186
rate

Why Free PS2 Compatibility Won't Happen

August 24, 2009 in Blog comments 18

There are several reasons why free backwards compatibility is unlikely for the PS3. Backwards compatibility not only puts a huge burden on manufacturers, but it also eliminates a possible profit market for Sony.

"Despite the amount of praise Sony recieved for making the PS2 fully backwards compatible with PS1 games, and the PS3 initially compatible with most PS2 games, the Japanese gaming giant made a full 180 degree turn last year when it eliminated all PS2 compatibility from its future systems. Some consider this a byproduct of Kutaragi-san’s departure from the PlayStation division at Sony, but there may be larger things at stake."
Trexman89 via playstationlifestyle.net »
Favourite this article Add source
| More
Report!

Comments

Register as a member to subscribe comments.
  • 0
    Sayyed Aug 24, 09
    I was just thinking about this last night. I can see sony release an emulator on the store for a set price. So that the people who really want it can fork some extra money.
    • 2
      Fallen Royalty Aug 25, 09
      I don't mean to sound like a fanboy (I enjoy both systems) but that seems fair enough. If you don't have backwards compatibility then you saved some money when you bought your console, so now if you want it you can take that money and spend it on the software. If anything this system works better because if you don't want the PS2 emulation then you don't have to pay for it.
      • 0
        Red 9 Aug 25, 09
        I wouldn't doubt this idea has already crossed Sony's minds. Whether or not they plan on following through on anything remains to be seen, though.
      • 0
        Slumpy monkey Aug 25, 09
        Then why don't they use this tactic with wireless?
        • 0
          kik36 Aug 25, 09
          quote Slumpy monkey
          Then why don't they use this tactic with wireless?
          Watcha referring to Slumpy?
        • 1
          Slumpy monkey Aug 25, 09
          Like people who want wireless can pay for an addon which would lower the price of it normally. Because Fallen said it would be a good idea for PS2 compatibility.
        • 0
          kik36 Aug 25, 09
          Oh yeah, that's actually a good idea. I don't use wireless for my PS3 personally.
  • 1
    Seeker X Aug 24, 09
    Isn't this the same shit they said last time except people didn't really listen to a single word they said?
  • 0
    GaMeR BoY Aug 25, 09
    Aw i always thought this would be free but I hope it's not too expensive when it comes out.
  • 2
    Seproth Aug 25, 09
    Backwards compatibility unlikely on PS3?

    ...mine has it. It's already happened, we're talking about them taking it out of the newer models for seemingly no reason. All the work they've done to make it possible is done.

    It's bullshit and eveyone knows it, yet surprisingly there are people, even here at GG, defending the move as if it makes sense.
    • 2
      Star of Spurs Aug 25, 09
      Exactly. They had it, then realised 'Hello, we can make some money here', and did a complete dick move by discontinuing the models that DID have BC and making you pay for something that should have been there in the first place.
      • 0
        Fallen Royalty Aug 27, 09
        Really? The way I heard it was, they had it, then people were like "NOOO OMIGOD DIS CONSUL IS WAI TOO ECHSPENSHIVE FOR MAH MININUMIM WAGE JOBB". So they took it out to make the console cheaper for people who could seemingly not afford one. If they released the emulation software on PSN it only makes sense to charge a little bit because if you don't have BC already then you saved the money when you bought your console. If Sony hadn't taken out the emulation software, the console would have cost a little bit more, so you would've paid for it already at the time of purchase.

        Omigosh corporate greed! Look everyone they're trying to take our munneyz! It's the corporate machine picking on the little man! Those devils at Sony! How dare they charge us for something we want to buy from them!

        For the last time, if you don't have it already, then you saved the money for it when you bought your console. As I've said before, if anything, this system works better because this way, people who don't want BC don't have to pay for it.
        • 0
          Seeker X Aug 27, 09
          I actually can't believe anyone is thick enough to believe they did it to purposely screw people. Figured it was a good idea to piss people off while they're losing money, great business.
        • 0
          Trexman89 Aug 27, 09
          Yes, somebody expecting a cheaper ps3 AND backwards compatibility, has ridiculously high demands
        • 1
          Slumpy monkey Aug 27, 09
          How come Microsoft can sell the 360 for cheaper and put BC in it?

          Why would it cost more with the emulation software, are you honestly going to tell me that it costs Sony like £30 to put some software on the system that could easily be placed when they put the OS on?

          Why did they not follow this "charging for extra" route with wireless? That would have lowered the price a lot more than not installing software on it.
        • 1
          Seproth Aug 29, 09
          People are paying a little more for the emulation software?

          Are you *bleep*ing kidding me? The software exists already. It's not handmade for each PS3 all they have to do is install it...that's it.

          I don't know where you heard that shit, but it's the blind leading the blind.
        • 1
          Star of Spurs Aug 29, 09
          I'm not buying into the price drop. It may be better for you in America, but in England the price in most major retailers has barely dropped more than £30. You're telling me that emulation software costs $100?

          As slumpy said, the 360 manages it. Why can't the PS3?

This news story is archived and is closed to comments now.