Maguire explains PS3 BC loss

Sony UK boss Ray Maguire says that money previously invested in PlayStation 3's backwards compatibility with PS2 is better spent on new game development or helping to support hardware price cuts.

"As we come to our first Christmas with the PlayStation 3 there's going to be about 65 games in the marketplace, so we feel now that there's sufficient choice in the marketplace and that we're still better off using that money that we'd put into backwards compatibility in either investing in new games or using that money to help support bringing the price down so that people can get into the franchise," Maguire told our sister site GamesIndustry.biz in an interview due to be published on Monday.

[TheExecutive]

I guess I cant really say that he is right or wrong, however, if they save a substantial amount of money by excluding BC then I agree with him, if it's not that much money and they are cutting corners than this is just a PR stunt.

Either way BC is gone, live with it or buy the 60 or 80 gig. A 299 PS3 is a steal anyway, enjoy.

[mike_mgoblue]

The loss of two USB ports, and the loss of the Memory Card ports are very disappointing.

And the 100% loss of backward compatibility with older Playstation games makes it so the 40GB version of the Playstation 3 is something that consumers will not be interested in...I know I would never be interested in a product like that for such a high price!

Look at history as proof. The 20GB version of the PS3 sold very poorly on the market, but it still had more features than this new 40GB model...Eliminating USB Ports and removing backward compatibility really is a BIG mistake.

[Real Gambler]

Currently, there's two ways to do backward compatibility on the PS3. Older PS3 have the original PS2 chips onboard. For cost saving, they removed those and are now doing backward compatibility by software only. It's already done. Lines of codes, once they are working, do not cost anything to add into hardware...

So sure, I don't expect a cheaper version of the PS3 to have the extra PS2 chips onboard because they cost money, but firmware is already done and cost nothing. Could this be another case of a big wig talking about something he doesn't have any clue about? Quite often, the more you're getting paid, the less you should talk in public : ) Or the more often, you're misquoted : (

[crinale]

Euro version of PS3 has EE emulated, but still has GS chip hardware.
Obviously new SKU has GS taken out as well as EE.

BTW, GS is VERY difficult to emulate..

[Real Gambler]

Even if the graphic chip was confirmed to be very very cheap (We're not talking massive GPU here). But it does seem that they went after every little thing they could cut off.

I was the first one to say that backward compatibility was not needed, yet, when I bought my PS3, I unplugged the PS2 right away. (Sure enough, I have one with the Emotion chip). I found out that I still play PS2 games regularly, and I truly enjoy them looking better than before...

Wish I could find out how much this chip cost. Not sure it was such a great move... On the other side, a very cheap PS3 has to be a great move : )

[crinale]

is not the only factor to determine the total cost.
Reducing such chip (chip with MANY pins) from PCB gives you quite
a bit of cost cut.

I haven't seen the actual PCB of new SKU so I may be wrong, though...

[BrianC6234]

Real Gambler - This was actually smart of Sony. Anyone who wants to play PS2 and PlayStation games on their PS3 should just buy the 60GB model. It's not like they don't have a choice. This new model is just for gamers who won't pay more than the cost of the 360. Now they have no reason to sit back.

[PumPum]

Ive never heard of a "GS" chip? Want to be kind and explain?
ps2 didnt have a separate GPU u know.

[lawman1108]

1 That's the reason I bought a 60gb PS3 because it has the BC chips

2 The 360 does BC via online down load all but 4 games are BC with the 360

[crinale]

PlayStation2 DOES have video chip, called Graphics Synthesizer, or GS for short.
To make a SKU backward compatible, you need both CPU (EE) and GPU (GS).

Older Euro SKU had GS implemented, but new one doesn't.
This is why new SKU isn't backward compatible.

[PS360WII]

This is why I bought my PS3 when I did. I got the one with the emotion chip still in place for I like BC specially when it's PS2 we are talking about which has and still is getting great games. Why would I want a PS2 sitting next to my PS3 because my PS3 won't play the PS2 games? I guess that just leaves Wii as the only one that fully embraces BC now. Which is kind of funny seeing that they never did before hand and now they are the only ones...

[lawman1108]

The 360 almost every game is BC ALL of the major ones are

[PS360WII]

good point but when the 360 is 100% BC then you can tell me I'm wrong. Either way I was just pointing out how I'm glad I bought a PS3 when I did and that for Nintendo to never do BC, and now for the first gen it actually does do it the others are saying 'eh it's not that big of a deal' just kind of funny when you think about it.

[boi]

I say for the people who getting the 40gb Ps3... F* ps2 emu and play b3yond :D...so many games coming out for the Ps3 that you will not bothered with the ps2 emu...just keep your ps2 if you have ps2 games still :)

[lawman1108]

You would not need BC....However you need the PS2 games to have SOMETHING to play on the PS3 :)

[agent864]

is the HDD required for BC on the xbox or can it work with a memory card?

[ZombiesNJ]

...had nothing to do with backward compatability whatsoever.

[agent864]

from the FAQ :

Q: Can I use a Memory Unit with backwards compatibility?

A: No, except for storing your Xbox LIVE profile. Original Xbox games are not able to access the Xbox 360 Memory Unit. Also, the original Xbox Memory Unit is not compatible with Xbox 360.

[Mu5afir]

If I remember correctly other then the HDD everything else is READ ONLY on the 360. It's one of those M$ doesn't trust your ass enough to let you get proper access to your own system deal.

[ZombiesNJ]

..was that the HD itself does not acutally do the proccessing for the BC...

[BIadestarX]

yeah yeah.... I was looking forward to save myself the $100... with the new SKU... but this is a freaken downgrade... it's not like it's possible to upgrade the memory sticks tray... and it's kind of stupid that I have to keep a PS2 next to the PS3 if I want to play any of the PS2 games that are still flowing... All that marketting and bashing the xbox 360 for not being 100% BC... and now the PS3 is 0% BC...
this SKU is inferior and not worth the $100 you think you may be saving... yeah... true the xbox 360 may not come with HD DVD, Wifi, hard drive but ALL SKU can be upgraded...

[Real Gambler]

360 Core:

You want to upgrade to HD-DVD.... $179.99 http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-...

You want to add a 20 gig hard drive... $179.99
http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-...

You made a stupid mistake, bought a PS3 with no PS2 compatibility. You sell it on Ebay for $50 less than what you paid for (A $250 almost new PS3 will sell well on Ebay). Then, you throw in an extra $149.99 which give you enough money to buy a brand new PS3 with emulation. Still less than the cost of two of your "easy" upgrades for somebody who has the core...

[wil4hire]

You are such a bot, thats all you do is jump in the ps3 forums/news and trash on the ps3. Thats all you do, seriously.

You know the PS3 Will still have BC. once again, JUST NOT THE CHEAP ONE.

[power091999]

I don't always agree with you, but I do here.

Of anything that I would be OK losing on my PS3 BC is not it. I actually have been playing quite a few PS1, and PS2 games recently.

Oh well. I have a 60GB PS3 so I am not effected, but this seems more like a "cheaper" unit than an actual price drop.

I don't think this was a fantastic move, considering the sheer amount of PS2 install base.

<shrug>

[agent864]

one of those features that, even if you don't use it a lot, its still nice to know its there. Its critical IMO, like life preservers on a motorboat. Sony marketing didn't do their homework correctly, they asked, do you use it rather than do you want it. I do think that having a PS2 and PS3 sitting side by side would look kinda nice, but I like the idea of playing the PS2 games upscaled on a new console, saving space, not having to switch, having one set of controllers, etc. Maybe they should release a wireless SIXAXIS adapter for the PS2 or something.

[OmegaKulu]

yah.. it does sucks lossing BC, but "inferior"? I disagree with that. with $100 shaved off, you loss PS2 support, 2USB port, and multi card reader, but you do get updated version of wifi and bluetooth. I personally still much rather spending $100 on a PS2 than $99+$150 for wifi+HD-DVD on 360 in terms of hardware.

[Marceles]

bladestar you should abbreviate your username to BS...you're the most confused poster in N4G.

"well i want a PS3..but now they took this out??! i mean the xbox is ok too...but it doesnt have an hd-dvd and wi-fi...but who needs wifi? but wifi is still good..and so is hd-dvd.."

you'll never get a PS3 so just stop the nonsense and enjoy your xbox

[BIadestarX]

You Sony fanboys disagree with me no matter what I say... I technically said that it's not worth buying the $399... that it would be smarter if you simply get the 60GB SKU for another $100.
Freak... if you already saved $400 + tax... just wait a little longer and save another $100...

@Real Gambler - WOW! 20GB hard drive for $179? You got to be stupid... not even on retail they go that way... did you know if you smart you can buy a 20GB hard drive on ebay for $40 or less?

Don't you know the definition of upgradable? it means that if I want to I can upgrade... I don't have to but I can...

Here is the xbox 360 upgrade...

buy XBox 360 core next month... $270... 1-2 years from now if HD DVD is around than I may pick one up for $99... want a hard drive? well.. I can go to ebay and get one for $40. I don't have to buy a whole new console to upgrade... here is another thing you can do.. you can buy one Core for each room in your home... 1 Hard drive, 1 HD DVD player and use it... you can only play or watch one at a time and.. you wouldnt want your achivements and saves to be spread in multiple hard drives and accounts... I have 2 xbox 360.. 20GB hard drive I don't use.. and a 120 GB hard drive I switch around xbox 360 depending where I want to play... you CANT DO THAT WITH THE PS3...

This is the option for those buying the PS3 $400 SKU... Yes, you are happy you got it... then you noticed... crap... I gave my PS2 away... is in a closet or it died... I want to play this game...

OPTION A: Buy another PS3 for $500
OPTION B: Buy a last gen PS2 and put it next to my PS3...

ohh wait... I need to memory stick holes... since now I purchased a digital camera or I want to listen to music or play videos on my PSP.

OPTION A: buyin another PS3 for $500...

No matter how you put it... and no matter you spin it... the upgrade will require the purchase of another console. Period!

This is not an attack against the PS3... but more a warning to anyone thinking about buying the $400 SKU... save your money and buy a $500... if you change your mind about any of these features in future... you are stuck... unless you buy another PS3 for $500 or more.

$400 SKU is a downgrade... you will regret it... of course.. this is good for Sony since most people will not know what this SKU is missing until they become familiar with it... or they try to run a PS2 game on it. But people concidered hardcore gamer.. don't get this handicap SKU... sucks.. I was hoping for a price cut... just another SKU... sucks.. that it seems like the only way for Sony to drop the price of the PS3 is by removing stuff that are already there.

[OmegaKulu]

Good point with the memory stick for PSP, but since PS3 do support 3rd party accessories, i can see they support some kind of USB memory stick adapter or card reader (those only cost like $10-20 anyway).

[Mr PS3]

Its good news for the gaming world about the 40g PS3!!! if you wanna play ps2 games either buy the 60g model or just keep your ps2 simple and believe me at 299 its a bargin

[damnwrx]

KILLZONE (PS2) on my PS3......Scatter Grenade!
PS3 60gb is the way to go......

[AllroundGamer]

but i am asking : will Sony still be working on upgrading the software emulation? , or will they just stop as soon as the PS3 40gb appears...

Edit: Real Gambler i was talking about the nonUS 60Gb PS3s without the emotion chip with the software emulation, which is backward compatible only with like 60% of PS2 games. I have this type of PS3, and i hoped they would constantly upgrade the software emulation with more PS2 titles playable...

[Real Gambler]

What do you mean with "will Sony still be working on upgrading the software emulation"?

For the PS3 with no emulation? I would think not... After all, you have the choice. Buy one that has emulation or one without. I would rather have them work on something else, particularly 2.0 firmware with all the "expected" goodies users want.

If you're talking about PS3 with no Emotion Engine chips onboard, then I would say it's likely more than compatible enough so far. (Though I have the original version so I'm not sure how good compatibility is...)

You could also be talking about the original version with chips onboard. After all, they did improve it software wise since PS2 games on the PS3 look absolutely awesome.

Still, for any of the three versions, I still feel that they should now be working on more important stuff now. 2.0 here we go : )

[agent864]

that they will not further be allocating development resources to BC. Its difficult to emulate a PS2 in software entirely due the design of the PS2's Graphics Synthesizer (GS) chip because of its internal edram, based on what i've read. I'm no computer engineer. There were rumours that Nvidia was rehired to add the edram to the RSX but it appears not to be true and is prob too costly to do so at this juncture.

I think it really comes down to getting the costs down, so eliminating components across millions of units can save lots of $$. And eliminating a team of programmers working on BC also saves millions.

I still think its a mistake and if later entry level models add it back in then those who purchased the 40G could be upset. They would have no choice now but to do it completely in software.

[Kholinar]

Well said. Bubble.

And just what I was trying to say in a funny little thing that turned into a troll discussion. Anyway, no more resources working that way. It's sad, cause now the only option for true BC is to get a used first gen model. The emulation models won't improve at all from now on.

A lot of people are saying, "fine, just buy the 60gb instead" which makes sense (if you don't mind one out of seven ps2 games failing to play), but if too many people lean that way, then sony will have a backlog og 40gb's. That isn't a good thing.

[fury]

Some compromises had to be done in order to make the PS3 cheaper. And the compromise was to remove BC. People should get over it and not complain anymore. 399$ is a great deal.

[XxZxX]

i dunno, this move made a huge deal not just a OK deal.

[wil4hire]

$299 For a Bluray player & a PS3. You are already getting one hell of a deal right there. I feel like the only people complaining about this, will be the 360 owners.

BC compatibility should be for the true enthusiasts, the people who paid top dollar for the PS3. I love to pickup my older ps2 titles and play them.

Its not like sony is ENDING BC. Just for its bottom level unit.

[Kholinar]

Where exactly are we getting that number? It doesn't cost that in the EU/GB, and nothing has been announced for the US.

Anyway, they're basically saying that they want to save a bit on hardware and they don't want to use programmers any longer on emulation to get a larger percentage of ps2 games to be compatible. The first is forgivable, though I'm not sure how much cost is involved. The second seems a bit less so. I guess this means that people with the emulation-based compatibility can forget about anymore improvements. If you can't play a ps2 game now, forget about it or buy a ps2.

[wil4hire]

299.99 is the price released from sony.

Crawl from that rock you are posting from(amazing that you get wireless in that cave)pick up a newspaper.. or google(because you live under a rock remember?)"Sony." and go to the news tab.

However I just asked your mother before I left.

[Kholinar]

Ha. Nice troll.

You don't have the £ character? So I guess you're not from the EU? You're right though. $610 is a great price for a chopped up BR/PS3. I think I'll import one. I saw the £299 when it was posted.

Are you so threatened and insecure that you need to insult someone because you mis-typed something?

[wil4hire]

Your mom says you have that problem.

I am not sure where you get the $610 figure from? Are you under the impression that thats the exchange rate price of the US version? Are you aware that the 399 pound version of the ps3 is 499 dollars in the states?

$399 usd will be a good price for a 40gig ps3 w/bluray.

[Kholinar]

$610 is the price for the new 40gb in the uk/eu when you convert it. The word "import" should have given you a clue. Simple. Fab.

We'll see about the US. In the meantime, I know you need attention, but mom's given you enough today. Keep practicing your reading and arithmetic and I'm sure you'll pass the GED soon. :D

[Darkiewonder]

The only real people I can at least see not complain about this is those NEW gamers that half know about the ps3 but bought it. So would they realize the ps2 comp even if it was there? [who knows] anyways. We'll see how this turns out to be in the following week if it was the right move or not.

[wil4hire]

to buy a PS3 this Christmas, aren't looking at PS2 titles to draw them in. They are looking at PS3 Titles & Bluray.

[Meus Renaissance]

Are playing a smart game here. The initiative is to buy the 60GB model, with 2 games and an extra controller for just £49 more. Their intention is to deplete stock oft he 60GB SKU, then introduce the 80GB model for the same price in the spring.

The only reason for the 40GB model is to associate the cheap price with the PlayStation 3, although hardly anyone will buy that model ironically.

[Mu5afir]

Agreed, that price difference is way to small for people not buy the 60gb model. A great move by Sony, this should get rid of the 60gb model in time for the 80gb to hit the same price by Christmas. This in turn would create another influx of sales as a 80gb drop in price seems like a "bargin", to the "average" consumer.

Sure some might say this is a "sly" tactic.. but it's a smart one too.

[unlimited]

everybody shold conentrate on playing next gen games on the ps3..and not ps2..seriously im all for it..sony need to bring out more great games..

[Maddens Raiders]

Even if Maguire is right and there is no BC (on the 40GB spec. only) then why would this matter if you are already playing a PS1/2 at home anyway? Is it really that B-I-G of a deal to get off your duff, drop the disc in and hit power? And if you're not playing PS1/2 games then what the hell - it doesn't matter a/w? If you want to play the older games that bad, then maybe you should just find a PS2 on ebay or at the pawn shop and wait to get the $399 PS3 or visa-versa. Either way I think people will find anything to complain about.

In the end, SNE still offers full BC on the flagship models - and full dedication to the PS2, whereas Microsoft & XBox offers zilch - so complain about that.

[sajj316]

Again, we are both on the same page and of course we are going to get disagrees. People hate the truth, now don't they?

[BrianC6234]

If anyone wants to complain about missing backwards compatibility they can always buy the 60GB PS3. It will include it. The 40GB version is stripped down to make it more affordable. You get what you pay for though. Buy the better model for all the bells and whistles.

[sajj316]

Remember when you played you PS One games on your PS2. I did it for the first year and that was it. People played their PS2 games on the PS3 because of the lack of PS3 games. I'm telling you, its a moot point. There will be some initial backlash but the market place has a 299 PS3 which is also a Blu ray player. How can you beat that? You don't make this decision without doing your homework. What's more important now, BC or an affordable PS3? BC is not part of the PS3 plan at least not anymore. Will we get it in the future? Sure, if Sony gets bored. Be grateful people. Man, people love to have their cake and eat ice cream too along with a post desert belgium waffle with strawberry and whip cream.

Shut it, Buy it, and Play B3yond.

[Vojkan]

40GB is so going to fail. Crippled SKU

360 Rules!

[fury]

How often did you say you ride M$'s d!ck? I guess all day long.

[sajj316]

Once the sales numbers are in for October. If you don't think that this price point will sell units, you are very blind and caught up on a single point that will be insignificant in 08 once the major titles hit. This is a business decision and a very logical one. There will be plenty of PS3 titles to keep users busy. That coupled with the fact the the PS2 is still a core part of their business. Not PS2 BC but PS2 the hardware.

[kingboy]

and your nightmare begins today
buddy..

Crippled SKU ps3 still comes with a build in wifi+Blu ray player(next gen format)
and still surpass your Elite with it`s Dvd and uumm!! no wifi

[OatLoops]

Most people will just see a cheaper PS3 and get it. This didn't happen with the 20 GB because no one was buying PS3s besides the hardcore. The only sku that cripples anything is the 360's arcade/basic version. It doesn't allow developers use the full potential of the better systems (premium & elite). Last time I checked, you didn't need BC in order to develop current games. But yeah, it does suck @ss that it's not included, that would have made this deal even more amazing.

[m9105826]

I have to admit... I personally see this as a bad move. This is a fault that will be highlighted by ALL media outposts, and is just more fuel for the fanboy fire. But such a low price for a PS3 with blu-ray is a pretty great deal either way.

[TheExecutive]

tell you the truth, fanboys dont buy consoles, they complain about other consoles. People will buy this cheaper model because its cheap. BC, as this gen moves on grows less and less important.

[Snukadaman]

I wanted too play persona 3 and god of war 2....2 games I have been holding out on..i was hoping they would drop the wifi too save money but they go and cut the most important feature IMO. jeez who knows...they might cut the price even more in the coming months..or not.

[Maddens Raiders]

no one wants to play with a whiny sniveling little child like you and I guarantee you are the one that disagreed above. If you want to play GOW that badly you would've done it MONTHS ago. The PS2 is only like EVERYWHERE - how hard is it to find a good deal on one and play as Kratos? Answer: it's not. Even on a modest, modest income you can find a VERY affordable PS2 and a cheap used GOW and get her done -- no you'd rather b*tch and complain about the 40GB supposedly not having BC -- Why?

Because you never intended on buying a PS3 and playing PS3 games in the first place. Trolls don't play games. They complain about consoles and games that they've never touched or intend to touch. In the words of the inimitable Arnold Schwarchenegger, "Get out".

[power091999]

I finally got around to trading in my PS2, with 2 controllers, and my memory card.

It sucks that I only got $30 for everything but for those that have not bought a PS3 yet, it's almost not worth it to get rid of your PS2.

Just a thought.

[OmegaKulu]

good point... PS2 trade in really doesn't worth much now...

[OatLoops]

You should put systems on Ebay. Never trade any systems in to Gamestop/EB...

[SuperSaiyan4]

Seriously for the extra £50 you might as well get the 60gb!

[Meus Renaissance]

That's the whole point. If someone wanted the 40GB, they'd also want a game right? That'd be £340. Why not spend £10 extra and you'll get an extra controller and two games of your choice, with a 60GB HDD and BC.

Sony are sly.

[RunamukK]

to heck with the memory card readers b/c I and everyone else i know finds the usb flash drives much more convenient anyways. As far as backwards compatibility goes I know no-one personally who makes a point out of playing ps2 games on their ps3. Besides its not like ps3 doesn't have bc and the Xbox does. Plus I'll bet they include bc later in the future via a firmware update. or maybe theyll sell it to us?

[sak500]

Soon they will announce another model for $199 with BD playback removed. Finally then we'll have a gaming console.

Edit: @ retards below, i meant movie playback. And even if the remove the drive, the only loss would 100+ hours of useless cutscenes since none of the games on ps3 hv any edge over dvd games on 360. So if better games can come on single dvd then WTF is stopping devs of ps3 games not to use compression and fit 11gb of data over to 9gb dvd.

[OmegaKulu]

you can't remove BD.....all PS3 titles ARE in BD. please go read some spec before you post -.-

[Meus Renaissance]

That's like Microsoft removing the DVD drive and replacing it with a Floppy drive. That's one way to drop the price of a console, I tell you that.

[Marceles]

it was actually pretty funny

[Maddens Raiders]

you should've replied, "please go read some spec before you T-R-O-L-L"

\.fixed./

[TylerDurden]

From http://www.gamepro.com/news... :

"Backwards compatibility, as you know from PlayStation One and PlayStation 2, is a core value of what we believe we should offer. And access to the library of content people have created, bought for themselves, and accumulated over the years is necessary to create a format. PlayStation is a format meaning that it transcends many devices -- PSOne, PS2, and now PS3" - Phil Harrison, Sony

Oh well I guess tough times require tough decisions. I guess BC is no longer considered a core value. Amazing to see how quickly Sony has reversed their position on this. Doesn't impact me though, since I have a US launch PS3. My favorite PS3 feature so far is playing my PS2 games upscaled in 1080P.

[jlytle1234]

They still think its a big enough deal to offer a sku that has BC and one that doesnt. If i didnt already own a ps3, i would gladly buy a 40gb and feel right as rain. I have a launch 60gb with card readers and 4 usbs and ee chips and after about 9 months of owning my ps3 ive never used BC and ive never needed more than 2 usbs and i only used the flash drive to back up my files once, which i could have easily used a usb thumb drive to do. And i know a few other people who can say the same thing. So basically This 40gb package will be dead on for some and the BC ps3 will be dead on for others. The important things are that they keep wifi and the harddrive. i use those practically daily.

[TylerDurden]

From:
http://kotaku.com/gaming/ps...

"The 60GB Starter pack will remain on sale until stocks run out (a number of months, depending on territory.) Thereafter, the 40GB model will be the only SKU in the SCEE region."

If this is true than BC may not be an option for some. BC is important to me, and as you mentioned not so important for others. I own a PS2 as well however I prefer playing on my PS3 for the following reasons:
- upscaled to 1080P
- wireless controllers
- I own a 360, and Wii as well so my entertainment center is running out of space.

Oh well, BC is a nice to have, but not must have. Like I said earlier I am glad this is something I don't have to worry about.

[Salvadore]

I dont really like the idea about dropping BC for the cheaper model.

[dale1]

who cares about B.C most people who want a ps3 already own a ps2 so don,t sell your ps2 problem solved.like whats a ps2 second hand worth in the uk £30 will buy you a used one so theres no point in px in your old system just keep it.then youv,e got the best of both worlds and a catalogue of games bigger than any console out there.

[Covenant]

Someone please enlighten me:

Will there be BC AT ALL? No Emotion Engine, to be sure, but what about software emulation? Any chance of that?

I can't imagine Sony releasing a system that's completely gimped of any BC possibilities. Ignoring thousands of PS2 and PS1 games would be a major mistake--no GT3 or 4, no God Of War, no Ico, Ratchet and Clank, etc.

Anyone have any info?

[Salvadore]

"...that backwards compatibility is high on the agenda and yet few really use it,"

Is this guy for real?! What other games beside Heavenly Sword, Resistance and Warhawk are out here that gamers play on their PS3? I dare you to name one.

[tk]

Well... then you just buy the 60/80 GB model. Pity though.. but I guess we will see same as the 20GB model. Sales of the 60/80GB models wil leave the 40GB behind until the software list is big enough.

Heck - I still buy PS2 games - great value. Cheap platinum titles - and they work on the PS3. This will most probably force devs to the PS3.

[Close_Second]

...all the heat MS received from Sony and Sony fanboys over not having backward compatibility and look where we are today. So, is ths the first time that Sony has released a new SKU of one of its Playstation consoles with less functionality than before? Hell, the slimline PS2 could still play PSOne games.

I can imagine how much MS would be getting flamed right now if it was them bringing out a cutdown 360 to try spark some sales.

[jlytle1234]

they did. it doesnt have a hard drive and comes with chorded controllers. You might remember how rockstar was pissed that microsoft released a console without a harddrive and that screwed up rockstars plan to require a harddrive for gta4. so they did do it. they did it first. and im flaming them now for it. good day.

[xplosneer]

great price drop but you pretty much killed your PS2 guys. Now they have no reason from the 40GB to get a PS3 verses another one. Spend a little-make a little. :(

[DarkSniper]

Look at my avatar.

<-------------- JUST LOOK AT IT!!!

You'll never see this picture or nothing similar on any Sony machine. Wheather it's 80GB, 40GB, 20GB, OR 0 GB!!!!

All Playstations are built to last.

$niper

[Maddens Raiders]

LOL

[FirstknighT]

So in other words you won't be able to play Sony's best game this past year, God of War 2. Wow, real smart Sony.

There is no hope for Sony, they're to desperate and bad decisions follow.

[goodganja]

: loads up Chronicles of Riddick for xbox :

Doesnt work. Smh.

Microsoft will see their early grave soon enough. Firstknight wont even be a Pallbearer at the 360's funeral. He'll be too busy in the casket still stuck to Micro$hit's jock to break loose.

[Meus Renaissance]

Sony's European Logic

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The perception is that the lack of Backward compatibility is a major negative is not entirely true if you read this comment. Firstly, looking at the two models (and the bundle offer) you don't need to be a rocket scientist to which people will most likely buy. They will purchase the 60GB bundle, at the cost of £50 extra. A common example will be if someone such as yourself wants to purchase the console you'll naturally want a game with it too. But wait, instead of doing that, give the retailer £10 extra than what you originally planned for and you'll get yourself a better console with two games and backward compatibility with an additional controller.

This means the 40GB sku model is just an advertising tool to get the consumers to the retailers because of the magic price point of £299. If they did not have this, Sony would still be associated as a console that is too be expensive with the £300+ price tag - regardless of the bundle. It's silly but it's the reality and it's intelligent psychology from Sony.

Hence the 40GB's lackings are irrelevant as it will not really be purchased. The Europeans will have ample stock of the 60GB SKU to last them until atleast the Spring. So everyone's happy.

Sony's American Logic.

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Sony will drop their 60GB model to $399 with backward compatibility not an issue. They will then sell their 80GB bundle, with Spiderman 3 on Blu-Ray on addition to those two pre-selected games for $499 which is an excellent deal.

If they introduce the 40GB SKU, then they will stop the 60GB model altogether and launch the new model at $399 with two games and the 80GB model for $499 with Spiderman 3 on Blu-Ray. I am not sure as we don't know how they will bundle these but they will be priced well. I am confident of that.

Sony are not stupid. They are dropping the price now because they want the console to sell, they wouldn't sacrifice anything they'd think could hamper this.

[SabreMan]

If you pause for a few seconds read your post, pause again think about your post and take it in !!!!!!!
it makes total sense, well done for making one of the most logical posts on this forum full of irrelevant ones (which this post is one of)

i do however think the 40GB ps3 will sell very well indeed especially in Europe as the £299 price is certainly a stigma here in the uk and at that price will see people flock to buy it.
i have already seen a £299 bundle with FiFa which is very popular here in the UK and with Pro Evo bundles planned will fly of the shelves
The majority of people aren't bothered about backwards compatibility so thats not a negative imo

[Frankenberg]

I remember all the Sony Fanboys criticizing the XBOX for limited BC. (before the PS3 landed) Things have really changed. Sony can screw the heck out of its fanboys and they just take it, like it and defend it. Funny how the XBOX again proves it is the superior console.

[Meus Renaissance]

There's no reason to buy the 40GB one when you can have everything, plus two games and an extra controller, bigger HDD, for £49 extra. Sony know this. They're intentionally leading the consumers to the 60GB model.

And I do not believe the Xbox as a console is superior.

[chrisin3]

You're one smart cookie when it comes to gaming. Your foresight and logic seems sound.

[Figboy]

but the truth is that i stopped playing Playstation 1 games on my Playstation 2 by the end of the first year i got my PS2. by that point, i was playing GTA3, Ico, Onimusha, MGS2, and some other really cool games.

right now, the only PS2 games i've been playing on my Playstation 3 have been FFXII, Rogue Galaxy, and God of War 2, since i gave my PS2 to my roommate.

as disappointing as i ultimately think it is to nix BC with this 40gig PS3, the fact is we buy *NEW systems to play *NEW games. not old ones.

backwards compatibility is useful for that first year gaming drought, when there isn't much out for the new system, and you're bridging the gap.

for the PS3's first year, there's quite a bit of good exclusive and multi-platform bliss out, and coming, to make PS2 BC not as vital (though no less missed).

but here's the rub: would you much rather pay $500/$600 for a system that lets you play PS2 games, or would you rather get a Playstation 3 at a $400 price tag?

people screamed that $500/$600 was too much. at $400, you get to play games like Uncharted, Ratchet, Assassin's Creed, Killzone 2, MGS4, and FFXIII to name a very, *VERY small number of kick@ss titles.

i'm actually *FORCING myself to finish my PS2 games, as there are still *PLAYSTATION ONE games that i never beat or touched again once i got my PS2, and more games hit.

there are about 10 games hitting the PS3 in October and November that i'm dying to play, so i'm trying to cram in all the PS2 gaming that i can, because once i turn towards next gen gaming goodness, i'm not turning back.

then, for those gamers who will buy the 40gig PS3, who says you have to get rid of your Playstation 2?

and who knows, maybe one day they'll really iron out this whole software backwards compatibility issue, and you'll be able to play PS2 games on the PS3 anyway.

if not, well, just dry your tears with games like Warhawk, The Darkness, GRAW2, Virtua Fighter 5, Folklore, Heavenly Sword, etc...