Playstation 3 buyer questions

thejazzman

I'm looking to get a PS3 and there's some issues I'm having that I know the people of this forum could answer within minutes

I live in England, I want PS2 backwards compatability, and I'd prefer software emulation. The perfect version for this seems to be an 80 gb version that wiki says is NTSC, which I assume means it's only sold in America but I could import since its region free.

A PAL 60gb version used to be sold in england that has BC, but it's not being made any more so I would have to get it second hand from somewhere.

So my questions are thus:

1) Will importing a PS3 from America be a big problem (I heard your sockets don't have as big a power output as in England so an American version could overheat?)

2) How are second hand PS3's? I wouldn't want to buy a 360 this way since I've heard so much bad stuff about them breaking etc, anybody got experience in this regard?

RainbowDespair

Not sure about your questions, but you do realize that PS2-backwards compatibility is region locked, right? If you get a NTSC PS3, you'll only be able to play US PS2 games (although PS3 games are region free so you're okay on that point).

The_Scarab

You need a PAL PS3.

Also, dont worry about power output ever. Transformers were invented like 100 years ago and still work today. And are cheap.

thejazzman

Huh OK that's a big deal. In that case there's no way I can get a NTSC PS3. I guess I'm going to have to find a PAL 60gb version that hasn't been sold yet since they stopped making them, or maybe second hand, but I'd still like to know more about that.

thanks

The_Scarab

Serious alternative:

Buy a new PS3 for cheaper and get a second hand PS2. You would probably save a lot of money, the backwards compatible PS3s are not low in cost, even second hand. In fact their price is grossly inflated.

Scotty

I just bought a PS3 (80 gigger) and wanted to get a BC one, but said screw it because of the prices, and I have a PS2 slim hooked up with component anyhow.
Even on a 40" Samsung 1080p HDTV it looks really good.:^:

cloudeagle

The_Scarab wrote: »

Serious alternative:

Buy a new PS3 for cheaper and get a second hand PS2. You would probably save a lot of money, the backwards compatible PS3s are not low in cost, even second hand. In fact their price is grossly inflated.

This, a thousand times this. It's nice to have one less machine, but the added cost and frustration won't be worth it in the long run.

Bretzy

Second hand PS3s are pretty reliable, just get it from a shop that has an extended warranty program and tack that on when you buy it. A friend of mine bought a 60gb NTSC refurb and it works great, he hasn't had any issues at all.

Monkeydrye

cloudeagle wrote: »

The_Scarab wrote: »

Serious alternative:

Buy a new PS3 for cheaper and get a second hand PS2. You would probably save a lot of money, the backwards compatible PS3s are not low in cost, even second hand. In fact their price is grossly inflated.

This, a thousand times this. It's nice to have one less machine, but the added cost and frustration won't be worth it in the long run.

Well, if they have HDTV, a BC PS3 will give them some level of upscaling. So that is something to consider as well.

The_Scarab

I have seen pretty much negligible upscaling on my PS3 playing my PS2 games. I have a backwards compatible PS3 and still have my PS2 hooked up. Unless space is a major major issue there is really not a huge amount of benefit.

Six

Wireless control, hassle-free connection to the HDTV, no memory cards to deal with, and one less machine were factors for me in really wanting a BC PS3, but in general I agree that going with a used ps2 is a decent solution.

Uselesswarrior

Yeah the PS2 solution may be your only option as Sony is being even worse with backwards compatibility in Europe then it is in the USA.

I fear that the next generation systems will strip out backwards compatibility all together, that certainly seems to be the trend.

cloudeagle

Six wrote: »

Wireless control, hassle-free connection to the HDTV, no memory cards to deal with, and one less machine were factors for me in really wanting a BC PS3, but in general I agree that going with a used ps2 is a decent solution.

Actually, connecting the PS2 to an HDTV is hassle-free too. Just get some PS2/3 component cables (they work for both), attach it to your TV and turn it on. Worked for me.

Six

cloudeagle wrote: »

Six wrote: »

Wireless control, hassle-free connection to the HDTV, no memory cards to deal with, and one less machine were factors for me in really wanting a BC PS3, but in general I agree that going with a used ps2 is a decent solution.

Actually, connecting the PS2 to an HDTV is hassle-free too. Just get some PS2/3 component cables (they work for both), attach it to your TV and turn it on. Worked for me.

Indeed, but it means you have to buy PS2 component cables and it also means you use up an input - might be an issue for some.

It\'s not a big deal at all, it’s just another factor. Having the BC built into the Ps3 is just really nice.

*hugs his 60 gig*

JAEF

Here in California 60 gigs seem reasonably priced on craigslist. I've had no issues with mine aside from the hard drive mount screws getting stripped when I tried to remove them, which was resolved with a quick phone call to Sony and replaced at no cost to myself.

I don't like the idea of another console taking up space on my shelf or stand, in my power outlet, and on my TV inputs. But I was rocking a PS2 fatty, so whatever transmits your bits.