if sony didn't have importing video game consoles declared illegal over there.
I mean, to me buying a PS3 would be for PS3 games, with the backwards compatibility being an asset. Would I be disappointed? Yeah, but returning it because of that? Bugger off. If PS2 games are the main reason why you buy a PS3, then yeah you are pretty retarded.
Given the famous fragility of the PS2, if I were to get a PS3, I'd want it to run my fair-sized PS2 collection.
It not doing so is another black mark against the thing.
What Fragility? My brother still has those big hunky PS2 and its working like new. I am the slim, $129 CDN one and it still works.
'...backwards compatibility supports fewer games' please. Its bugging me.
Also, it wouldnt surprise me if half the PS3s preordered are again for stupid ebay reselling. They wont make any money at all but people will still try it.
As for backwards compatibility. Again, until Sony release an exact list of what is compatible, stop complaining. Sure there might be fewer games that work, but if those ones that dont work are Barbie Horse adventures 1 through 10 then why bother whining about it?
There was a good 70% (estimated) chance of PS2s failing depending on what serial number it was and how you played it (flat or standing).
I mean 100 million shipped is one thing. But if there are only 30 million owners then thats not as impressive.
A lot of people say the PS2 breaks easily.
Mine came close to it once (giving Disc Read Errors) but thankfully stopped again.
I have played it both ways, flat and standing, my PS2 Slim is flat, my brother fat one is standing. None have developed problems (knock on wood). I assume I am in the 30% then.
Um, yes it is. Today, in fact.
Unless you're non-UK, in which case I am unsure.
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Besides, there are plenty of people saying, "Hey, my PS2 busted. Maybe I'll just save up for a PS3 instead of buying a new PS2." And there are a shitload of people with aging PS2s. Just saying.
Exactly, A new PS2 costs, at best, £50.
Xbox 360 + PS2 costs less that PS3. Much less than PS3 + PS2.
Actually, I have to give some kudos for the way Sony handled this... they owned up to what they're doing, they didn't spew bullshit like "we did this because it's what the gamers want," etc. It was honest. I like honesty.
And, let's face it, Sony HAS TO cut the cost of the PS3 somewhere (again, losing upwards of $300 per console sold), and according to Sony execs, the cost of components isn't dropping as fast as they'd like. They can't keep up a $300 loss forever. So this move makes some business sense.
...but maybe not entirely. The PS2 handled BC near-flawlessly, which has given Sony a lot to live up to. Joe Average WILL expect the PS3 to be fully BC... after all, the PS2 was! And when that expensive machine isn't BC, some people (who either don't comprehend next-gen DVD playback or don't give a crap about it, which is a sizeable crowd) are going to feel ripped off.
Really, this is just another way that, financially speaking, their Blu-ray gambit has painted Sony into a corner.
EDIT: On the plus side, this is one sure-fire way to ignite sales of first-gen PS3s!
That way consumers have a choice 1. save money by not getting BC they don't need, or 2. An additional bonus to the extra price premium they are paying.
you know I still regret buying the PS3 at launch due to the post launch slump (VF5 not withstaning) we are in now, but I don't think I regret it as much after reading that BC is going to be messed up in later models.
Yeah, you're right, having the feature in for other countries and swiped away for Europe is a huge slap in the face, and could be interpreted as a dickish move. If Sony had known about all this, they should have just kept BC out from the beginning... then again, I'm guessing the execs/developers at Sony honestly didn't realize just how expensive the components would be (and, apparently, remain) when they created the PS3.