40GB PS3 missing key components for PS2 emulation

by Andrew Yoon { Oct 8th 2007 at 4:30PM }

Many people assumed that the PS3 was software emulating PS2 games, ever since the release of the 80GB model. That system removed the Emotion Engine from the hardware, and required Sony to implement a backwards compatibility solution that involved emulation. Many, including Joystiq, wondered why the new 40GB model couldn't do the same.

SCEE's Nick Sharples sent a technical explanation as to why the new 40GB model loses support for PS2 games. "Backwards compatibility for PS2 titles is largely made possible through the use of actual semiconductors, supported by the PS3 system software. The 20GB and 60GB PS3 models launched in Japan and the USA were equipped with both the PS2 Emotion Engine and Graphics Synthesiser chips and we could therefore guarantee over 90% backwards compatibility for PS2 titles.

"The 60GB model launched in Europe was a new model (shared with the 80GB model launched subsequently in USA) which contains only a modified version of the Graphics Synthesiser chip from the PS2 and not the Emotion Engine chip. The European launch model therefore used a combination of software and the modified version of the PS2 Graphics Synthesiser chip to deliver backwards compatibility for PS2 titles. As a result the percentage of backwards compatible PS2 titles was slightly reduced.

"The 40GB model, to be launched in Europe on 10th October, is a new model and is not equipped with any of the semi conductors from the PS2, and backwards compatibility would therefore have to be achieved by software emulation alone." Because each game would have to be individually emulated (much like on the Xbox 360), Sony decided that an effort like that would be much too costly, and opted to remove BC support from the 40GB system entirely. That decision has not only produced a cheaper system for Sony to manufacture, but for consumers to buy as well.

Tags: 40gb, backwards-compatibility, joystiq

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

JackMichael- @ Oct 8th 2007 4:49PM

If people really wanted BC support then they should have brought the 60/80gb models, they carnt really say it was never available

This is quite clever really, SONY released the BC support in early models for the true fans, who would pay alot to get a PS3 (like me).
And then they release a cheaper model, with less features for the more mainstream, casual audience.

Good tactic SONY :D

Aaron @ Oct 8th 2007 4:51PM

That makes sense to me. I guess if you're trying to reduce the price of your system in order to compete, I understand the reasoning. I'm just glad that I bought the 60 Gig with the Emotion Chip.

JL @ Oct 8th 2007 4:52PM

This actually makes sense. They should have announced this sooner. If you want BC, go for the big one. I find the memory card slots very valuable anyways.

drdre74 @ Oct 8th 2007 5:00PM

Sounds good to me. Who needs it once Uncharted and all these games come out next month. I have a PS2. If i need to play a PS2 game I'll play it on that.

DownwardMonkey @ Oct 8th 2007 4:54PM

Many of us have been saying this was the case since BC was announced as removed. But with anything Sony these days 10 more people spout out how "the end is nigh!".

Justin @ Oct 8th 2007 4:56PM

I only use the Memory Stick Duo slot, but i'm glad its there.

I have the ultimate machine (for my needs at least).

A bought 60GB w/ EE and GS and put in a 160GB HDD.

So I still have the 4 USB ports (of which I have only had to use one at any given time), and the media card slots if I ever decide to use the rest of them. Plus 160GB to rip my dvd collection (70GB are used already), music collection, downloaded games, and videos.

J @ Oct 8th 2007 8:16PM

Because true fans of Sony have no responsibilities, and casual gamers have bills to pay.

Referring to post #1.

Don't be so ignorant.

SkeetSkiLee @ Oct 8th 2007 5:05PM

kool~ i thought they just wanted to screw us.. but i guess sony does have a plan! awesome job! when i bought the ps3, i thought i'd still play more ps2 game... but u know... i dont... cuz it seem like a waste to play ps2 games on ps3... just my opinion...

Waruwaru @ Oct 8th 2007 5:09PM

This is f*'d up if you ever need to get your BC PS3 replaced. Sounds awfully similar to the PS2 losing firewire/HDD situation. Better just to buy a PS2 now and stock up on spare parts.

ruibing @ Oct 8th 2007 5:20PM

I'd just like to know how much removing the last few ICs for backwards compatibility saved them. It can't be over $50.

Random1448 @ Oct 8th 2007 5:24PM

well you can buy PS1 games from PSN so there's that...

phattie @ Oct 8th 2007 5:26PM

As long as they offer both BC and non-BC systems, i dont see what ppl are crying about. If BC is that important to you then you can pay the normal price for it.. ppl who dont care for BC get to save $100.

Akamaru @ Oct 8th 2007 5:31PM

I agree. If people don't like it, they won't buy it. I own a ton of PS2 games so I'm glad I went with the 60Gb model. Now my poor friend who doesn't have a PS2 (I know, poor misguided soul) can get in on the PS3 action without spending $$$ on stuff he doesn't need.

Andy @ Oct 8th 2007 5:39PM

By the time the 40GB is released there will be well over 100 games to choose from. Like others have said, if you want BC get the more expensive models. You can't have your cake and eat it too!

Pajama Party! @ Oct 8th 2007 5:41PM

I understand the rationale, but if Sony's smart they'll continue to produce high-end models that continue to support PlayStation 1 and 2 backwards compatibility. That, coupled with the above explanation, would at least justify the cost vs. benefits of the pricier SKU - since a bigger hard drive and a couple of USB slots doesn't really cut it.

Bryan @ Oct 8th 2007 7:12PM

Biggest Mistake Ever.

Titty Pink @ Oct 8th 2007 7:16PM

I dunno, I was pleased to be able to play God of War 1 and 2 on my PS3, as well as the GTA games, Super Bust a Move (competing against the wife and all), Ico, and Shadow of the Collosus. I was primarily an Xbox guy in the late stages of the PS2 (I got my hands on a modded one overseas, so the games were free for the most part). I'm glad I had the option from the beginning to have BC. If you feel screwed, buy the 60GB one. If you have the 60GB one and feel screwed, sell it and get one that fits your needs. I'm sure you'll be able to sell the 60GB one fairly easily. It may not be a big deal after Xmas, but every now and then I like to go back to the classics. Years down the road I see myself starting over fresh in a GTA game. Hell just before the new one comes out, I plan to have a marathon and go through all of them just to build up to the new campaign. At the end of the day, no matter which one you choose, you still have a machine that is built to do well in this generation, and compete years into the NEXT one...

Shattercross @ Oct 8th 2007 9:20PM

@17

Good point, guess the new price is right up your alley.

erac3rx @ Oct 8th 2007 11:23PM

Chill people. This is Sony remember? We can expect BC to be added completely in software eventually, enabling the feature on the 40gb models at some point.

Sony's problem is they don't have it working yet, and they need to drop the price ASAP for x-mas. So for now it doesn't have PS2 compatibility, making the 60 (and even 80) gb models more desirable until they sell through. I would be shocked if we don't see EE & GS-free PS3s with full software PS1 & 2 emulation in the spring.

Kspraydad @ Oct 8th 2007 11:56PM

I believe the will 'sell through' the 80/60s to clear the hardware and then announce the software emulation (they've been working on it for YEARS...remember it was even a surprise that the PS2 chips were in the PS3 as SONY had said they were planning software emulation all along.)

Still waiting for my purchase.

Rasta @ Oct 23rd 2007 4:43AM

@ 9. I'd just like to know how much removing the last few ICs for backwards compatibility saved them. It can't be over $50.
____________________________________________________

They produce these machines on a mass scale and so if you are dealing with hundreds of components that can cost pennies to hundreds of dollars it will add up due to the sheer number of consoles that are being produced. So what I'm saying is, even saving 5 cents per console adds up to millions of dollars at the least... Any savings is a big savings in a mass production cycle.

ShaggyB @ Oct 9th 2007 9:20AM

#13. Well over 100 games, then how come sony said 65+ games. Now thats not exclusives.

Face it value and price are two different things. 40 gig version is too gimped to be worth it

Ghaleon @ Oct 9th 2007 10:59AM

Sony fans will justify anything, I guess.

Thomas Morley @ Oct 9th 2007 9:56PM

there talking total rubbish the ps3 60 gig units are 100% emulation, if you post over the firmware it will play ps2 and 1 games. cant tell you how i know but if you find the relevant files it works.

Sora57 @ Oct 9th 2007 4:23PM

As long as the B/C units remain in production, it's okay. But look at the poll PS3 FANBOY took-- 48% of the votes think B/C is important. That's significant. PS2 is still selling in great numbers. If SONY wants to push PS3, they should keep b/c and stop making the PS2.

Terrence Newton @ Oct 9th 2007 7:27PM

finally. the plain and simple truth. refreshing, ain't it?

clarke @ Jan 19th 2008 7:37PM

I'm just glad I bought a 60gb and a 40gb, the 60gb will become a collectable now (still sealed) where as the 40gb will be used for PS3 games, like previously mentioned, it won't be long before the 40gb will play PS2 games,.. the software emulation thing is on it's way
But there is a little more to it than Sony are letting on,.... they made a little mistake with the PS3 hardware (benefiting us guys but disadvantage to Sony) which is now taken care of since they are of the shelf now.
I wonder who else will spot it,..
Ps3 60GB is alot more than anyone else expected!