PS3 SKUs compared, no PS2 backwards compatibility found

It's been at least an hour since Sony has released a new PlayStation 3 SKU, so our friends at Joystiq took the time to take a breath. In that moment, they came up with a handy -- and somewhat startling -- chart that explains which PS3 model has what, including Cell chip size (the more efficient and quieter 65nm vs the older 90nm), USB port count, pack-in freebies, and which ones have PS2 backwards compatibility. It's charts like that remind us that no currently-shipping PS3 comes with HD video cables or PS2 backward compatibility, for better or worse. Hit the read link for the breakdown, and start your fanboy engines.

[M.Samba @ Aug 26th 2008 9:37AM]

im surprised a diy'er hasn't made a ps3 that is backwards compatible

[Serial 8-Ball Mouse @ Aug 26th 2008 10:15AM]

I am surprised a DIYer hasn't made a PS3 that can play Wii games and travel through time, too.

[High Ranks make you sterile @ Aug 26th 2008 11:09AM]

I'm surprised that apparently nobody owns a PS2 anymore so they have to bitch about backwards compatibility.

[Serial 8-Ball Mouse @ Aug 26th 2008 11:47AM]

It's more than people not owning a PS2. PS3 BC offers some other things.

HDD backup of saved games would be nice. Improved visuals playing PS2/1 over a HDMI cable would be nice. Less space taken on your entertainment center's shelf would be nice (my room is VERY small, I don't have any space at all). Less inputs taken on the back of the TV would be nice as well as on your power strip. Two less controllers dangling around would be nice.

BC is nice.

[High Ranks make you sterile @ Aug 26th 2008 12:05PM]

True, but it's the same people who squawk about the Wii not having a DVD player. Do you really not have any other device that can play DVDs?

I understand that BC is fun. For over a year, my 360 was my dedicated Halo 2 machine.

At the end of the day, I'd rather that Sony be using resources to make my experience playing MLB 09: The Show more enjoyable. I'll take it at the expense of my experience playing MLB 05: The Show less enjoyable. It's called progress.

The PS2 was completely backwards compatible, and everyone was happy. If you're really jones'ing to play PS2 games that badly, you have to make some sacrifices. The HD save place is a minimal upgrade if you already owned a PS2 -- you already have those peripherals. It's not like you're being forced to go buy new memory cards -- unless you're buying these games for the first time... then I guess you're SOL.

And the HDMi upgrade thing isn't that big of an upgrade IMO -- I don't know from experience, but while M$ says Halo 2 looks better on an HDTV with a 360, I don't really see it. And Ice Hockey for the Wii looks just as good as it did on an NES -- which was shit.

[alexmueller @ Aug 26th 2008 12:18PM]

Ugh its not that we don't own a PS2 most people do. I don't buy a PS3 to play PS2 games, I buy it to get rid of the PS2 in the entertainment system. I'd still keep my PS2 because it's useful but when I got a PS2 I sold my PS1, because then it was useless.

[Jesse Felt @ Aug 26th 2008 1:18PM]

I originally bought a 40 gig, then within 1 week of that purchase, my 2 year old stood on top of my PS2 and broke it... I then sold my 40 gig to a friend and bought a 60. PS2 compatibility is important to some people.

[su27chaos @ Aug 26th 2008 12:36PM]

I don't complain but I thought PS3 was backwards compatible with PS1/2 games until I read this. I never own PS2 but Xbox and PS1 because I spend most of my money on my computer. I was thinking of getting PS3 so It could be all in one like play HD movies, all PS games, and folding.

[Andrew @ Aug 26th 2008 2:03PM]

What I don't understand - and hopefully someone can explain this - is how the PS3 in Europe originally used emulation software, but yet the current generation of PS3s are unable to use this. If a DIYer were to make a BC model, I expect this will be the route they take though

[SlickD @ Aug 26th 2008 9:38AM]

I am just so glad I got the 60G version.

[cookiejar @ Aug 26th 2008 9:40AM]

Agreed!

[Joel @ Aug 26th 2008 9:53AM]

One of the few times being an early adopter paid off!

[Griever92 @ Aug 27th 2008 12:03AM]

Cheers to that.

[Chris @ Aug 26th 2008 9:41AM]

360 FTW!

[Michael @ Aug 26th 2008 9:55AM]

The 360 can play my ps2 games? Good to know.

[From My Cube @ Aug 26th 2008 9:59AM]

@Michael, No your PS2 can play your PS2 games...Your PS3 may be able to play it, but odds are, probably not

[lol @ Aug 26th 2008 10:24AM]

You know, I have a 360 too, but this doesn't make a bit of sense.

The 360 emulates its BC just like the PS3, so I don't get your "FTW!1ONE~HAMBURGER" comment.

The only reason BC is not a big issue for the 360 is because the regular Xbox library isn't that extensive, and XBL has been adding XBox originals to their lineup.

Now, if PS3 let you download PS2 games or install them to the HD...that would be stellar.

[n0npoint @ Aug 27th 2008 12:03AM]

M$ just announced there will be no more updates to BC.
http://www.xbox-scene.com/xbox1data/sep/EkEAZkuuFAONZOsXPu.php

[hexoDAT64 @ Aug 26th 2008 9:41AM]

Guys I think we need to move past Backwards Compatibility. If you have PS2 games you wanna play, chances are you already have a PS2. I know its more convienent, but its not really that big of a deal. Its 2008, and people are moaning over not being able to play games from a system made 8 years ago =/

[Serial 8-Ball Mouse @ Aug 26th 2008 10:18AM]

You're right man, old games suck. That's why nobody should ever play Final Fantasy III or Super Mario 64 or Symphony of the Night ever again. Screw old games, where's my copy of Lair?!

But seriously, just because a game is old doesn't make it any worse than a new one. Just because you're a graphics slut doesn't make it so for the rest of us. Art direction, gameplay, story, music, and other criteria actually matter sometimes you know.

[Will H. @ Aug 26th 2008 10:29AM]

Old games rock, and while BC would be cool in all PS3's, it's not a deal breaker for me. I own a PS2 that works just fine, and a PS3 without BC. I don't play much PS2 nowadays, but if I want to, it's not a big deal for me to hit the 'source' button on my remote once. I'm not going to scream at Sony for not putting BC in new PS3's, and I wish every fanboy who is too lazy/poor to buy a PS2 would do the same.

[Eddie @ Aug 26th 2008 10:37AM]

Actually I gave my little brother who went to college my PS2 so in order to play disgaea or other classics I need to use my PS3! Luckily I made sure mine was backwards compatible. What I want to know is seriously how much can it seriously add to make it emulated like on my mgs4 80gb?

[Bob @ Aug 26th 2008 10:42AM]

You do realize that the ps2 is still one of the top 5 selling systems right? It is quite obvious that people do indeed still want to play games from an 8 year old system.

[hexoDAT64 @ Aug 26th 2008 11:15AM]

Yes I do understand that many older games are great, and I do agree. But my point is that some one isn't going to buy a PS3 so that they can go and buy that used copy of Final Fantasy III at Gamestop. Most of the people who want BC already have a PS2 so thus it wouldn't be needed in the PS3. Those who don't and are concidering a PS3 could certainly justify spending $129 on a PS2 for all those old games they want vs a $399 PS3

[becu55 @ Aug 26th 2008 11:23AM]

@ Bob

Well, lets name all of the more recent and popular systems (handhelds don't count)
Xbox 360
PS3
Wii
PS2
Xbox
PC
Gamecube

hmm top five out of seven systems, quite an accomplishment

[Kizorblade @ Aug 26th 2008 11:25AM]

Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time

Number 1 reason why I pull out my N64 and actually use the thing. BEST GAME EVER.

[Backlin @ Aug 26th 2008 11:37AM]

@hexo:

Well, I would agree that people would not buy a brand new game system to play old games, it's just a convenience thing. I would like to be able to play some awesome PS2 games without having to use the extra space to keep a PS2.

Of course, I don't live in a studio apartment, so space isn't that big of an issue.

[Silverfrog @ Aug 26th 2008 12:28PM]

I do agree with Bob, but more important than the fact that PS2 is in the top 5 console sales currently, PS2 also has the greatest library of games of any system...ever. That alone makes BC pretty important, unless you want to have your legacy PS2 beside your PS3 when you play. That's not a big deal in and of itself, but I can also see the want that certain people have to just have one system on their shelf instead of 2. BC is a luxury that people want, not need. Like the internet.

[Jagster @ Aug 26th 2008 1:14PM]

@ becu55, Re:Bob

Well, since the xbox and gamecube are not currently being manufactured, there are only 5. So in actuality, the PS2 is a top 5 selling system out of a possible 5. Even more imoressive, LOL.

[hexoDAT64 @ Aug 26th 2008 1:40PM]

@Silverfrog

I pretty much agree with you. It's nice to have (I myself have a 60gig, but almost never use BC), but my point is how people are getting too stuck up on it. Its nice to have but it really shouldn't be deal breakers like it seems to be. It wouldn't have made a difference to me.

[kal326 @ Aug 26th 2008 2:56PM]

I would have to saw my biggest gripe with BC is that it was there at the PS3 launch in ALL its glory and was a huge selling factor for the PS3 like it was for the PS2. I think Sony slowly is phasing it out because its a competitive threat, most games that are multi-platform released are on the PS3 and the PS2. The PS1 did not die out for a LONG time after the PS2 launch. Even when the PS2 was dropping in price games were still coming out on the PS1 only. New game support died off pretty quick for the Xbox when the 360 came out. The PS3 has been out for how many years and there are still new games coming out for the PS2? I'm sure Sony would prefer developers spend all their time dedicated to Sony releases on the PS3 and have the PS2 just die already.

[EMoShunz @ Aug 26th 2008 9:44AM]

the only reason i was saving for a ps3 was for 1080p playback, and the potential for down the road a linux install that can tap the rsx as well.
oh well, guess i'll save my money for a new mac mini with blu-ray and make my own media centre ;)
(ah, rumors)

[Serial 8-Ball Mouse @ Aug 26th 2008 10:19AM]

Douchiest comment of the day. Awesome.

[Dr Zoidberg @ Aug 26th 2008 10:33AM]

Well done there friend, another "what an ass" award is on it's way to you!

[Kizorblade @ Aug 26th 2008 11:28AM]

I ranked you down just based on your NaMe.

[staypuft13 @ Aug 26th 2008 9:49AM]

@hexoDAT64
On the flipside, it's 2008 and game consoles SHOULD have backwards compatibility! The early PS3 systems did and so do current 360s and Wiis. I don't think it's a cost saving factor, but Sony knows they will still make money selling PS2s.

[Ty @ Aug 26th 2008 9:51AM]

I have a backwards compatible 80gb version and I have never ever put a ps2 disk in it. Personally I don't get the big deal with it but I guess it's just one more thing for people to complain about.

[Scythe @ Aug 26th 2008 9:57AM]

I never do, but my wife likes to play her old Final Fantasy, Xenosaga's, etc. So, to her it's either backwards compatibility or bust. Luckily, we bought the 80gb for Christmas.

[John @ Aug 26th 2008 9:59AM]

I have an 80 gb version and have indeed put a PS2 disk in it. Several, actually. RE4, Shadow of the Colossus, DMC3.... there are a lot of great games for PS2 that are fun to pop in and replay. New titles are also still being released for PS2.

[Fredo @ Aug 26th 2008 10:57AM]

I have the 80Gb and i play NOTHING BUT PS2 games. PS3 games are generally bloated messes and way too expensive.

I'm using it as Blu-Ray player and HDMI PS2 for now.

[RASGRGH @ Aug 26th 2008 4:45PM]

I'm the same way. I've been playing nothing but awesome PS2 jrpgs on my PS3 lately. Persona 4 is coming out this Xmas on the PS2 and I don't want to miss that either!

I couldn't imagine anyone missing out on PS2 games at this point. The best ones are still coming out!

And they looks AMAZING on the PS3. I couldn't stand them on my PS2 hooked up to my HDTV via component.

[DrXym @ Aug 26th 2008 9:51AM]

I expect they killed BC because some beancounters worked out they could save more money by doing it than they would in lost sales and increased production costs. It may well appear again at some point since many BC models used partial software emulation meaning its probably feasible. It may be that when it does turn up it will be for specific titles only, possibly specific titles being sold on the PSN.

[Mornelithe @ Aug 26th 2008 9:52AM]

BC is for early adopters. People cried about the price at launch, Sony did what they could to reduce the price of the unit, which...low and behold, reduced it's functionality. Kick yourselves for not jumping on the bandwagon earlier. I love my 60g launch model ;)


Morne

[216 @ Aug 26th 2008 9:54AM]

That's why i went out and got my PS3 80gb MGS Bundle this weekend....I will play Dark Cloud 2 again....And shoot Im still playin my PS2 games

[Brooks @ Aug 26th 2008 9:57AM]

360 is only doing backwards compatibility because Sony was the one to say they were going to, they had to keep up with the Sony features. I'd say Microsoft will do the same thing soon, as well as with the Wii because maybe that would help them manufacture the Wii faster too(sarcasm...kind of).

Plus the next 18 months will be dominated slowly but surely by the PS3. Watch and see. Its simple, blu-ray, better games coming, and a lot of features that people over look everyday that you usually have to pay for extra on the 360, example hard drive (exceeding 20gb, unless you have the Elite, built in wireless, ect)

[DoomGaZer @ Aug 26th 2008 10:01AM]

Newsflash! They already have. There hasn't been a back-compat update in going on a year now (last November). And, FYI, they can't take it out of the 360 to make it cheaper because it's all software driven, it's already "out".

[Chris @ Aug 26th 2008 11:01AM]

There's "better games coming" in the next 18 months?

Funny, I've been hearing that for the LAST 18 months.

[Zeus.:God @ Aug 26th 2008 11:20AM]

Uh, no that's total crap. The 360 had backwards compatibility because it is an obvious selling point. Obviously the PS2 was the first one to use it, and that was where their mark came from, but it's definitely NOT because of the PS3.

It's sad to see that the PS3 doesn't have BC anymore, as it just seems like a marketing ploy, considering PS2's are so cheap.

The PS3 is catching up, but sales will slow. If you don't believe that, then you're a fool.

[ipubs bastard child @ Aug 26th 2008 9:57AM]

nice url subtley dropped in there..

[bob sakamano @ Aug 26th 2008 10:01AM]

any word on the rumors that they were making a "Slimmer" version?