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New versions of PS3 still lack PS2 compatibility

By Justin Mann

On August 21, 2009, 3:24 AM

While it's too soon to proclaim the PS3 Slim a successful console, it has generated a lot of hype and positive feedback for Sony. Unfortunately, for fans of previous-generation games, it - like most prior PS3 models - will not feature PS2 backward compatibility. Of the seven PS3 flavors in circulation, the now-discontinued 20GB and 60GB models are the only two compatible with PS2 games. For those looking to buy new hardware, PS2 compatibility will remain a non-option in the foreseeable future.

Sony said that this feature will not be coming back, commenting to Ars Technica that it simply wasn't a strong selling point - contrary to the opinion of many. They may be right, considering the recent surge of PS3 pre-sales following the introduction of the Slim and a price drop. However, you might also keep in mind that the PS2 is still very popular, easy to obtain and relatively cheap.

Backward compatibility may not be a big concern for many PS3 owners because most likely have a PS2 anyway. As the PS2 ages and becomes less available in the market, things may change. Five years from now, will Sony regret leaving this feature out?

In related news, Sony has confirmed that their PS3 Slim bears a new 45nm Cell processor.

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User Comments: 30

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  1. I agree with this post.

    While it may be true that anyone who, in their advanced stage of lethargy, shelled out the ridiculous initial asking price for the PS3 may already have a PS2, doesn't mean that should be the only available scenario.

    Sony pulled the backwards compatability in a last ditch attempt to one up Microsoft. They were hurting for sales because of the lenghty release of the original 20Gb model, that they needed to find a way to make subsequent versions cheaper, more, and faster.

    Not to mention, with the originals now no longer being produced their value grows exponentially.

    Supply, and Demand.

    Now from a business perspective, they ought to sell out the remaining systems they have in storage for premium and THEN create PSN versions.

    Thats' all it's about anyway. 'The almighty dollar'

    Anyone that has been gaming since they wer a kid should have learned thatf the manufacturer's don't care one nit for the loyal consumer spending money they know they don't have on systems far above their ethical pricepoint...

  2. Well to be perfectly honest with the ever growing increase in imbedded storage and the fact you are already able to download PS1 games over the network, I imagine PS2 games are next in the that arena. that being the case who cares if it plays the discs or not? Unless faster load times and the prospect of enhanced performance of older titles bothers you...

  3. I have a dead PS2. I have lots of games on the PS2 and now they are useles. Why buy an old PS2 just because Sony wont make backward compatible consoles? There is no point me buying a PS2 beacuse the games are old and soon they will stop making any games for it at all. So i need something new. There is no reason to stay with Sony as i cannot use my old games anyway. I may as well go to XBOX or Wii as they have not shafted me yet. Sony you have lost a sale.

  4. I'm looking at wii and X box. I was a loyal Sony fan, but them pulling BC shows they are not loyal to me...the consumer. So heck, I'll check out the 360 and the wii. In a way, it kinda reminds me of when I liked Sega back in the day and even bought their 32x for my Genesis, a product they promised to support, but then they dropped it all to support the Dreamcast. That made me grop Sega and go to Sony. Now I am here again looking elsewhere.

  5. I'm looking at wii and X box. I was a loyal Sony fan, but them pulling BC shows they are not loyal to me...the consumer. So heck, I'll check out the 360 and the wii. In a way, it kinda reminds me of when I liked Sega back in the day and even bought their 32x for my Genesis, a product they promised to support, but then they dropped it all to support the Dreamcast. That made me drop Sega and go to Sony. Now I am here again looking elsewhere.

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