PS3 Dilemma - I'm On Orders

h8b1llg8ts

The wife has informed me it's time for a Playstation 3. She wants it simply for the fact that Firefly is on Blue Ray now. Being the good husband/gamer I will oblige but I'm torn and hope you can help me.

About 50% of me wants to go and get the 60GB for the simple fact of Backwards Compatibility. I already have a PS2 Slim but I don't want to keep it hooked up just for PS2 games. I already have my oXbox and 360 hooked up because of MS lack of keeping it's word. It's $419.99 at Gamestop, I can get 10% off and a $50 credit towards any game or accessory. And on top of that I could sell my PS2 and get another $60 or so towards the purchase. But these units are used and over 2 years old now.

Or I can get a brand new one from Dell for $319.99 w/ free shipping. It's not BC but again brand new so no issues should occur, right? Simple, easy, fast.

I really have been sitting on this dilemma since last night and I really can't decide. I don't want to spend over $400 on a brand new 60GB nor does the wife know that we could get a stand alone Blue Ray Player for cheaper so shhhhh ...

cloudeagle

Go for the Dell deal. It's nicely cheap, plus since the A/V connections are the same so you can easily switch it out with the PS2 as necessary. Not to mention the PS2 is damn near dead, and there have been reports of older PS3s dying (the "yellow light of death").

Loathing

Honestly I'd go for the 60gig with BC mainly because of your own reason, of not having to have a PS2 hooked up to the tv. I'd love to just have the one system there and play both PS2 and PS3 games on it without the hassle.

Sadly in the area that I live in, it's impossible to find any of the old PS3's in stores, so I had to end up getting the new 80gigs.

Reznik

It really depends on how important BC is to you. I jumped on a 60 GB right when it was announced that they were ceasing production simply because I don't know how long my PS2 fat will last.

FWIW, I think the new models use less power/run cooler. On the other hand, I'm really glad I grabbed my 60 gig when I did because it's still got all the bells and whistles (the 4 USB ports, for one thing).

I don't think you should have any issues with a used PS3, but if you're really cautious (and you don't seem all that enthusiastic about this purchase anyway), I guess you'd be better off with the newer and cheaper model.

SyphonBlue

Go for the BC.

I wish I had

Teslan26

Loathing wrote: »

Honestly I'd go for the 60gig with BC mainly because of your own reason, of not having to have a PS2 hooked up to the tv. I'd love to just have the one system there and play both PS2 and PS3 games on it without the hassle.

Sadly in the area that I live in, it's impossible to find any of the old PS3's in stores, so I had to end up getting the new 80gigs.

What about PS1 games? I simply assumed it was totally BC like the PS2....

Ah_Pook

definitely go for the 60GB

freakish light

Teslan26 wrote: »

Loathing wrote: »

Honestly I'd go for the 60gig with BC mainly because of your own reason, of not having to have a PS2 hooked up to the tv. I'd love to just have the one system there and play both PS2 and PS3 games on it without the hassle.

Sadly in the area that I live in, it's impossible to find any of the old PS3's in stores, so I had to end up getting the new 80gigs.

What about PS1 games? I simply assumed it was totally BC like the PS2....

PS1 games are done entirely in software and have 100% compatibility.

Evangir

Definitely go BC. Having extra consoles hooked up is always a huge pain. I'm playing an 80GB and the BC has been superb so far (only 3 of my games have issues, all from the same series). The 60GB will be even better.

greeble

How often do you use the ps2? I have a 60GB ps3 and I've only used it for 3 games, Shadow of the Colossus, MGS3 and buzz. I guess if you play lots of ps2 rpgs and stuff still it might be a big deal. I think I would mourn the loss of the 2 extra usb ports and card readers more than the BC to be honest. (The new ones run a lot cooler than the 60GB models, so that is a plus in the new machine category)

After being spoiled by ps3 and 360 graphics I don't really like playing ps2 games on my HDTV anyway.

CarbonFire

I say go with the newer non-BC model. Less chance of hardware problems, and you already have a PS2 should the itch arise (even though it may be less convenient). I own one of the older 80 GB software-BC PS3 models, and while I'm glad I got it (never owned a PS2), I can't say I use the feature that often.

Plus at $320, the PS3 actually approaches "good deal" status.

Also, you are one lucky SOB for having a wife that loves Firefly :P

Torso Boy

If you even want the BC a little, get it. I only kinda wanted it, but now that I don't have it, I wish I did.

Also, no "e" in Blu-Ray.

Chance

I'm deliriously happy with my 60 gig, but I have a sizable PS2 library. It's worth it, I think - even with the risk of an older system biting the bullet.

That said, if hooking up your PS2 occasionally isn't a hassle for you, you may want to go with that. But you've said it's a concern so yeah. 60 gig, definitely.

The_Spaniard

BC!

h8b1llg8ts

Anyone know if this new bundle will work like the Motorstorm/MGS4 one did?

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3173307

HyperAquaBlast

i doubt it. Sony has really tried to put a stop to it. BC I mean. Even the very last one to do it (MGS4 bundle) doesn't even do it as well as the original PS3s.

freakish light

HyperAquaBlast wrote: »

i doubt it. Sony has really tried to put a stop to it. BC I mean. Even the very last one to do it (MGS4 bundle) doesn't even do it as well as the original PS3s.

Probably because those original ones have the Emotion Chip included, which gives better quality BC but also increases production cost.

The Reverend Dr Galactus

If you have or plan to have an HDTV to hook it up to, you'll almost certainly have a spare composite video input to throw an old PS2 alongside it.

Or, better yet, if you have an older TV somewhere else in the place, like in a bedroom -- why not just hook the PS2 up there with the PS3 in the living room? That, I would say, is the main advantage of going separate instead of finding a BC unit, spreading your gaming options throughout your home.

NailbunnyPD

I bit on that Dell deal, despite the price drop rumors and/or BC options. I have a slim PS2, so I think i am okay there, but the upscaling would have been nice.

That said, where do I go from here? I order LBP and a second controller for the GF so we can get all up ins the casual coop. I will very likely pick up Valkyria Chronicles when I find a sale.

Do I need to order the bluray remote for DVD and bluray playback?

thepassenger

You can use a controller for DVD/BluRay playback.

I would also recommend getting Pixeljunk Monsters from the online store when you get it if you and the lady like tower defense business. It has coop and is quite fun.

Reznik

You can always use a controller as a remote if you don't want to shell out the extra cash. I've personally never had a problem with it, but a lot of people prefer the remote, so...

Also get Uncharted and Ratchet & Clank Future.

MichaelLC

Like Reznik, I went for the 60GB when I heard they were dropping them. I don't have a PS2, so that may change things.

I guess I'd probably go for the new one as you already have a PS2, and that it's cheaper. Maybe unplug the PS2 and see how much you actually miss it once you start playing.

You know you can swap the drive, right? All PS3 models are the same - literally unscrewing one panel, pulling the drive and popping the new one in.

h8b1llg8ts

Is the PSN's MK2 upscaled ... ?

ElKaboom

The only thing I don't like about the PS3 controller as the Blu-Ray remote is that sometimes I'll set it down and hit one of the triggers (they really did make the L2 and R2 triggers all wrong).

Otherwise, I have NO clue why I would pay for a the Blu-Ray remote.

-EDIT-
...and to stay on topic: I have the MGS4 bundled 80GB and lurv my card reader and four USB ports. Granted, this is coming from someone who doesn't really have an expansive PS2 library so BC wasn't an issue for me.

Lothars

ElKaboom wrote: »

The only thing I don't like about the PS3 controller as the Blu-Ray remote is that sometimes I'll set it down and hit one of the triggers (they really did make the L2 and R2 triggers all wrong).

Otherwise, I have NO clue why I would pay for a the Blu-Ray remote.

-EDIT-
...and to stay on topic: I have the MGS4 bundled 80GB and lurv my card reader and four USB ports. Granted, this is coming from someone who doesn't really have an expansive PS2 library so BC wasn't an issue for me.

I would say the ps3 remote is fantastic and definitely worth the price, I don't like using the controllers when watching blu rays and for an extra 20 bucks it's handy and just works really well, I have nothing but good things to say about the remote.

ElKaboom

What exactly do you like about it? This isn't in argument either. I'm generally curious (maybe I'm missing something).

Lothars

ElKaboom wrote: »

What exactly do you like about it? This isn't in argument either. I'm generally curious (maybe I'm missing something).

I like that it's using the bluetooth it will automatically turn on the ps3 as soon as you hit a button on the remote, it also has the the special feature buttons with the different colors, it also has the ps3 controls on the remote, I mainly use it for convience because I find the controllers kind of annoying to use with movies but here's a review for the remote, it's from cnet.

PS3 remote review

MichaelLC

I perfer the remote too.

Sure it's a convienience, but for anything more than just hitting Play and letting the movie run through, it's much easier to use. If I'm platying around with pics or vids on the XMB, I'll usually just use the remote too. as I find the rocker is quicker than the regular d-pad.

h8b1llg8ts

Also, going on with my first request of BC over non, I should only go for the 60GB and avoid looking at the newer 80GB bundled BC versions. Correct?

Torso Boy

h8b1llg8ts wrote: »

Also, going on with my first request of BC over non, I should only go for the 60GB and avoid looking at the newer 80GB bundled BC versions. Correct?

The BC emulation is superior in the 60gb, so yes.

If the hdd space is an issue- for most it isn't- you can just upgrade. For about $80 I threw a 320gb hdd into my PS3 and it has done wonders for my epeen.

eternalbl

Do you really wanna be the last guy getting up from the couch to turn your shit on? Get a 60GB.

Casually Hardcore

Dear god, we have finally reach the point where it is a bad thing to not be so fucking lazy to get off the god damn couch and turn off the console by hand!

Malkor

ethugs4life wrote: »

Dear god, we have finally reach the point where it is a bad thing to not be so fucking lazy to get off the god damn couch and turn off the console by hand!

Well if he's like me, he has his cables hidden really well, and making changes tends to be a pain because of that.

Morninglord

I would go for the backwards compatibility.

Mind you my ps2 just died and I can't afford a new one.

I have a ps3 but I bought a japanese one to avoid the anal rape us aussies get on gaming consoles. At least you get a decent option for it, so I'd get it.

eternalbl

ethugs4life wrote: »

Dear god, we have finally reach the point where it is a bad thing to not be so fucking lazy to get off the god damn couch and turn off the console by hand!

Welcome to wired remote-ville. Population ethugs4life :P

Synthesis

I'm probably overlooking something, but have you considered getting one of the software BC PS3s? They're not quite as good as the hardware BC ones, but on a positive note, there are fewer horror stories about second-year PS3s dying. Of course, this is a an issue close to my heart, since a friend of mine had his optical drive die (turning his expensive PS3 into...well, a large shiny black paperweight with an internet browser).

I wasn't willing to fork over the $400 to $500 for a used 60GB PS3, but I'm a cheap bastard. It seemed like the 80GB models with software BC would be more reliable (again, just suspicion), subject to less wear with time (only one year of abuse as oppose to two), and for a fact they are considerably cheaper.

BC is pretty damn crucial. The fact that Sony axed it is still rather perplexing, but I'm one of those people who plays 5 PS2 games and only 1 PS3 game.

Malechai

I'd say go with the 60 gig one. While it may end up having issues Sony's support will always send you the same modle back if you ever have to send it in. Just be sure to pull the hdd if you make an upgrade.

Elementalor

I'm personally not a fan of how PS2 games look on HD sets. The BC was great when I had the PS3 on an SDTV, but now I never use it. But the 60 gig is the most pimp with options, and you'll never actually need to get anything to make it work with anything else. Except for like...an hdmi or optical cable, heh.

Error

I play PS2 games maybe once every 5 months or so, and I play my PS3 a lot more than that. So it didn't matter to me to get backwards compatibility. Plus I have a PS2 for my PS2 games.

Dr Mario Kart

I dont know how much of a frame whore you are, but the PS3's BC buffers 3 frames of video, meaning you get that much input lag, regardless of model or input.

This affects mostly fighting and rhythm game enthusiasts.

Malechai

Dr Mario Kart wrote: »

I dont know how much of a frame whore you are, but the PS3's BC buffers 3 frames of video, meaning you get that much input lag, regardless of model or input.

This affects mostly fighting and rhythm game enthusiasts.

That explains GGAC. Always wondered why there was that minescule lag. I just got over it still fun even if not perfect, and nothing stops certain friends with anji anyways.