40GB PS3 won't do backwards compatibility in hardware, Sony doesn't want to deal with software emulation


Now we are all sad clowns

Yes, we now know the 40GB is as real as Opie’s sports curse, but there’s a catch: backwards compatibility has taken a hit. Wait, that’s putting it mildly: Sony couldn’t give a damn about backwards compatibility.

The system, which will retail for around $400, lacks the PS2 circuitry that made emulation on earlier PS3 models effortless. Now Sony would have to go back and emulate PS2 games using software. That’s not impossible, as Microsoft has proven, but it’s not a priority for Sony.

As we have mentioned on several occasions, our engineering resources are now focused on developing new and innovative features and services for the PS3 and, as a result the 40GB model does not have backwards compatibility with PS2 titles.

Do you care? I actually might. I have a hell of a lot of PS2 games in my library and should my silver PS2 crock up one day I’d be in a spot of trouble. Save a bunch of money on the PS3 vs. being able to play PS2 games…

40GB PS3 could do backwards compatibility? [bit-tech.net]