Do the new model PS3's have backwards compatibility?

[Bajaratt]

My parents are considering getting a PS3, and they're not going to play games on it. So, I wanted to know if the new models have backwards compatibility, because I was going to trade mine for theirs if they get one. So, does anyone know if the new 80/160GB models can play PS2 games?

 

[Zyndara]

I think the newer ones may not have it. I found this link though - if you know the model number, you can check before you buy: http://playstation.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/playstation.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=232

 

[JP]

I don't think the newer ones can. But the older 80Gigs could.

 

[Tiael]

None of the models on the market currently have PS2 compatibility, though may be able to get an 80GB (or lower GB) PS2 compatible model on Ebay or such other sites.

 

[Halifirien]

I'm glad I bought mine when I did. The 80GB model that came with the Metal Gear Solid 4 bundle was backwards-compatible, so I can still play Sly Cooper and assorted PS2 goodies without hauling out the old machine. I guess I understand why Sony does it, but I still wish they hadn't cut new customers off from a potentially massive library of older titles.

 

[Zyndara]

I'm glad I bought mine when I did. The 80GB model that came with the Metal Gear Solid 4 bundle was backwards-compatible, so I can still play Sly Cooper and assorted PS2 goodies without hauling out the old machine. I guess I understand why Sony does it, but I still wish they hadn't cut new customers off from a potentially massive library of older titles.

Yeah i got the MGS4 bundle when I got my 80GB. Mine has no problems w/ backward compatibility at all. I wonder if there's a substantial savings in cost of production for them to eliminate that. I would assume not, but I can't imagine any other reason they'd cut the feature out.

 

[Firestreak]

There are rumors now, from fairly reliable souces, that Sony already has the firmware update to give EVERY PS3 backwards compatibility via software emulation. They want to give PS2 another Christmas of sales though, as selling a PS2 unit is far more profitable in the short term. Could be right or wrong, dunno. Have 2 of the original 60 gigs myself, 1 for me, 1 for the folks(blu-ray mainly).

 

[Bajaratt]

That sucks. I know the older models could, but they're going to just walk into a store and buy one; they're not going to jump through hoops and get a used/refurb unit just so I can swap mine with theirs. And since they're never going to play a single game on it, it won't be worth the effort.

There wouldn't have been much of a cost reduction, but when they were losing money hand over fist with each console sold, every penny they saved was probably celebrated. It shouldn't be too difficult to use the cell processor to emulate the PS2 through software though; the thing's got enough horsepower.

 

[Tymon]

I'm glad I bought mine when I did. The 80GB model that came with the Metal Gear Solid 4 bundle was backwards-compatible, so I can still play Sly Cooper and assorted PS2 goodies without hauling out the old machine. I guess I understand why Sony does it, but I still wish they hadn't cut new customers off from a potentially massive library of older titles.

I bought the same model as you, I believe it's the best model they released.

Has BC and all of the additional stuff (more USB ports, SD, etc)

Sure, might not be HARDWARE BC but it plays something in the range of 80% games and none of mine have failed yet.

 

[Gerry]

There have been a couple rumors of BC making a return in some shape or form someday but until there is hard evidence of that from Sony, then... sorry.

 

[Bajaratt]

There have been a couple rumors of BC making a return in some shape or form someday but until there is hard evidence of that from Sony, then... sorry.

It's ok, I only wanted backwards compatibility to remove one source from my home theater. It's not a big deal, just something I'd like to have, but it's not a necessity.

 

[Firestreak]

Well fyi Amazon has a sale today that includes the Dark Knight Blu-ray and Resistance 2 free with PS3. Anyone planning on getting one might as well do that. They're pretty much the top game and movies respectively this season.(Though one can argue LBP is better.)

 

[Tribalinius]

I don't know if it applies to the U.S. as well, but we got a promotion at EBGames right now until Sunday. You can buy a 80GB (newer model, don't confuse it with the BC one) PS3 and you have the choice of a game (NHL 2009, Resistance 2, Call of Duty: World at War, Little Big Planet and Metal Gear Solid 4) for "free" for <insert Kaz Hirai voice here> 399,99$ CAD. If you want there is also a new package with a 160GB HD and Uncharted for 524$ CAD too ^^.