PS2 (non)functionality on 40GB?

[Matt X]

I searched for discussion on this and found nothing right to the point, so mods, merge if I missed something......

Most mentions of the 40GB PS3 state that it has NO PS2 backwards capability. If someone who knows better than I could explain why software emulation wouldn't work on the 40GB as it already does on the 80GB, I'd appreciate it.

[CptGreedle]

The PS1 games use emulation and run on all PS3s. The PS2 games require a chip to run, and they are not available in only the 40 GB models.

[Icemage]

Originally Posted by Matt X

I searched for discussion on this and found nothing right to the point, so mods, merge if I missed something......

Most mentions of the 40GB PS3 state that it has NO PS2 backwards capability. If someone who knows better than I could explain why software emulation wouldn't work on the 40GB as it already does on the 80GB, I'd appreciate it.

The 80GB unit reportedly still has the graphics synthesizer chip from the PS2. The 40GB unit does not, and as far as anyone at Sony will admit, they don't have working emulation for the GS chip on PS3 (yet), which is why none of the PS2 games work on PS3 40GB.

Whether that can/will be changed in a future firmware update is anyone's guess at this point. I would say yes, at least from a theoretical standpoint, but it's certainly not going to happen any time in the immediate future.

[haushausman]

at first i was like, i'm glad mine plays ps1 and ps2 games. but now if all these badass releases i really wouldn't care.

all my time is spent playing these freakishly awesome nextgen games... no time for throwbacks.

[Blu Blur]

I know this is completely wrong but there was a guy on another form (kotaku's to be precise) who said his new 40GB did have Backwards compat. with a very small number of PS2 games. I honestly think he was talking about the 80GB but he kept saying 40. Anyone ever tried it

[Pilam69]

Originally Posted by Matt X

I searched for discussion on this and found nothing right to the point, so mods, merge if I missed something......

Most mentions of the 40GB PS3 state that it has NO PS2 backwards capability. If someone who knows better than I could explain why software emulation wouldn't work on the 40GB as it already does on the 80GB, I'd appreciate it.

They simply changed the hardware architecture. They basically have stated that they would have to develop an emulator for each game to play. This would obviously be time consuming and they have chosen not to support this. They have, however, reserved the right to restart production on the 60GB chipset if the "market demands it."

I would be willing to bet that they figure most users who care about backwards compatibility have already purchased their PS3 and the people they are trying to market to now could care less about playing PS2 games.

[Matt X]

Originally Posted by Pilam69

They simply changed the hardware architecture. They basically have stated that they would have to develop an emulator for each game to play. This would obviously be time consuming and they have chosen not to support this. They have, however, reserved the right to restart production on the 60GB chipset if the "market demands it."

I would be willing to bet that they figure most users who care about backwards compatibility have already purchased their PS3 and the people they are trying to market to now could care less about playing PS2 games.

w/ costs as tight as they are, I figure that's a big gamble to leave backwards capability off the 40GB. w/that said, I am a (at best) casual gamer and I'm still very glad I snagged the 60GB - I do have roommates that have PS2 games (they're big Madden fans) that make my PS3 more useful (it's not like *I* don't enjoy a good PS2 game every once in awhile).