I didn't realize backwards compatibility was that big of an issue. I have an "Old" 80gb system and I play...2 PS2 games on it. It might have been more if there wasn't the compatibility issue between GH1, 2, and Rock of the *0's and the PS3, but even still I don't miss it. If it means that much to you, really, go buy a used PS2 or a new PS2 Bundle that's coming.

OH, and that should teach you that it's not always bad to be an earlier adopter of new technology ;)

rcgaryk

Does it come with a Dualshock?

KingBroly

@Stormrider: Sorry, it does cost them. Different chipset for the system over non b/c = lower production cost = lower profit margin.

Phester

Yeah I heard that in the conference and was disappointed as it sounded double worded. They said it like everyone wants the 80 GB version so we aren't making the 40's anymore and releasing a 80 for the same price but they say it will have the same features as the 40. This unfortunately makes me suspect it also has the same missing BC and that is not cool. People wanted the 80 for 2 reasons a game(good value) and BC( I cant count the people I mentioned no BC on the 40 and they got a 80 instead). I suspect Sony is killing BC altogether and that is depressing to me.

Konchu

@shrek187: - "the same functionality of the 40 GB... with twice the storage" = no backwards compatibility. If you really need the b/c, 60 gig systems are readily available on EBAY. I personally wouldn't want a PS3 without b/c, because I don't have the space for both a PS2 and PS3. But for those that don't need b/c, have fun...

Phester

Considering you have mandatory 5GB or more installs with every damn game, they should have jsut stuck with the 40GB and stuck a mail in rebate discount for a random 500GB laptop hdd to stick in the PS3 to replace the ridiculously small amount of space they give you.

KirbyMorph

Why must Sony/MS make it so hard for me to want to buy their system? How do I know a few months down the line a newer, better system won't come out. Its alright if it is a system redesign since they don't come too often, but this? Too many too often.

On a side note, this years E3 sucks so far. Winner = PC.

Leanid

great idea..sucks for the 40gb people though..but seems like a cool deal...

kingme

@ibunkun: Not to flame, but do you have some kind of learning disorder, or is English your second language? Because replacing zeros with the letter O is a fairly unusual spelling error.

@SAKY: "Seriously guys you are ALL avid gamers you know what each SKU does or doesn't have."

I am, and I don't. You don't usually see this much variation on the same product outside of sports drinks, and even then it's just flavors, not whether it has USB ports, BC, Card Readers, etc.

@Northwood: Funny, for all of the complaining you're doing about the people complaining about BC, nothing has happened.

Hypocrite.

Jonn

i think they should just lower the prices of the existing models by 100 dollars each. that could- and probably would- make a lot of fence-sitters shut up and put their money where their mouth is. i got a 60 GB last summer and while i feel 500 bucks is too high for most reasonable people to jump in (but we're all gamers here- so reason rarely enters the equation for us)- i don't regret the decision at all because here we are a year later and a backwards compatible PS3 is STILL 500 bucks :(

sometimes i wonder who (if anyone) is piloting the PS3 plane...

laser beams

@Komrade_Kayce: The Original PS3s 20GB and 60GB American and Japanese models played PS2 software on dedicated hardware and with updates offered smoothing and video enhancements to the PS2 play, had 99% compatibility no slow down . The European 60GB and American 80GB took some of the PS2 hardware out and used software/hardware compatibility which introduced less than perfect PS2 performance (being kind), Now the new 40/80GB units eliminate it completely. It's not a price drop it's a feature slash to cut costs. I hope my upgraded launch unit never dies.

NotNormal23224

@Northwood: @Vecha: If people don't stop using the verb "cry" to imply the relative hugeness of their own e-nis, I'm going to just start spamming Cleave, and I don't care who gets hurt.

Comatose Turtle

Hey, remember when the PS3 first came out and Sony was like "lol XBAWKS you can't do full backwards compatibility nyah nyah"...

And now Sony is taking BC out of all their machines?

fuzzycuffs

@Northwood: Not long, actually. In fact, I believe that this thread is the first time I've ever joined a discussion on the matter.
And since "repeating" seems to be a motif with you, I'll say again: the only thing I'm defending is the difference of opinion. While I would enjoy it if Sony did the BC thing, I don't have some personal stake in it.

Another quick question: are you having as much fun as I am with this? :)

AntiheroKing

This actually strengthens my belief that they soon announce ps2 software bc for all ps3s. Who knows they may announce this just at the launch of new sku.

venkat55

Great. Another item with which to confuse soccer moms. I have enough trouble describing the current SKUs. Not only that, I can't even ID their model by size. I am going to have to memorize a fricking model number. GG, Sony.

@JimmyNice: Nice effort, but tighten up the grammar and use less "..."s next time. I liked the 'waffle fries' bit.

@Numerous: "Unless you release a sub-$350 PS3 with full *hardware* based backwards compatibility"

Would you like it to make waffle fries too?

@Northwood: Aw, man, you're hilarious.

Jonn

@AntiheroKing: your argument has no sustenance. how long have to been bitching about it and nothing happened, and stop repeating what other people said.

Northwood

I'd also like to direct my last comment at Mr. Dennis Dyack, of Too Human fame/infamy. :D

AntiheroKing

@Northwood: Jesus, dude. Man writes a completely reasonable response and you have to continue to be a complete douche.

Grow the fuck up.

JustThisGuy

@Northwood: Nope. But answer this back: Is crying about a bunch of people crying about something going to make them stop?

AntiheroKing

@Northwood:

You are a bigger baby if you cry about being crying....

Vecha

@BretzE: "will offer all of the features and functionality of the 40GB model with double the storage" sure seems to confirm it's a 40GB with a bigger HD. Why wouldn't they say "We're cutting the price of the current 80GB unit to $399"?

Justin42

@shrek187: He said it has the same functionality as the 40GB PS3 which means no BC, sorry man.

I'm glad I got the BC because in addition to my fear of my PS2 eventually dying and not having a spot for all 70 games, I can constantly play my PS2 games since I don't have many of the PS3 kind. It's good that they did a price cut though, but bad on them for axing BC completely.

kylo4

Many folks out there: "oh poor me, I my little brain cannot handle all these SKUs"

Me: "You are dumb, it's hard, I feel for you"

Seriously guys you are ALL avid gamers you know what each SKU does or doesn't have. Just remeber you are responsible for informing all your friends that haven't a clue about different SKUs. ;)

Sad part here is no BC in this new model....and I don't expect that SONY will release such a model for quite a while as manufacturing costs on the PS3 are still way above sale price (aka SONY is selling at a loss).

I'm glad I got my 20GB, having never owned a SONY console before I have many great games to play. :)

SAKY

"Same functionality as old 80GB PS3" means the same backward compatibility.

jfm3

I wonder if they'll drop the price of the 40 GB...

sean09

@AntiheroKing: Answer this... Is crying about it on a blog going to solve your problem?

Northwood

@Grave: Yeah, when I look at the PS3 in a broader scale (plays games, blu-ray, etc.), it is, of course, a great system for the price. BC is not truly the dealbreaker for me - it would just sweeten the pot.
I suppose I want it because I still have PS2 games I haven't finished, and I had given my little sister my PS2 for christmas.
The dealbreaker for me, really, are the exclusive titles. MGS4, LittleBigPlanet, Resistance 1 and 2, Killzone 2, and now downloadable gaming content like the Ratchet and Clank addition sound great, but I still can't justify buying the system for $400 when I'll need to shell out for these games as well as a second controller. Blu-ray is cool and all, but I don't find it particularly mindblowing. And I don't want to buy a PSP either.
Bottom line is that I don't know what I'm waiting for, but it's not this particular "price drop."

AntiheroKing

thats a neverending story of ignorance. well i "complained" a year ago, that sony should not get rid of a 6o gig with card reader, BC, 4USB , shrink it to 4o gig...but some said "thats what the market wants" i said "market wants a cheaper PS3 not a dumbed down one" "you just cry" . you cant cut down media interoperability via cardreader more USB but than enhance media capability like divx, movie downloads, full game PSNdownloads. thats just plain ignorance. no they comeback "yeah guys , we think that you think, we should think about a bigger HDD, so here you have it. to make that f*cking a better media device"

thats just for all of us who had complained "WE told you to leave the 6o gig and just usw the new cooling layout of the 4o gig"

ibunkun

Lol, nobody knows for sure if BC is in or out and yet here are so many people acting as if they are in the know. How about you wait until the skus change and then crucify Sony if it is taken out. All the people who jump up now without knowing, really should stfu.

BretzE

It is a little weird that they didn't announce a price cut on the 40GB. There's no way they can't drop the price. They'd never get rid of all the back-stock if they didn't. My guess is they'll go the MS route and drop the price to $349. As others have noted, it would be quite the temporary boon if they went the full-monty and dropped it to $299. Either way, looks like my decision to hold off on a PS3 until after E3 is a smashing success.

bag79

If it's backward capable, I'll take it.

If it's not, I won't.

sir_carrot

@Northwood, what is it about taking Sony's feature stripping strap-on up the rear port that you like so much?

Some of us are inclined to fight, bitch, piss, and moan when someone tries to screw us.

Count_Elmdor

@Northwood: No flames intended, really. The only point I'm making, ultimately, is that despite your apparent penchant for telling people that they should conform to your opinion, there are a lot of people who are always going to want BC. No matter how many times you say "FUCK BC" or "give it up," there will be those who disagree with you on that point.
The division of opinion is all I'm defending. By all means, you are completely entitled to say that BC is worthless and consumers should keep their PS2s. Just keep in mind that others are also entitled to keep saying that they want Sony to provide it, and everybody should get along just fine. :)

AntiheroKing

@Comatose Turtle: Fast loading makes Odin Sphere infinitely more playable, but I really find myself wishing the game supported progressive scan. :( Rumor has it that Vanillaware created all the game's assets in HD originally. I'd gladly get an upgraded version for 360 or PS3.

Grave

@Northwood:

oh god

shut up "I moved on and so should you" some people actually WANT to replay older games, because to them graphics isn't the issue but nostalgia and re-experiencing.

I still play GBA games.

Deaf Mute

@AntiheroKing: Not yet. Not for a few years. But it's making impressive progress.

And seriously, guys... I have a 60GB and it's not worth crying for unless Sony fixes that lag on the upscaling. And they probably won't. It's quite jarring on games that require quick reflexes and tight timing. But nobody's going to listen. Just keep believing what you want to believe, I guess.

Bottom line? Buy it for MGS4 or as a great media center/DVD upscaler/Blu-ray player. If you get it for anything else you'll likely be disappointed.

Grave

@DevonTheDude:
Odin Sphere will not be denied.
Not to mention the rest of my collection, which I do go back to play regularly. My Dreamcast sees regular use as well.
Are you guys saying you never go back to play old games? Do you just sell all your old systems or something? Or do you just enjoy the thrill of taking down and setting up and keeping track of all your game systems?

@pandasonic: I see. So it's our fault for angering our Sony overlords by not paying their ridiculously high prices. We should have cowed before them while there was still time; now we are doomed to a greater suffering than we had before.

Comatose Turtle

@Salen: Uh - FF7, Xenogears, and Bloody Roar were PS1 games, which are fully software emulated on all PS3s.

Datheron

@Foxstar Sixtail: iight man at least you are the one who has it and not complaining about it. but im just saying everyone out there is crying about it like its going to come.

Northwood

I was half expecting Sony to announce PS2 BC in software would be made available this year during E3, and then something like this announcement.

As it is, it's as insane (probably worse) than MS's "not a price cut" price cut. The 40gb PS3 is kind of seen as a "last chance" unit for a lot of people who are looking for 80GB units... I don't think HD space is holding back purchasers, it's perceived value of the unit.

It definitely seems like they should've dropped the price of the 40GB to $299 and the 80GB to $399, and keep the 80GB as a 'premium' line (which, I could have sworn, I read they were planning on doing) Now it's just going to add massive confusion as people will see an 80GB and assume it's the "good" 80GB unit. They should've at least made it a unique HD size-- like 120GB or something. As it is now, having 2 80GB SKUs "around" (I know, not available at retail, but still there) just confusing...

Justin42

@Northwood:Your posts are no longer worth reading, moving on..

Foxstar Sixtail

@Salen: You can play your original Bloody Roar, FF7, and Xenogears on your PS3, since ALL PS3 systems play PSONe games

blurayforever143

@Numerous: www.ebay.com

bangbangblah

@Deaf Mute:

But the PS3 doesn't even play all PS2 games.

Its probably just me, but I prefer the original system to play the games on. With the exception of the 64, because I hated that controller. But SNES for SNES games, Dreamcast for Soul Calibur, etc. Even if it means more clutter in my living room.

The Wii is the only one with true BC and makes getting rid of your GC worth it. The 360 and PS3 have retarded cousin BC. I guess the PS3's is better than 360's, but its still not worth getting rid of my PS2 for (just in my eyes).

Komrade_Kayce

@AntiheroKing: i wrote in caps cause all of you sissy boys out there crying about BC. i'm sure half you guys already own a ps3. if you all wanted one you guys would of bought the 60gb when it came out. but nooooo why is the ps3 so expensive, why do i have to pay so much. they drop the price on it and you guys are still complaining. it will never stop. give it up. whats the reason of having an old system lying around for. i still have all my old systems dating back to the SNES. when the next one came out i kept all the games i wanted and i got rid of the rest this is what ebgames is there for, sell all that old crap and get you some of that new hotness that's out there. i still have my ps2 when i got the ps3 i moved on. im tired of looking at that old graphics anyway... all you guys want to flame on me, but there are people out who are all saying the same thing... FUCK BC!

Northwood

I'll only buy a PS3 once it's backward compatible.

...and once they release the second, slimmer version, which we all know is coming :P

SicariusIV

Nice price cut.

VakeroRokero

@LittleBigPlaneteer: Oh. My. God.

You're SO FULL OF SHIT.

Spoony Bard

@ValeshniPastruk: You actually raise an interesting point of the PC being the best PS2 ever made. Despite mine and many others' feelings that hardware BC should come with a nice 80GB PS3, there's no denying that $400 is still a pretty damn good price.
Thus, if I want to be able to play some classic PS2 games as well, and play them at proper quality, a good alternative is always an emulator and perhaps a USB controller if necessary. Anybody know of an emulator that provides a good library of PS2 games, by chance?

AntiheroKing

While I have to say some of my PS2 games I still keep for sentimental reasons, but when I try to play them on my PS3 on my widescreen 720p tv I'm like... I already played these games and it looks the same.

Bring on the new! I'll always have great memories of good old games so I don't need to keep playing them.

warf0x0r

bah!,

darthdaniel

Dear Sony,
I want a PS3. Really, I do. You have some games out that I would love to play that are not on the other systems that I own. And the prices are beginning to get reasonable, a definite mark in the "pro" column.
But you don't want to sell me one. I know this because you currently refuse to release a PS3 with backwards compatibility. There is a stack of PS2 games that still need playing. There was a time I would have settled for software emulation but you keep not even including that. So here it is Sony:
Unless you release a sub-$350 PS3 with full *hardware* based backwards compatibility, I will not even consider buying a PS3.
Harsh? Yes. But I let Microsoft get by with software emulation and it is less than great. I learned my lesson there and I'll need better from you. Let me know when you are ready to sell me one, cause I'll be ready to buy.

Numerous

@StupidDufus:

If you could only see how poor the BC is. PS1 titles play a tad better now (fill up the screen top now with the last firmware update). PS2 games still don't quite look as good. The bigger issue is the audio via the Toslink.

The only advantage is that some PS2 games load a tad faster. Otherwise, you're better off sticking with the original PS2 hardware.

SG79

@Komrade_Kayce:

Some people want to have just one system in their bedroom/living room/ etc.

Kinda saves space, I don't know where you got the idea that people who want their PS3s to be backwards compatible won't be keeping their PS2s. Even further the PS3 already plays DVDs (if I remember correctly) so uh.. what?

Deaf Mute

Unless they're planning on wedging in backwards compatibility I think they would've been better off creating a streamlined model that does little more than play PS3 games, Blu-Ray discs, and access the PSN (Store) and give it a sub-$300 price point.

Otherwise this constant reshuffling of features and capacities is little more than Sony blowing smoke.

Nightshift Nurse: Mile High Colonic

@pandasonic:
isnt that the truth and some damn irony

meltyman

All my research on the current 80GB with BC indicated that the BC was seriously lacking. Even Sony's own BC database convinced me that the only PS3 worth buying for BC was the 60GB. I mean, if every Ratchet & Clank game either locks up or runs too slow (per Sony), what's the point? Can anybody with an 80GB give their impressions?

In a couple of years PCSX2 quality and computer speed will reach a locus point which will make the PC the best PS2 ever made. I'd say Sony should take note, but they won't.

ValeshniPastruk

@SG79: They've already cleared out the 40GB in Sweden at least. It has been out of stock the past month at several places and they haven't gotten any new ones. So I hope it means we'll get the 80GBs as well... I mean it's not like we're losing any backwards compatibility since we don't have it. 80GB I could probably live with.... 40GB would not last long seeing how quick the 20GB 360 drive filled up even without game installs.

The Whaleman

So, is the new 80GB 'core' system just the 40GB with a larger hard drive? When will they be available? What will happen to the old 40GB units...will they be marked down?

This is all really confusing, Sony. I wish you'd just stuck with one basic system, really.

WizarDru

@SG79: their doing the same thing MS did, they didnt lower a price... they just are in the works of killing a SKU .. the 360 premium didnt get cheaper it just got bigger drive and the old ones are clearing off

the 80gb ps3 didnt get cheaper... the 40gb is getting killed off.

phantam

AND I BET IT DOESNT COME WITH A FREE GAME EVEN

phantam

@Northwood:I'm not crying. I'm laughing because I remember what a huge selling point it was. I own a 60 gig and unless Sony ever refuses to fix it if it breaks, I'll never have BC issues. I can still laugh at the way they turn to the PS2 to pay the bills while demanding you not ever use it to play PS2 games.

@LittleBigPlaneteer:I'm sure you are. It get Underground mailers all the time too.

Foxstar Sixtail

@Northwood:
A quick note: typing in all caps makes you sound retarded. I understand that you feel strongly about this subject, but it really only damages your case when you try to imply that you're screaming about it.
Secondly, the fact is, there are a lot of people who really want backwards compatibility. So many, that Sony should have worked out a way to implement the hardware BC that the 60GB PS3 had and still keep costs down. I'm all for price drops, but I still have a library of classic games that I'd still like to play, and having a system that can both give me that and new titles is what myself and many others want.

AntiheroKing

@Foxstar Sixtail: I HAVE RETURNED. little boy want to cry about BC too. give it up man. its not coming.

Northwood

Ugh.. give me a PS3 with PS2/PSOne compatibility with NO hdd. I'll go buy my own 250+gb drive from Newegg or something for $100.

StupidDufus

Well, Im just glad they released the MGS4 bundle when they did.

That SKU is what pushed me over the fence to buy one since BC is important to me.

yashichi8bit

@Gestahl: Did you say this while crawling over your Rock Band/Singstar/GH/Logitech peripherals?

kspray-dad

Not exactly a good thing to announce, unless they're planning on clearing out the 40GB at a lower price. Who in their right mind would pay the same price and get 40GB less?

SG79

@Foxstar Sixtail:

I'm a Sony insider that's how. Read it, believe it, love it.

LittleBigPlaneteer

I just hope they keep the 40gb model and sell it for cheaper. They really should have just given the 40gb BC and kept it at $400. While I'm at it, it wouldn't kill them to reprint the MGS4 bundle, would it?

Sight

Whatever fanboys... I own a 360 and a PS3, and the fact is between those two, backwards compatability on both really don't matter. I barely have time to play everything I bought for both systems, hell I have a copy of Devil May Cry 4 that's still shrinkwrapped. I still have my PS2 setup and the problem is that now I have a 46 inch tv for gaming, everything on the PS2 looks like ass now. Jaggies were bad enough before.

otakuhouse

So my question is... if the 80 gig is the new core system... what are we getting to replace with 80 gig w/ emulated BC?... My bets on a 120G PS3 with emulated BC bundleds with Little Big Planet and makes curly fries... anyone else?

JimmyNice

Waiting to buy a PS3 is really working out for me. First I didn't have to pay over $700 after taxes. Then they announce FF for 360, now they bump up storage space on the base unit. I'm gonna see what next year brings me.

charman

@LittleBigPlaneteer:And we know this for sure, how?

Foxstar Sixtail

@bleeps:

Do they really? I was wondering that. I know some PS2 games CAN do 480p on the PS2 through some jiggery pokery, but never bothered to look into it.

I was always under the impression that games look best when not emulated. And using the 80gb that is missing the PS2 chip, would they not be emulated, therefore, looking better on the PS2?

P.S.: Persona 3 was made for the PS2 man. Its the perfect game to just leave in the system, tape it shut, hook up to a TV and let that be the only game that tv plays for the rest of time. No other game is needed. :)

Komrade_Kayce

@Komrade_Kayce:Give it time. I wager Monster will have a overpriced one on the market before too longer.

Foxstar Sixtail

If this SKU is meant to completely replace the 40GB one, then the current 40GB's on the shelves should see a price cut just to clear out inventory.

LeLoi

DualShock? SuckAxis?

ELUNO

Wow. I will never forget the endless Sony Defense force followers and Sony officals always waving "FULL BC" in front of 360 fans for months on end. Then they pull it out and say "We are removing it to save ourselves money." And what do we get from those talking heads now?

"Just buy a PS2"
"You aren't going to play the old games anyway"
"BC is overrated"
"Keep your PS2 hooked up."

I really wish I had taken names on here when I could have, so I could be delivering the longest "Shut the fuck up." to all of those folks who proudly declared the PS3's BC a selling point.

@Northwood:Turn off your capslock, disconnect your PC and smash your keyboard. Never return.

Foxstar Sixtail

I love my PS3 which I bought as a Blu-Ray player that could get my Metal Gear on. I've been pleasantly surprised by how badass MG4 and Gran Tursimo Prologue are visually. But man oh man this is the most underwhelming Sony E3 ever. It felt like they were begging developers to make games for the thing. I bet you this is the 20 gb model with a fatter harddrive.

otakuhouse

@DevonTheDude: You mean besides one of the best game libraries since the SNES?

Backwards compatibility isn't a deal breaker for me. $400 for a video game system? That's a deal breaker.

TomSkylark

Its real simple. The Current 80GB with PS2 BC and the 4 USB ports isn't going away. The just upgraded the 40GB to 80GB and called it "Core". SIMPLE. What's so difficult to understand?

cduran

What a disappointing showing overall today. Nintendo didn't make me regret selling my Wii and Sony showed the same old stuff.. again. :/

PlasmaMachine

Please, please, PLEASE tell me you're dropping 40gb and this 80gb is avaiable in Europe!

Ropa-to

@TheIrishNinja:
That's funny cause I don't here any wii owners going "IF ONLY THERE WAS ANOTHER WII SKU" The only complaints coming from the Wii side is hard drive and more games. But considering how successful nintendo is, why even care? Skus become a problem when normal people aren't even sure what to buy. I mean there was/is for the Ps3 lineup: 20gb, 40gb, 60gb, 80gb (two times) And some missing/having more features than others other than HDD space. Then the 360 has had, the halo sku, the premium, the elite, the core, and the arcade.

It seems as though companies are now deciding to follow the software developer traits of; "don't worry if it's bad just release it and then we'll patch it 2 months later." In the old days of consoles you'd get severely beaten for doing that. The only "different" skus were different colors, that's about it.

Covert_Knight

@shrek187: @bangbangblah: The same functionality as the 40gb means that it is just a 40gb PS3 with an 80gb hard drive in it. This means that there will not be any backward compatibility.

Basically all they've done here is to increase the hard drive space so that the new purchasers won't bitch about not having enough space due to all the hard drive installs the games are requiring lately.

Woden501

The current 40GB is not backwards compatible, right? That would mean that this new 80GB would not be either if it has the "same functionality".

Ugh.

BurntToast

So, Sony is giving people 40GB for free and some people are mad about it ?

Hmmn....issues..

xCruciaLx

@Komrade_Kayce: PS2 games look better on an HDTV when played on a PS3 with BC. (I need more acronyms in that sentence)

As for what's there to play on PS2, I have been playing Disgaea 1 and Persona 3 FES more than anything else.

bleeps

@Gestahl: @Foxstar Sixtail:

Yeah, you're probably right.

Between my DC, N64, Genesis and 2600, along with the Xbox, Wii and 360, the PS2 being 'just one more system' doesnt even occur to me as a bother. :P

On a related topic, do you guys know if remote controlled system selectors exist? I've got one, but I have to keep getting up and pushing in a clicking button to switch the system.

Komrade_Kayce

If you want backward compatibility then either get a freaking PS2 or go back in time and buy the 60GB version when it came out. This lack of BC is something everyone who bitched about the 60GB version's cost and decided to not buy one (thus hurting Sony's sales) brought upon us all. If you buy it it sells and they make more and sell and so on. If you don't buy then they don't sell and they don't make and it stops. It's that simple.

pandasonic

Cause a lot of people's PS2s are at a point where the DVD lens is burning out or they're simply running into other issues due to age and wear and tear. So if you have a library of a hundred or so PS2 games, and you can buy a PS3 with backwards compatibility, it doesn't seem like such a bad idea to upgrade.

If not you'd have to buy another PS2 then a PS3 on top of if you're interested. Quite a few people I know bought the first PS3 for that particular reason, their PS2 had died out, I *ALMOST* did as well, but it was simply too expansive here in Canada at the time. So losing that backwards compatibility IS a big deal to quite a few people given how well the PS2 did and the huge library of games it has.

Zakuen

I don't think you guys are understanding. This probably means that they are cutting the 80gb backwards compat model altogether and UPGRADING the current 40gh to a 80gb with no backwards compat. This is not what we wanted...

OtherAdam

@JauntyHat:

Not really. Early adopters have the advantage of having full PS2 BC, compared to the cheaper models.

LittleBigPlaneteer

STOP BITCHING ABOUT BACKWARDS COMPATIBILITY. ITS NOT COMING. ITS LIKE YOU GUYS ARE CRYING OVER YOUR EX WHEN YOU HAVE NEW ONE.

Northwood

Guys, let BC go. It was great in standard def, but the lag introduced to upscaled PS2 games trashes a hell of a lot of games. Fighting games, rhythm games... it sucks. It's not worth paying too much for. I learned this the hard way.

Grave

Also I guarantee the 40GB is getting a price drop soon. The reason they didn't say so now is because they don't have everything in place for you to just go into a store tommorow and get one for 299. Trust me, it's coming within 2 months.

LittleBigPlaneteer

Wow, thats gotta suck for the guys who shoveled out 600 for the same thing months ago.

JauntyHat

@Komrade_Kayce: Because some people didn't have a PS2 last gen and would like to be able to catch up on some games. I had an N64 and no PS1, when I got my PS2 I got my fix on Final Fantasies, MGS, and lots of other games I missed the gen before, as well as enjoying the masterpieces on PS2. Now I've got a Wii and have a couple of Gamecube titles, I think you get my idea.

chemical_eng_mx

Guys, this is simply replacing the 40GB. That means there will be another SKU to replace the 80GB that will still have PS2 BC. It's basically a capacity upgrade for the same price as the 40GB. I don't see that as a bad thing.

LittleBigPlaneteer

If this means that the 40gb model is going to drop to $349 or better yet $299, count me in! Backwards compatibility means nothing as between the 360 and the PS3 I would have plenty of games to play.

re4de2ye0

I was really hoping for a price drop on the current 80GB. I want at least some BC so it looks like the $500 PS3 is where I'm headed. I might wait, depending on when I can actually afford a PS3, to see what the new $500 SKU will be. Probably a 120 GB.

Okari

@Komrade_Kayce:Some folks like only having to have three systems hooked up. I'm one of them but then I have a 60 gig.

It amazes me that once again Sony's shifted focus back to the PS2 because..well it makes money, yet they don't want PS3 owners using it to play PS2 games.

Foxstar Sixtail

@Salen:
That's what I want to know. Is the BC still left out.

SpishackCola

Does this mean the 40GB SKU will see a price drop?

LeLoi

So why don't they just make the 40gb version $299 and suck the wind right out of Microsoft's sails?

alzheimers

@Komrade_Kayce:

I think you (amongst other people), are forgetting about the issue of "clutter". Most of us don't want our living room covered with Sony consoles.

Oh, and upscaled PS2 games is nice too.

Gestahl

bad idea. No bc, and they announced it 3 months before it launches. Now...WHY would I buy a 40gb pS3 at $399 again? I know I can wait until september and get the exact same unit with twice the storage for the same price.

Not.Very.Clever.

jasongw

@DevonTheDude: I have a small fortress made out of PS2 games, and I'd like to play them, like my original Bloody Roar and FF7 and Xenogears, because my launch PS2 finally gave up the ghost.

So what's left to play? Lots. Lots of old, wonderful memories.

Salen

@TheIrishNinja: But I don't think it does...that's what it looks like.

Which is just...poor.

Spoony Bard

I can't believe they're taking out backwards compatibility. It costs them nothing to keep it in, why arbitrarily decide that they're going to prevent their consumers from playing any of the great games from the most successful console they've ever put out? They say they want to convert all the PS2 users to PS3 owners, but they're taking the ability to play all those games out? It makes no sense at all.

Stormrider

@bangbangblah: Well it says "and more" and by that "and more" part I hope it is also backwards compatible.

shrek187

@TheIrishNinja:

I dont understand why people are so uppity about a PS3 that plays PS2 games anyways.

The 360 BC stinks. Choppy bits in every game, some games like SH2 dont even work properly.

Why not just keep your PS2 as a spare DVD player/PS2/PS1gameplayer?

Unless they suddenly give you the ability to copy your PS2 games to the PS3 HDD to play them... THAT would be worth paying for. No more worrying about your discs becoming old and scuddy when you dont have to use them anymore.

Komrade_Kayce

Ok...we knew in December that this was coming, we got confirmation of this in January. If anyone is surprised by this news, then let me tell you about this little secret Microsoft has going, they're releasing a 60 GB Xbox 360.

It's the same thing as the 40GB Playstation 3, which was even stressed in the Spotlight event. Just twice the storage space.

adinnieken

Well, there goes making models readily identifiable by their HDDs.

Tale

@Comatose Turtle:

What is there left to play on PS2 anyway Guitar Hero and GOW?

DevonTheDude

I assume this is replacing the 40GB unit then or is the 40GB going to be less. There are rumors that DLC may be available to enable software B/C for those who want it later.

DevonTheDude

All I know is they'd better bring back PS2 backwards-compatibility before LBP makes me buy one. The last thing I need is yet another system to plug in.

Comatose Turtle

screw that backwards compatibility shit. ive moved on... you guys need to stop bitching about it. its not coming. so stop crying.

Northwood

you guys need to clarify that it is in September.

Northwood

no backwards compatibility = a go fuck yourself from me to you sony.

iameleveneight

Fuck the size of the harddrive, we need one that is backwards compatible. I'd like to grab one for LittleBigPlanet, but that is literally the only game the system has that interests me. Open up all the PS2 games I've never played, and I'm sold.

Zerozaki Ishiki

@shrek187: Yeah, I'm wondering what they mean by "same functionality."

bangbangblah

Uh, so does that mean it's SOL for Backwards Compatibility still?

Salen

So in te same conference, they announce that there's 130 new PS2 games coming in 2008, but that the 80 core pack at 399$ can't frakking play em.

Rask

@Covert_Knight: SKU talk around here is ridiculous. who gives a shit? if youve a bundle and a few options, how does that hurt your sales? consumers buy the one they want, mebbe the one the store clerk recommended.

honestly, if this thing plays ps2 games itd be the best deal for the money, and youre saying that's a negative?

TheIrishNinja

They need to drop the 40gb price so i can go pick it up today... i neeeeed that

Northwood

@Jeff Paine: @DoubleV: are you two a team of some kind?

yeah, million dollar question is: does "same functionality" = shitting on PS2 games. if the answer is no, its a great system.

TheIrishNinja

NO, STOP, THAT'S A BAD SONY! BAD!!

Too many f'in sku's you think that Microsoft and Sony would learn from the Nintendo strategy, release one unique sku and make lots of money.

Covert_Knight

Moderately okay idea

archibaldleech

Eh. I've yet to even use half of my 360's 20 gig hard drive. Merely upping the already more than large enough hard drive (Especially when it's a cheap upgrade on one's own anyway) is still not enough to justify the PS3 over the 360 unless you absolutely have to have a Blu Ray player before they inevitably drop to $150 in the next year or so.

0bsessions

Good as long it will be backwards compatible.

shrek187

great idea!

DoubleV

Stupid idea

Jeff Paine

What about the other 80gb one? You know, the one with PS2 support?

Mr. Fluffykins

What ever happened to that rumor that there will be an update on October to have all system Backwards Compatible? If that story is true, then yes I will definently get this shit, if not, FUCK YOU SONY.

umaxyome

Does it come with a Dual Shock 3 or just a SuxAsses?

jasongw

@fearing:
That's great news actually. I'm trying to track down out of print titles that escaped while I was waiting for a fix, but I do want one as long as it'll play for a good 8 years. I have heard of many dead Elites not long ago though, so I have to wait a few years and see how it goes.

fuchikoma

@Komrade_Kayce: I think the reason why its a big deal for alot of people is that it saves them the hassle of plugging in a system they don't need anymore. I live in a apartment part of the year when I'm at school and it was definitely nice to take out my old xbox and my gamecube and PS2 to make room for my new consoles. There is less wires and definitely less of a mess with having too many systems. But then again, I'm very lazy but I like a clean, neat house, so maybe its just me.

NeVeRMoRe666

@kspray-dad:
Oh, then I take it back. Thanks.
When I got mine I tried and tried to get a 60GB then just gave up and settled for a decent looking bundle deal. I've seen them in stores but never noticed the warning.

Though looking at the 40GB box I would call that highlighted fine print where for the most part just says it's like any PS3 with things like a Blu-ray drive, and HD outputs.

fuchikoma

Drop the 40GB to $300 and then we'll talk.

Forkball

I'll recap this just to make sure I understand and everyone else does:

New 80 Gig model is the 40 Gig model with a bigger hard drive and it'll come out in September 2008. It has no backwards compatibility.

Old 80 Gig (I'll call the 80BC) is the model with the backwards compatibility that you can still buy bundled with MGS4.

If you want the version with a PS2 chip inside, find the 60 Gig or 20 Gig version. If you want any backwards compatibility at all. Buy the 80BC now.

I repeat Buy the 80BC now.

Yes, it's that difficult. Thank you Sony.

nou_phabmixay

@fuchikoma: If that was a 360 reference, they seem to be making them right now, at my store we haven't seen or heard of a single defective one since early December, Sony on the other had just keeps taking that BC out of all thier models, and the 60 gig ones that could play everything are now starting to come back to us with defects, I know I lost a 60 gig of my own already.

fearing

@fuchikoma: Non BC compliant PS3s ALWAYS have it in large print on the box that PS2 games are not compatible.

kspray-dad

@Komrade_Kayce: All the stuff I play BC on my 360 works fine. I used to get stutter a bit in the original Forza, but a subsequent update took care of that.

fearing

Software BC has to come at some point...at least for DL games...why the hell would SONY leave all that money on the table by not being able to sell PS2 games as downloads?

kspray-dad

So another one without BC of any sort?
God! What a way to crap up an already misleading lineup with more redundancy and less functionality!

I do not understand why a Sony emulator for a Sony system, running Sony-licensed software on a Sony system costs them so much they need to remove it to save costs... oh yeah, that's right, so they can sell more PS2s! Damn you greedy idiots...

(See? I love my Sony everything, but this is one of those cases where I refuse to stick up for them...)

I already have a fully functional 80GB, but this still irritates me. I bet it will come in an identical looking box with no indication of what it lacks, just a blank where the other 80GB says it does PS2. The ethics of that are pretty appalling as consumer products go. (Though not as bad as releasing a cheap product that always fails, then simply fixing it because it costs less than making it right... that's... shocking.)

fuchikoma

For all those wondering:

DualShock 3 is included

LittleBigPlaneteer

Sonny needs to pull an Apple computer when they originally cut the iPhone price.
I got a 40 gb ps3 less than 2 months ago.

But alas, Sony is in massive debt, so I guess that will never happen.

Sweatingjojo

@0bsessions:

I've seen Sony Blu-ray computer drives for $120, pretty damn cheap for now.

DevonTheDude

Sony has pretty much shot itself in the foot with this. This is a incredibly weak response to the 60Gb 360. At least Sony could have done is a small price cut, just adding 20Gb and no BC is not good enough.

This is Sony arrogantly not listening to what gamers want. It was not listening that put Sony in the position it is in today and I don't think this will turn things around for Sony in the US.

BC is important, all the comments here and everywheres about it just shows that it is a important feature, and should be in all PS3.

Without BC Sony loses its pretty much only advantage it has with me, my large library of PS2 games. Without it I will probably never get one. I don't want to buy one now and have it collect dust.

I think Sony was better off doing nothing with the console hardware than doing this. The only thing this accomplishes is pissing off potential customers many of whom may give up on PS2 BC and the PS3 in general.

NullsRevenge

@Zorba: WTF does that have to do with the topic of this post?

KirbyMorph

E3 2008:

---------------
Nintendo has best presentation. Iwata = cocky. Reggie talks about smiling but never smiles. Miyamoto has style.

Too bad N is still riding the wave of games with shit graphics (sry but they really look like shit on big LCD screen, problem not in shader/textures lack but in 480p output cap, it really makes things pixelated). New incarnation of Wii Sports is interesting, but next spring? Let's hope the 1-1 will nick it this time and be 1-1, cause thats what Nintendo told us about Wiimotes at launch...Animal Crossing - good, but whats with the mic? Wii Music drummer = fail. Call of Duty multiplayer = we'll see, good thing i can play it without buying zapper.
---------------
Microsoft had really uncanny feeling whole conference with people pretending to enjoy themselves. They should learn from Nintendo to present themselves. But. The xbots own with content, fken 4 new big jrpgs, fun video movie making game, lots of work on XBLA and avatars integration. If they manage to nick a motion controller from N and make it perform good in launch games they might actually show enough pace to win. Add to that price politics that hit Nintendo now. Hell, if their console wasn't still plagued by rrod i'd get one of those for new fun stuff.
---------------
Sony deals massive damage to itself with delays (again). Big corp, slow corp, rotting corp. Do you still think people. No truly newly announced interesting titles. GG on losing FF XIII.

---------------
Synapsis for myself:
Well, i dont regret on buying a Wii since its best for party games because of controllers. Great fun!
But for single-player experience though(or online multi-player), Wii lacks so i wanted to choose some other console but...
Sadly with Xbox360 having failures and PS3 losing console war the only alternative to HD single player content is PC.
PC = gives more HD than FullHD, doesn't fail/overheat if you build it right, online multiplayer is win, has some serious "exclusive" hits from company thats name starts with Blizz,and gets some of Xbox360 hits ported to it (hi Mass Effect, GeoW, waiting for Fable 2).

Will lend a console from some friend to play FFXIII/ Infinite Undiscovery perhaps, no need to buy for that.

Wii for party games, PC for single player experience.
If anyone has read this, ty for reading, no idea why i post this this conversation with myself -_-

Zorba

(Warning: This is not a "no games" jackassary. These are just my own personal opinions- Take them for what they are)

I have a PS3 that is BC and I would have to agree with many of you here. It is absolutely neccessary. I have all of the next-gen consoles right now and I really don't use my PS3 for all that much save for MGS. I know I know, you all are going to go, "Uncharted!! Rachet and Clank..." but I've played all of those and they don't really bear repeating. I have my 360 for everything else (because of live and DLC). So for now, until Sony comes out with more exclusive games (Sorry FFXIII-Little Big Planet I'm looking at you!!), I'll be using mine to play PS2 games and Blu-Ray. I would feel the same for all of you who are wanting BC.

NeVeRMoRe666

I am interested in getting a PS3, probably near the end of the year, and a new PS2. My PS2 is starting to conk out and I want to make sure that I have a system to play my games on. I would not turn backwards compatibility away, but I do not want to use my PS3 for PS2 games because that is just added wear and tear. My XBox has been getting DREs for well over a year now, but my only options if I want to continue playing my games is to get a used one or figure out how to replace the drive myself. I still think that most of the BC stuff is only from the diehard 360 fans. I don't think that this is a great new deal, but Sony is still selling at a loss, so I can't see them dropping prices anytime soon.

The PS2 has been out for 8 or 9 years; at this point you either have one or you were never really interested in one. If you have one that is wearing out, get a new one so that you can continue playing those games for years to come without having to worry about whether your replacement PS3 is going to have BC, even if your current one does.

kingofallcosmos

@Mr. Fluffykins:

yeah does the new 80GB version have backwards compatibility support? i think that could make or break some people's decision on buying it. :/

Deetronimus117

@Northwood: The consumers are the ones that have the right to bitch. If they don't find any reason to buy a PS3, then sony loses. If they refuse to grant BC, they lose again. Proof: Look at how many potential sales they have lost in this one posting alone. Don't be naive. If Sony was at all like you: "screw that backwards compatibility shit. ive moved on... you guys need to stop bitching about it. its not coming. so stop crying". They would have gone the way of Atari years ago. Consumers determine the product, it isn't the other way around. Happy customers made Sony.

NeVeRMoRe666

I want backwards compatibility. Are you listening, Sony?

alby13

Seriously nothing to get worked up about. They are either going to replace the 40 gig with the new 80 or replace the current 80 with this one and drop the 40 gig's price.

Xephos

No BC, means I will NOT buy a PS3. Hope Sony remembers that.

Darkest Daze

The PS2 is still selling strong, way stronger than PS1 was at the same stage of crossover with a new console. Sony is in a tough spot because the PS2 is no lame duck, it's still a force in sales and they still need to treat it as active. That means that the BC is going away, at least until PS2 sales of both hardware and software fall below a certain point (my theory anyway). I bet then we will see a software BC and everyone will rejoice! If you want BC so bad then get people to stop buying PS2's and all that software.

P.S.
I have a 60GB from July 2007, and about 15 PS2 games of which 5 have not been played. I've only used the BC for 3 short sessions in a year, and I thought I would be using it so much more. Hell, I was the poster child for BC before the PS3 released! Now I barely use it. Same thing happened to lots of you out there too.

crashlanding

Since they are waiting until September to launch this thing, I'm hoping they can announce software emulation by that time and call this a price cut.
It would be a terrible way to announce it though, but a great thing for them, especially with the holiday season approaching at the time.

DocBacca

@NullsRevenge:

I wouldn't consider the 60gb 360 a big deal at all. How bout a price cut on the 120GB HDD first. I'm still using a 20GB and its constantly full. I even have a 512 memory card just for game saves (and it came with geometry wars, which was a plus)

I've heard rumors that Sony may be coming out with BC dlc available on the PS store this winter to enable BC on consoles that don't have it.

Is there confirmation that this is the 40GB just with a larger HDD or is this the current 80 GB w/ BC just repriced? HDD space on the PS3 isn't a big deal since you can buy 500GB internal HDD's for it and USB HDD's work too. Even Flash memory/drives

DevonTheDude

@Northwood: I still have plenty of ps2 games that are quite good to play through:
GOWII
Fatal Frames 2 and 3
Might make another stab at Siren before the new version
Like being able to play silent hills too...
I also have games like rez and katamri damacy, that are classics... to name but a few...
so yes, I want BW compat, and I think it's valid.
I have a 60 gb that's full bw (as full as it gets) so I'm good.

Hopefully sony will pursue another software solution, as they do support the ps2 quite a bit...

Ehardergardens

Sony's Strategy: Load Bullet in chamber
Aim at foot
Commence Firing till Lose in Profits = Drastic

VashWolf

No BC and FFXIII on the 360 means sorry Sony. I'm sticking with my PS2 and my 2 dozen+ library of games and my xbox 360 for the time being.

mr_nexus

@Datheron: Really? Uh... damn. What did I have in my PS2 collection then? Other than FF12. I never did get to play that.

Salen

@DevonTheDude: If Sony was really planning on PS2 BC DLC then why not announce it? If that is what they were really going to do I don't see the benefit Sony gained by not announcing it.

Unless such a plan lets people plan PS2 games they already own it probably isn't going to be successful. I don't think many people would react well to being forced to rebuy games they already own.

@crashlanding: Yes but why is it up to Sony to decide when gamers have had enough PS2 backwards compatibility. Just because you don't play your older games all the time doesn't mean you don't want the ability to play them sometime in the future.

If it was just about BC then why even keep PS1 BC.

NullsRevenge

"The 80GB model will retail for $399, and will offer all of the features and functionality of the 40GB model with double the storage to accommodate more movies, graphics, music, photos and other entertainment content - all for the same price"

I believe they forgot to mention to accommodate the mandatory installs. Also, I believe this is a last minute counter from 360 60GB

mcool93

There are more expensive B-R/DVD players on the market. Then again that's all they're good for anymore...with games as a side function.

Frank

@crashlanding: this makes no sense because they don't need (to encourage) people buying ps2's , they want people buying ps2 games... even if it's for the ps3.
I've been pretty happy with the upscaling of ps2 games so far.

Ehardergardens

This sounds like a good way to confuse consumers to no end. Sure 360 was confusing with the pro, elite, premium, core, arcade, and now who knows. But those at least had different names. This will now be the 80gb or the 80gb.

Talleh

It's funny how all these Microsoft fanboys make ridiculous complaints about the PS3. Honestly, just keep your PS2 if you want to play PS2 games.

As for the "high prices" of the PS3, people complaining probably pay the yearly fee for XBox Live. Yeah "you get what you pay for", and that's why the PS3 is more expensive than the XBox 360.

So many Microsoft fanboys "pretending" to be interested in the PS3 "if only they did this or that"... yeah, if only you would get your head out of your fanboy @zz...

chef4hire

To clarify, the 40gb currently has no PS2 support. Like, at all. This is the same console with a bigger hard drive. Kinda sucks. How much is a 40gb over in the US now? I think we are still paying £350, although it could be £300 by now.

iLov3

@chef4hire: I'd keep my PS2, in fact, I still do. Unfortunately, it's also sans functioning, and sure, I could buy another, but I'd like to say "HEY, I'd love to buy a PS3, and put that 129.99 (why hasn't this been dropped to 99.99 already?) that I'd spend for a PS2 on a PS3 instead. It has Backwards compatibility. HUZZAH!"

The problem is, I can't. So it's not fanboyism when you really do want a PS3 with BC and they keep pulling it away from you because "Well, they'll go buy a PS2 and hook it up as well." So yeah, I'm just looking for a good reason to buy a PS3, and right now, 399.99 PS3 + BC would be it. Unfortunately, that doesn't look like it's gunna happen.

Salen

@