Firmware updates, backwards compatibility, 20GB models, oh my!

by Nick Doerr { Mar 15th 2007 at 4:00PM }

David Karraker spoke with Joystiq recently about all those things listed up there in the subject line. We're going to summarize, since that's what we do best. Maybe not best, but we do excel at it among other things.

Karraker responds to allegations that Sony is trying to remove the 20GB model PS3: "The 20GB model of PS3 is available in North America, along with the 60GB model. While we make it available to retailers, they are the ones who ultimately place the order for what they want to sell, based on consumer demand. Overwhelmingly, retailers have been requesting the 60GB model, the mix has been about 80 percent 60GB, 20 percent 20GB retailer orders. So, the reason you might not be seeing the 20 GB is simply that retailers have been ordering more of the 60 GB unit." So... blame retailers, not Sony? Hmm.
Backwards compatibility issues... especially regarding software emulation. Without a firmware update, that's not going to be possible, comprende? Karraker says a compatibility list will be released March 23rd, along with the big firmware update we've all been waiting for. So if you've read any articles saying how awful the backwards compatibility is -- it's because you need the damn update first, so relax. It's coming. According to David Karraker.

There you have it. If anyone's been wondering where in the heck that rumored March 8th update went, it's going to appear on March 23rd. We'd love to hear how the compatibility works on your PS2 games, European readers, once that update is released!

[via Joystiq]

Tags: David Karraker, DavidKarraker, firmware 1.60, Firmware1.60, PlayStation 3, Playstation3, PS3, Sony

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Dolla Dolla @ Mar 15th 2007 4:36PM

It's easy to guess why retailers are deciding to get the 60gb and not the 20gb: margins. My guess is, since the 20gb costs Sony more, the margin is much smaller on the 20gb. As an example (not to be taken seriously), if the store makes 10 bucks on every 60gb sold, they probably make less than 5 bucks on every 20gb sold. So, if you were a business, which would you order more of?

As for backwards compatibility ... let's just wait for the list and our European brethren's thoughts.

Bored @ Mar 15th 2007 5:00PM

Also, 60Gb is a lot more desirable, especially for early adopters. People who are interested enough on the PS3 to buy it at launch, will also want to take the most advantage of it. And the 20Gb is very crippled in comparison: no memory stick inputs, no WiFi.

So, the last thing us europeans are going to complain about is the lack of the 20Gb model - we're not really interested in it anyway.

Limited BC, however, IS a big issue. We'll see how dramatic this turns out to be...

Dave @ Mar 15th 2007 5:18PM

It's sort of short sighted for retailers to disregard the 20 gig PS3 simply because of the slimmer hardware sale margin.

I casually hunted for a 20 gigger for a month before finally settling for the 60 gig version. And during that time, I wasn't the only customer who was turned away looking for a 20 gig system. Sony COULD be moving a few more units, and the stores COULD be selling software for those units.

Eric @ Mar 15th 2007 5:37PM

I completely disagree with #2. The ONLY reason to buy the 60gb model is the Wi-Fi. If you aren't going to use that, you are wasting $100. I would guess maybe 2% of the PS3 owners use, or hell even know they exist, the memory stick slots. The hard drive size is a non-issue. If sony ever gets their butt in gear with a decent download service, like MS, then 60 will seem just as small as 20, but thank god it is easily replacable, unlike MS. The Wi-Fi is a real factor though, and the reason I bought a 60gb version. If you don't need it though, hunt for a 20gb and buy a couple of games, or hell, an hdmi cable.

Bored @ Mar 15th 2007 5:45PM

I'll concede, the WiFi is a lot more important than the memory sticks and the extra HDD space. And mostly because as a side-effect, it basically kills the best in PS3-PSP interoperability.

massive_98 @ Mar 15th 2007 6:36PM

I would advise going with the 60 GB. I could only get the 20GB and I had to buy a ethernet bridge(another $88).

Scott Krueger @ Mar 15th 2007 8:14PM

So does anybody know how the Software Compatibility works on the PS3's that have the Hardware for Compatibility built in?
Will the 1000 or so Titles run in Software emulation and the others run via the built in Emotion chip?

Kris @ Mar 15th 2007 9:07PM

I use my PS3 every damn day, and thats really hard to say when there's such limited games. But thats probably because there aren't just games anymore. There's some great television shows that don't air in the US, things like Torchwood, the new Dr. Who, itv's newest hit, Primeval. Wire in the Blood is a great show too (long as hell though =D). Grabbin these eps and popping them on my PS3 would be impossible without the memory stick slots. To me, those slots are invaluable. Both systems have their advantages, I mean for 100 dollars less you lose wifi, but if you've an ethernet cable close by, it doesn't matter. Understand as well that these hard drives are completely upgradeable with most 2.5" hard drives on the market, so the size issue can be fixed later.