Sony’s PlayStation 3 and the issue of backwards compatibility have a long and storied history, despite the fact that the console has only been around for a few years. Between the Emotion Engine chip (the PS2’s CPU) initially being available in some SKUs, to the Emotion Engine chip being pulled from later SKUs, to some models including emulators, it’s just a big mess. Basically, the major point to take away from all this is that currently, Sony is not producing any PS3s with backwards compatibility support (via hardware or software). However, that could be changing sometime soon.
As SilconEra reports, Sony recently filed a patent that would allow the PS3’s Cell processor to emulate the Emotion Engine. If successful, this process would add backwards compatibility to every PS3 on store shelves and in homes. In addition to most likely being built into the rumored PS3 Slim expected to be out sometime later this year, this feature could also be made available via firmware update for all current PS3 owners.
It would be impressive if Sony could pull this off, even though this whole Cell-powered backward compatibility function should have been part of the PS3 from the beginning. But I’m guessing that most PlayStation fans will see it as a “better late than never” scenario, and they’re probably right.
Source
Could All PlayStation 3s Soon Be Backwards Compatible?
114 Comments
Posted June 30, 2009 - By Jake Gaskill
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Comments
Displaying 1–20 of 114
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Bookshelf
oh hell yes!
Bookshelf
I mean i have the 60gb ps3 anyway but this is great news for those who were bummed they couldn't play ps2 games.
r_pad
This really should have been done earlier. If CELL is as powerful as Sony, IBM, and Toshiba claimed it was, then it can handle PS3 emulation in its sleep. The real challenge is coding the emulator, but Sony should of handled that a while ago.
The reality is, for most customers, backwards compatibility is a non-issue. For TheFeed's audience, it's a bit more important.
Tmidiman
That would be a smart business move. and the more of those sony has the better.
SkullOne360
Yeah for those that dont have the original 60gb PS3 then this is a godsend. I know a few people that are pissed because they can't play their PS2 games. Hopefully this resolves the issue and next-gen that is the (no duh) standard for all consoles.
down311
Too late for me but it might convice PS2 owners.
jahlov420
its been a rumor that ps2 emulation was gonna cost 29.99 on the psn for like over a year now. i'm not surprised.
Patriculus1989
I hope they do this. I would finally be able to sell my PS2.
Lucifer6972
"But I’m guessing that most PlayStation fans will see it as a “better late than never” scenario, and they’re probably right."
Yeah right, the only thing I'm right is if those dumb mother...oh my, excuse me, I should watch myself. Maybe that's not the best word but this could..."Go (beep) yourself."
Yeah, better, LOL!! And for the record, Mario would beat you down, anytime, anywhere, any location...literally, LOL! :).
cmdluke
this is awesome. losing backwards compatibility was one of the worst things about having my ps3 stolen and having to replace it.
IcemanMX
If this is true, then I am buying a PS3.
-M
Infamous_Bizarro
ha!! i posted this before you did Jake G
yeah i knew this earlier today :)
SkullOne360
I just hope it's fully working and bug free. I'm so pissed that I can't finish FFIX. I'm in disc four about to go into Memoria and it always freezes :(
Bashura
This news is made of win. I'm currently without a working ps2, but I still have my games for it that are just collecting dust. If I can get working backwards compatability with just a firmware update, I'd be one happy camper.
Slaytanic40oz
Finally. This is/was the biggest issue I had with the PS3.
thewiserone10
yay finally cause i wanna play bf2
Yamato101
@Bizarro
Orton still the champ!!
moose_
I think this issue has been seriously overblown. I bought my original 80GB PS3 when I did because I thought I really cared about being able to play PS2 games on my PS3. But in all actuality I've only played a PS2 game once maybe twice on my PS3. With the great games that have come out this console generation, I don't have the desire to replay older games.
Redd75
Better late than never, yes. Like everyone else, I'd like to know why they removed BC in the first place. I'm really hoping this it true, because a good friend of mine mentioned the lack of BC as a reason he hadn't yet purchased a PS3. And he's the one friend I wish had one the most.
MahBoiTaarec10
The Graphics Synthesizer prevented the Cell from running PS2 games in high quality.
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