Kotaku
The one version of the PlayStation 3 that currently supports PlayStation 2 software—via emulation of the "Emotion Engine"—looks like it's about to go the way of the dodo. Exactly how crushed should those of us be, should we want to experience PS2 classics on our future PS3s? Oh, totally crushed for now, but the future may provide a glimmer of hope, backing us away from the ledge. PlayStation Network director Eric Lempell says there are "possibilities" the PS2 playing capabilities could come back to the gutted PS3 in the most recent issue of EGM.
When asked by the mag if the now BC-less console kills any chance of offering PS2 games via the PlayStation Store, as it does for original PlayStation games, Lempel said "We haven't talked about that yet, but there are possibilities through technology and software emulation to make that possibles."
Lempell chose not to talk about "specific plans at this point" but that doesn't mean we can't hope. And pray. And start online petitions.
The full interview, which is actually with Sony Computer Entertainment SVP of marketing Peter Dille—he says backward compatibility is "important to us"—is in the newest issue of EGM, which is in subscriber hands now. We hope that 1UP will publish the interview online, in-full, at some point soon.
Comments
The backwards compatibility issue is kind of like ridding all High-Definition DVDs of old classics, its preposterous to exclude it.
Important, not important! Make your bloody mind up!
Am I the only one who stops playing "last gen" games after smelling the new car smell of "next gen" games?
Wow... I just might bite that invisible carrot hanging on that invisible stick via that invisible rope if i wasn't a gullible douche bag.
*hugs 60gb PS3*
@MASOCHIST187: You speak the truth borther. Amen!
I'm a little surprised they haven't announced their replacement for the 80gig yet. Surely it will have it. But it's probably waiting on Dualshocks like everyone else outside of Japan.
@magically_delicious: that... made no sense. I need sleep.
The interview was a great read. I was really impressed with their honesty in it. I suggest everyone read it.
Selling PS2 games is fine, but what about people like me who actually own a bunch of PS2 games? I want to be able to play my discs, not buy them again. I also don't have space to keep both systems out (I have the PS2 phatty :()
I always thought it would come back. They emulated half of the PS2 already, the other half will get done eventually.
They have quietly been increasing PS2 compatibility on the software emulation, so I'm sure there's a division working on it... may not be priority right now though...
@Pancho_Villasan: I agree I want my system to have Backwards Compatibility on my PS3, because I still have such a nice library of game on my PS2 that I'd like to play. Hopefully the new model (rumored 120 gb) will still have BC and the new dual shock.
Well... i know i'd be upset if i didn't have one of the release ps3 consoles. I like playing my ps2 games and just creating memory cards :x
When the PS3 has some games I want, there is no way I'd buy a new, BC-less model. I'll buy one of the old, fat, beat up 60GB or 80GB models. I missed out on all the PS2 games, and while there aren't many I want, there are a few that I want to play (Shadow of the Colossus chief among them) but wouldn't buy a PS2 just to play.
They'll take it away for a while, then put it back in so they can call it/charge us extra for the "feature". Kinda like rumble.
Sony thought the good thing, "HEY! Lets make people pay for a PS2 AND a PS3! IT PRINTS MONEY! :D"
i dont understand, is emulation costing them money? Dont they make it up by selling games for ps1 and ps2 on their store?
I dunno why they can't just offer it as a downloadable piece of software, like an update for the 40GB consoles. After all, if it's just software, it should be possible to plop that onto the thing via PSN, no?
Sony put software-based BC on the backburner, with intentions of delivering it later, just as the 360 had it's HDMI, large hard drives, and possibly integrated Wifi put on the backburner for a later time too.
It's coming. That's a no brainer. The question is just WHEN.
BC was important to me when I made my PS3 purchase - I traded in my PS2 the same day in an effort to reduce the clutter around my TV. But now that I have it, do I use it all that often? Not really - I still own a bundle of PS2 games, but the new stuff keeps me busy.
If the average consumer is anything like me, I would think the desire/need would decrease as time wears on the PS2 platform. There is always the 'need' for nostalgia, but were there any PS2 games that ever made me feel how SNES games seemed to routinely? Maybe I'm too old and the next generation will want it to catch up on all of the things they missed.
While I know I paid far too much, it makes me very glad I bought my 60 gig during the "fire sale" last year. I'm sorry, but I don't understand what the actual company line is. It seems to change week on week.
While I'm glad that PS2 compatibility is/was/at one time was included in the PS3, at some point they have to think about the future as opposed to looking to the past.
Basically, grow a set, guys.
If you're going to kill BC, then do it the way Microsoft did. Yes, there are ALWAYS going to be games that people want that won't end up being fully backwards-compatible. And yes, it can look terrible to have a gijillion systems hooked up. But I actually began respecting Sony when they (claimed they) realized that in order to make the PS3 viable for the future - a nice way to stop the bloodletting - certain aspects of the system had to be cut. But they've not compromised the PS3 playback, or their original BD Trojan Horse.
But enough with the SKU after SKU after SKU. It's sad when you have to make a chart to figure out what each one includes. While I'm grateful to be able to have all three current-gen systems, I can't help but feel a twinge of anger whenever someone calls me up to ask me which "version" of a console to pick up.
I want super robust hardware accellerated (rsx) bc for the ps3 ... I can play ff9 and slow down the ps3 to a crawl during the final battles I mean a snail can zoom by before a summon spell finishes.
@Seabass:
Good idea. I think I'll send my 60gb PS3 one of those Wii Valentines cards :)
@SuedeGopher:
Yeah, I likely will mostly play PS3 games once I get one. Just like when I got a PS2 I stopped playing PS1 games on it. Still, it is nice to have there if I'm ever feeling the need for some God of War, GTA, etc..
I feel BC would help Sony tremendously. I mean there are many PS3 owners who are buying DMC 4, but haven't played the first three on PS2. Many of them can't do so because their PS3's don't allow that. The same with Metal Gear Solid 4, and God of War III. I know I'd want to know the backstory of each before I got them
@MASOCHIST187:
Yes, some of us like more than just t3h pretty.
@PlayerX: Who said it's just software? Emulating the RSX is not a solved problem. No one's been able to do it on even the most heavily specced PC and there's no indication that Sony has been able to do it on the PS3 (no, a throwaway comment from a PR guy about the future being open for any possibility is not sufficient).
@Father ColdCuts: I don't think that they ever said that BC was not important. I thought they just said that for some consumers cost is more important than BC so they made a system that was cheaper but did not have BC to reach out to the market of people who wanted cheaper systems even if it meant sacrificing BC.
Since I have a 60GB and don't care too much about what the future models have, I want to know when they are going to create some kind of portable copy type thing for PS1 games so I can put my PS1 games that I already own on my hard drive without having to pay to download them so I can play them on the PSP that I would probably buy close to immediately after they announce such a service.
I think the issue with BC is a technical one really. The ps2's developers used all kinds of hardware specific tricks to get their games to play like they did, and thats got to be hard to emulate.
With thousands of ps2 games, that makes the job even harder.
PS2 software emulation on the PlayStation 3 would be the bee's knees, no doubt about it.
What I would be even more excited about is the idea of having PS2 software available for download on the PSN, simply for the fact that hard-to-find games like Zone Of The Enders 2 and Ico might appear and give gamers an opportunity to enjoy some rare gems.
But see, that might never happen. So I'll settle for software emulation.
The only thing holding Sony back on full software BC of PS2 games is the GS chip. Once Sony get the RSX to handle GS calls all that left is optimization of the software.
SO a co-worker buys a remaining 60GB model so his kids can play their older PS2 games. Well, he returned the 60GB after his wife (sensible one) tells him to get the 40GB AND a PS2. That way he can play his games while the kids play their PS2 games.
I think Sony is selling PS2 systems still...because no one can afford TWO 60GB PS3 in their home, but now can afford a PS3 40GB and a PS2. Yes?
@emag: Dang.
Well, it's not like I don't have my fat PS2 lying around. I bought the 40GB thinking I'd upgrade the HDD, and since I had a ps2, I didn't need to spend the extra money for - since the 20 and 60 GB were gone by then - inferior BC. Starting to eye the used 60 GB in the store up the road....
@big_world: Agreed. Backwards compatibility is sweet, but I'm more excited about PS2 on PSN. Live has Xbox games, I don't see why we can't get some PS2 classics up soon. Then again, they're pretty slow with releasing the PS1 games...
@MASOCHIST187:
Yeah I don't really play the Wii either.
This is good news, I'll take any remote chance I get of my 40 gig ps3 playing ps2games. Though I still have to keep my ps2 because of it playing imported games, I would welcome downloadable ps2games on the ps-store. If this was ever to happen I hope they put some of the games that are hard to get/impossible to play, due to region restrictions,or just being difficult to come across. (xenosaga 3,looking your way!) Not everyone has a haxored ps2 so they can import games,and would probably appreciate this too.
I try to tell everyone within ear shot that if they want a full bc 60gb ps3 to check Sam's Club. Seriously they have tons of them at mine.
Once Sony announce a new model with PS2 BC and a DualShock 3, and make it available in Europe (preferably in a R&C + Uncharted bundle) I'll strongly consider getting a PlayStation 3. By then there'll be enough games out for me to warrant the purchase, and if they never bring BC back I'll wait another 18 months and get one when there are a TON of games I want.
I'm never going to buy a ps3 if they can't make one affordable AND able to play ps2 discs. Software emu is fine, so long as they dont just try to sell me the games I already own in a different format like Nintendo. VC can suck it!
@MASOCHIST187: I have trouble finding enough time to play next-gen games because I'm always very keen to stick an old favourite into the Super Famicom, Dreamcast, N64, Saturn, PS1, etc. Having software emulation of the PS2 on PS3 that renders the polygons at a higher res would be awesome, I hope Sony do decide to implement a software emulator... as long as it allows me to put my old discs in the machine and they don't try to make me re-buy my old games on the PSN store.
IF... IF I ever get a PS3. I won't give a damn about BC. I have two PS2's for that.
Making old PS or PS2 games available on PSN is great though.
*sigh* What ever happened to everyone having the same version of a console without having to worry that a better, cheaper version would come out within the next few months? I really miss the days when you could just pick up a game console and play.
The biggest draw for me to buy a PS3 right now is the ability to play my PS2 games with a wireless controller. Unless they introduce a new model with BC I will have to hunt down a used 60GB and here they go for more than a new model because of the BC.
@MASOCHIST187: yes, but the smell of 35 ps2 games staring at me from the shelf reminds me of my first beater car I loved....stale, semi-moldy, overflowing ashtray, oil leaking onto the exhaust manifold......you know, all in a good way though.
Seabass, me too.
@ceilingFANBOY: now with 100% more fanboy:
Not sure if your aware, but you can already play any ps1 game you own on your PSP via remote play. If its in the PS3's drive, you can play it.
Aside from great software, PS1 backwards compatibility played a major part in PS2's success. I'm sure it swayed many buyers to buy the PS2, myself included as it did with a PS3. Backwards compatibility better be important to Sony.
@MASOCHIST187: I sometimes think that way, but there are still lots of solid games for last gen systems that a lot of people haven't played. I have a 360, Wii, and a PC capable of running Crysis, but here I am today, playing the original God of War on my PS2 because I skipped buying it when it came out in 05'.
When I go into a gamestop or gamecrazy to pick up a current gen game I want, if I see something that I recall getting great reviews last gen in the bargain bin, I pick it up and (usually) have a blast with it.
When the time comes for me to pick up a PS3 (when enough solid games are out) I'm going to be extremely disappointed if I have to clutter up my TV center even more. It probably won't stop me from buying the system, but I imagine it'll be a huge factor for people who don't spend ludicrous amounts on gaming.
BC is good, but I'm pretty much done with the past. I've played all my PS2 games to death - still waiting for that killer app though...
@YUYU:
You can still pick up a game console and play. You speak of the old days? In the old days when you wanted to play an NES game, you used an NES. When you wanted to play an SNES game you used an SNES. When you wanted to play an N64 game you used an N64. Don't act like this is anything new...
it's funny this has been brought up, i thought i'd play wipeout fusion on my ps3 the other day (it's a uk 60gb) and the emulation lasted about 2 minutes before it got completely unplayable. the emulation isn't exactly perfect.
What?! OMG!!!!!!!! NOOOOOOOOOO!!
I want to get MGS essential collection and get a PS3 and play with it.. whats going on?! so it wont play on PS3?? can anyone explain to me. whats going on??????
I have PS1 and I wanted to buy PS3 so I can play MGS essential collection with it also MGS 4
T_T whats going on.. i'm totally lost!