PS3: It Only Does No Backwards Compatibility

DualShockers writes:

"Recenlty, whilst watching the most recent yearly console "prize fight" on CNET I began to think about one very important topic that wasn't really discussed. Something that definitely would have made the most recent match up a much more even fight, and might have even swayed it in the 360's favor. Its something that Sony fans have been accustomed to for quite sometime and at the same time Xbox fans are experiencing for the first time this generation. That little something is a lovely feature called backwards compatibility..."

[Pennywise]

Lovely feature to play outdated, old games. I have BC and I never use it.

[taz8080]

I have the first gen PS3 with backwards comp and I used it for GTA and God of War. It isn't a huge thing but it is a nice to have. My friend has a slim and she was interested in getting Parappa the Rapa and has to DL it.

[Mr_Bun]

I'm pretty sure this article should be relegated to the comment section of the "Tips on being a fanboy" article

Especially with lines like this:
"What’s most bizarre is how some people are pointing fingers at CNET for being biased towards the 360, yet the PS3 still won the contest in the end."

How can you think CNET isn't biased?

[JoelT]

I praise the PS2 in the article, you have to try actually READING it. That usually helps. By reading the title and the first paragraph only, you're not getting the whole idea.

[Mr_Bun]

Your pic is exactly what I imagine when I think of people who ASSUME.

What the article is actually doing is claiming that the 360 is on par with the PS3 because none of the new PS3's have PS2 backwards compatibility. The author basically says that sure "you can break out your PS2 but...." that is where it should end.

If you are that upset that you can't play a PS2 game, join the many millions of people who happily own a PS2 and are still buying them up. You can buy a PS3 and a PS2 for a lot less than those who picked up the original B/C PS3s. Hell for 100$, you can buy the "most successful console of all time" for the same price you are buying a wifi adapter for the 360.

Time to move on folks.

Edit: I didn't realize you were the author....now your defensiveness makes sense

[DelbertGrady]

It's not tolerated to criticize the PS3 in any way on N4G. No matter how legit legit the critique may be.

And also note that Pennywise speaks for ALL PS3 owners out there. Just like him they have no interest in playing outdated PS2 games like God of War 1 & 2. Must be why Sony re-released them for the PS3...

[Pennywise]

Hang it up JoelT... Bun just smacked you into retirement.

Soda - You should hang it up too. GoW collection was remastered and they added trophies. I am sure they did this for marketing hype for the new game in March. Soda, seems you are the only one to disagree so far...

Its not that you cant criticize the PS3... It's when you use some tired old argument from 2008. Give it a rest already. I can see this being an issue 3 years ago when the PS3 was lacking in games according to the haters... but we are long past that nonsense.

[andron]

You can't play PS2 games on PS3 slim, but you can play PSone games via PSN. So there is some backwards compatibility.

And hopefully there will be an official emulator available later...

[Polluted]

@taz8080: If I'm not mistaken, Parappa was a PS1 game. Your friend's PS3 will play it just fine if she finds it on a disc. Not that she's likely to save any money that way, but it's good to know, I guess.

[Maddens Raiders]

"Recenlty, whilst watching the most recent yearly console "prize fight" on CNET I began to think about one very important topic that wasn't really discussed. Something that definitely would have made the most recent match up a much more even fight, and might have even swayed it in the 360's favor..."

it's C|Net. How much more "in favor" of the 360 do you want things to get....?

[Anon1974]

Didn't use it on the 360. Didn't use it on the PS2. Didn't use it on the PS3 (although I bought a 60GB model, just in case).

I bought my PS3 to play PS3 games. I'm sure BC is a nice feature to some, but obviously it's not a deal breaker, otherwise the PS3 wouldn't have outsold the 360 since the PS3 launched worldwide, despite being almost double the price for almost the entire time.

Clearly consumers have spoken with their wallets. You can let this debate die now.

[jkoz]

I’ve seen plenty rants and I understand them to a point. But seriously, this is insane. I have a 60GB Backwards Compatible PS3. I have the memory card transfer hardware. Yet I find myself still gaming my PS2 games on my… PS2. Why? I don’t really find it a big deal to play PS2 on my PS3. The upconversion to 1080p isn’t handled very gracefully and I’d much rather see a smaller screen with crisper graphics than my PS3 playing a PS2 game at 50″ and making it look… not super.

If you want to play PS2 games and it’s really a bother to switch to “Video 3″ from “Video 2″ then I guess nobody can help you. But what are you supposed to do when your PS2 bites the dust you ask? BUY A NEW PS2. They’re $99, first off. A new PS3 game is $59. It’s not going to break the bank. New systems are still being made. And if this happens in ten years, there will be a solution to play your PS2 games somehow. Sony isn’t going to abandon the PS2 library if everything you mentioned was true about it (which it is).

[badz149]

and people are still complaining about BC? what the hell? if you wanna play PS2 games THAT much, PS2s are now $99 or less! why buy a PS3 in the 1st place if you wanna play PS2 games??

[Mr_Bun]

Don't be ignorant...Would it be nice if all PS3s could play PS2 games?...Sure...I would love it if the PS3 could play PSP games...I would also like my PS3 to drive me to work, fly me to Hawaii and spit out money like a pez dispenser.

I would hardly classify the PS3 as being perfect, but there are more important things I want Sony to improve/add.

Focusing on adding PS2 functionality to a PS3 when you can still buy a PS2, doesn't make any sense to me.

Edit: Joel
I have a 360. I pay my 50$/year XBL fee. I also don't complain about it. Having a 360 without Live would be like owning a car without tires. Guess I can refer to my "ASSUME" remark here as well

[JoelT]

Sorry but something is not making any sense to me. Gamers were jumping down 360 gamer's throats (and rightfully so) for justifying an Xbox Live price increase or paying for it at all. And you're saying it's ok to spend $100 to go and buy another PS2 to play it's games. Does anyone see the hypocrisy here?

[Insomnia_84]

Only cheap-@ss M&*^$#$%s who didn't buy the full package PS3s are complaining and those of us who bought it don't even use it lol they will always find a way to bash the PS3.

[Timesplitter14]

That's a really, REALLY stupid thing to say.

God damn are there any intelligent non-fanboy people left on N4G?

[Megaton]

Had a BC PS3 for 2 years, used it once for MGS3.

[Pennywise]

Joel anyone with PS2 games to play most likely OWN A PS2.

Your argument is ridiculous.

[IdleLeeSiuLung]

That is one of my biggest wishes for the PS3, backwards compatibility without paying through the nose. I still laugh at how Sony pointed out the importance of BC only to go back on their word.

As the article pointed out, BC will never come back and instead we will have to re-buy the "improved" games. The way, I see it. If Sony can outsource two games to be remade with upgraded graphics in only 4 months, there is no way they couldn't create a software only emulator for BC after all these years. In fact, they probably just integrated into the game!

Fact is, Sony found a way to make more money and they will continue to do this. It is fair game though, because that is what all companies do. They look to maximize their profits!

[wildcat]

It's interesting that at the start of this gen, when PS3s had FULL backwards compatibility, everyone was FOR it. Now that it's not there anymore everyone is AGAINST it.

And stop saying "go buy a ps2." The whole point of BC is it adds a TON of value for the money and the PS2 library is riddled with so many awesome games.

My question is how about the PS4? If BC is so "last gen" should Sony not even bother with the feature anymore and have people miss out on so many PS3 games?

[GrandTheftZamboni]

Yes, it does. My 60GB does BC. So, this claim is FALSE.

[Nicaragua]

SNES wasnt backwards compatible with NES - wasnt a problem
N64 wasnt backwards compatible with SNES - wasnt a problem
Gamecube wasnt backwards compatible with N64 - wasnt a problem

Backwards compatability isnt the be all and end all. At best its a nice bonus feature but the gaming industry has survived over decades without it.

[anh_duong]

actually i do think sony should add BC.. people won't use it but i think they won't know it until they actually buy a ps3..

BC is like a security blanket for would-be ps3 buyers.. it gives them comfort in their purchasing decision..

there are tens of millions of ps2 owners who haven't made the switch to next generation.. if BC was available then i am pretty sure 90% of them would buy a ps3 - regardless of whether they use BC or not..

it is all to do with the pyschology of the second round of ps3 buyers.. sony needs to understand that continuity is very strong in influencing purchasing decisions..

i know that BC can be done (on a piece meal basis) so it is a shame why sony doesn't introduce it..

[TheBand1t]

All I'm gonna say is...

Sony sure as hell better have BC for PS3 games on the PS4.

[ultimolu]

You're kidding me, right? What part of Sony had to lower the cost of the PS3 did you not understand? They will probably bring it back in software. I don't know about you but I'd rather have a cheaper console than BC and a console that cost two arms and a leg. I paid good money for my 60gig but if the 360 was more reliable, I would have bought that first and wait for the PS3 to come down in price. You people didn't buy it when BC was available, now you're crying that it's gone.

Too bad.

And low carb...gotta love you. You are so clueless as to what's going on in the article.

[Mr_Bun]

You are absolutely right...I had my chance for a B/C PS3 machine along with EVERYONE ELSE, but thought it was tooooo expensive. They dropped the price dropped the feature and I picked up a PS3.

Was having b/c worth double the price of the slim?...Not to me and apparently not to the author. Too late for tears now.

[trancefreak]

ya bandit totally agree i have a huge ps3 collection and i dont want 2 playstations to play it.

[lowcarb]

What is it with PS3 fanboys on N4G. There's like an excuse for everything here lately. This is something you guys should be fighting with Sony over not us.

[duplissi]

taz8080

actually your friend doesnt need to dl parappa, unless she cant find it in a store or pawn shop. all ps3s still play ps1 games on disk.

[ozps3]

JoeIT you have been owned by Mr Bun. lol

[Redempteur]

i find this title funny considering that EVERY PS3 play PS1 games and that the PS2 sales are still strong ...

making the "need" for BC useless or null ...

[FACTUAL evidence]

B/C is good, but ps3 owners just don't give a f#ck about it anymore....besides the most wanted ps2 game is playable on the ps3, and remastered. Not only that, but it's waaay too many games coming out to even worry about B/C....BTW i have B/C, and when i think about using it, it never happens.

[Microsoft Xbox 360]

I gave up my 60gb in favor of the Slim. BC is not that important people.

Joel Taveras, you fail to see why Sony did such a thing as removing the PS2 BC feature. It was a move to establish a bigger PS3 install base. Of course with more consoles sold, the more studios get interested in developing games for the system. More exclusives and more former exclusive 3rd party games/studios jumping ship to the PS3. It was the most logical move at the time.

[nycredude]

Joelit

Give it up already. Everyone has an idea that dualshockers are fanb0y website who hates on the Ps3 alot. The more you comment the more you are confirming it.

Fact is The Ps2 is the same price as a wireless adapter on the 360 and is cheaper than a HDD on the 360! How many games can you have access to on the Ps2 ($100)?

Edit: BTW also the last I check my ps3 DOES do backward compatibility. Don't feel butthurt you didn't buy the 60gb version.

You should rename your website www.DUALSUCKERS.com

[ikkokucrisis]

I have YET to see a negative article written about the 360!!
Am I wrong?! Posts links with your proof!!

[Daver]

Get over it already... If you still want to play ps2 games then buy a ps2.. It would be useless to put it in the ps3 now

[callahan09]

Well that article was filled with a lot of finger-pointing and ranting for absolutely no reason whatsoever considering two things:

1) The PS3's lack of backwards compatibility clearly WAS mentioned!
2) The PS3 can play PSone games, which is a huge library filled with quality games, but it wasn't mentioned in the prize fight, and in fact it was implied that it cannot play PSone games because the actual comment in the prize fight was "The PS3 has no backwards compatibility," which is false.

[jut420]

JoeIT I haven't commented here in a while but I had to say I hope you never submit one of you lame articles again because you are an idiot. MS charging to play games online is the same as PS3 not being able to play PS2 games?

1) You want to play online on Xbox you have to pay no matter what. People already pay for internet, why pay for online twice?
2) You want BC on your PS3 you should have been an early adapter. If you have PS2 games, you at one point had a PS2 so I don't see why your PS3 would need to have BC. I have BC and I used it for the first 6 months or so and haven't used it since. Too many good games out to keep playing last gen games all the time.

P.S. Xbox360 does not play all original Xbox games.

You praise the PS2 in your article? I don’t think stating facts is actually praising especially when you feel the need to add things like (arguably) the best gaming library. Nothing else you said could be denied by anyone. Number show it was the most successful console and had a ton of games. You didn’t actually do any praising at all, just stated facts that no one can deny. Do you think listing PS2 accomplishments we will forget about the hostile tone you have against PS3 owners in your article. You claim every PS3 owner is a rabid fanboy and make it seem as if 360 fans just sit back and do nothing. Give me a break both sides have good people both sides have crazy fanboys. Don’t point fingers at just one side.
You’re complaining about re-releasing GOW 1 and 2 in HD with trophies for $40 and yet I searched your site and didn’t find a single article about ODST being sold for $60 with all the multiplayer maps having already been made for Halo 3 being put into that game. 5 Hour campaign and Firefight mode for $60 is cool? It’s better than 2 standard def (Epic) games being remade in HD with trophies for $20 less, where both games campaigns can last between 12-15 hours each.

Give me a break, anyone can see you’re biased.

[Noctis Aftermath]

I guess i am just imagining Gran Turismo 2 working fine in my slim then.....

[Mu5afir]

FACT - Sony did provide a console with backward compatibility, but people like you and CNET b----ed and cried that it was too expensive. I have the ORIGINAL 60gb.. and as far as I see it.. if BC was so important to YOU or anyone else.. they would have coughed up the money to buy the original console at $599. Taking in the "price" of the PS2 at the time at "199) meaning the console was $299 + BC (aka PS2 for $199) not to mention all the other stuff that was packed into that machine.

[Homicide]

When I had a 60GB, I used BC all the time. The PS3 didn't have any games that kept me interested for about 2 years.

[Pennywise]

Point taken homicide... but lets fast forward 3 year to today. BC is not a big deal.

[Mr_Bun]

Assuming you're not full of s**t, you have nothing to complain about since you have a b/c machine...In fact you only further the point that you have put more effort into your 2 sentences than Joel did in his entire article.

[Darkstorn]

I realize that not many people play PS2 games anymore if they don't have to, but it's also true that many gamers want to be able to play older games on their systems.
I for one never had a PS2, so I would love to see B/C implemented in the future. Still, I can live with Sony releasing 'Collections' of old PS2 games that have better graphics and frame rates, like GoW: Collection.

[Christopher]

The sad thing is that the people still complaining about the lack of BC are the same people who didn't realize what it cost to have that to begin with and led Sony to remove it since the thing people were most interested in was the price of the console.

In this case, you can't have your cake and eat it as well. You either got the price point we have now or BC. Surprisingly the cost of keeping BC was the same as it is to just buy a new PS2. So, in the end, the result is that those who care about PS2 games can still play them, albeit with an additional cost of $99 for the PS2 or their old one, while those who don't care about it aren't forced to pay an extra $99 for the technology.

Yeah, the PS3 would be the best deal on the market if it was priced at $299 w/everything it has and BC. But, regardless of it software emulation ever comes along that actually works to make all your games playable on all PS3s, you know what will happen then? The next complaint will start about what else the PS3 is missing. Am I missing something or when did the Xbox 360 get a built-in Blu-ray drive, internal wi-fi, bluetooth support, and a non-proprietary and much cheaper HDD system that doesn't abandon third-party hardware developers?

Edit at guy below: I know 80GB had partial BC, I own two MGS4 bundle PS3s with it. This was also when they still cost $500 a pop as well. With the removal of the emulation, which was run on its own board in the system and not directly off the firmware/motherboard of the PS3 (note: Sony has worked on full software emulation and has not been able to get it to work in a way that the games couldn't be easily pirated). So, there was still a cost in the additional internal hardware that had to be integrated with the PS3 hardware. This increased the cost of the PS3 at an amount almost equal to just buying a new PS3 at $99.

I think we can all agree that it would be awesome if the PS3 had full BC, but at the same time I am completely fine without it knowing that the cost for it would be the same as just owning a PS2. I think we can also all agree that with the explosion in sales that the PS3 has seen since its new design and reduced price that price really was a determining factor for people looking to get a PS3.

[Solidus187-SCMilk]

I got a ps3 slim in AUG. and would have liked it to have bc. I got rid of my ps2 back in 2005 so dont really care much to play ps2 games. But even so, you cant tell me that having access to the largest gaming library of any system ever would be a negative for the ps3 or that you wouldnt like to have it in your ps3 now just in case you felt like playing an old favorite or a game you missed. Too many saying they wouldnt want it anyways just because its not there i think.

If anything it is a great selling point for ps3 to have ps2 BC. For some people 300$ is still alot and being able to play their ps2 games on ps3 while they buy more ps3 games would be a big plus for some. Not to mention people who might pay the extra 200$ for a ps3 that can play ps2 games instead of buying a ps2 for 100$. PS2 sold something like 200K in november 2009 npd and im guessing some of those people would have gotten a ps3 instead if they were aware that the ps3 could play ps2 games(if it could).

Like a father who wants a bluray player and a ps2 for his kid, he might buy a ps3 if it had BC with ps2.

While I in no way NEED PS2 BC, I would be glad if my ps3 had it.

edit-- Actually guy above I beleive the 80gb ps3 had software BC. And while not perfect It sure is better than no BC at all. Im pretty sure they could release the SW emulation for little or no cost.

[vhero]

You can still play PS2 games on PS3 using 60gb versions.. So now they nearly all died 360 better? Yet when they were freely available 360 fanboys said the fact ps3 had 90% backwards compatibility was no big deal. Now PS3 doesn't have it freely its a big deal?? Talk about picking and choosing your battles.

[Homicide]

My 60GB model broke down (YLOD). I refuse to pay or buy another one of those older models. I would love BC on my slim; kind of bored with my PS3 games already.

[SilentNegotiator]

Dualshocker here to spread more anti-Ps3 FUD? What a "Shocker"! ....not.

[The Great Melon]

Wow, I seem to be one of the few that actually uses the backwards compatibility often. I have played through several ps2 games on my 60 Gb ps3. It is nice to not have to lug several systems to my dorm.

If I were to buy another ps3 I would hope they add backwards comparability in the future, because I still have a huge back catalog of ps2 games I still want to play. Also, I have run out of room on all of my memory cards for the ps2.

[FamilyGuy]

Why the f*** do you have so many agrees? Tell your friend that Parappa tha rappa was a PS1 game and that ALL PS3s can play PS1 games.

I have a 80GB B/C model and NEVER play PS2 games since there are a plethora of good PS3 games to play.

[beardpapa]

i wonder what % of people with BC-enabled PS3s actually use the BC feature and for how many hours a week compared to playing PS3 games.

[WildArmed]

lol. I got a 60gb and never use BC on it =/
It's almost a waste to use that beauty to run ps2 games.
Plus, I have my day 1 launch ps2 alive n kicking for that.
When I'm in my room, I play ps2 on SDTV.. other times i play ps3 on my HDTV in the living room.

way to make a big deal about a feature that has been missing for quite some time now.

[JD_Shadow]

BC won't be around as long as Sony keeps refusing to retire the PS2. The second they do that, I can guarantee you that we will see BC return. That's why you don't see the BC returning: people are still buying the PS2, so why cut off that source of income if they are still gettting a lot out of it?

@Soda: Wow, how that is not true. If that was, then why in the hell am I down to two bubbles when I haven't made that many comments lately? How long will it be until I'm down to one bubble? If Sony fanboys overpopulate this site (and many of the things I've said could very well be pleasing for them to read), then I would be at 9 bubbles by now. But I'm not. I wonder why that is for me and many of the other so-called "SDF" members you keep wanting to call out every time you troll a topic to claim that you can't make any comment that isn't to the "SDF"'s liking.

Yes, we all know what is going on on this site right now with the "bubble war" that a few people have waged on this site now. Pathetic that someone has felt the need to do such a thing.

[IronChefWong]

I can't say I've ever put a PS2 disc in there. I have enough great games on PS3. The only game I might be tempted to go back and play would be if I got MGS3: Subsistence. Oh well I have MGS4.

BC is seriously overated, and if your wanna play play your old PS2 games, that probably means you own a PS2 and can use that. Don't be lazy, just hook it up.

[execution17]

best way to put it, the only reason why the PS3 doesn't have BC is because the people complaining about the price when it launched, wish i still had mine but it YLOD 10 months ago may it rest in peace, so yeah if they want BC they shouldn't of been big babies 3 years ago

[MEsoJD]

its nice to have the premium even if you use some features more than

others. I Play my ps2 games every now and then.

[littletad]

It's a "luxury" feature or it's "not something needed", it's still something that should have never been removed. Period. The ps2 collection of games is a staggering list of quality games. "Keeping" your old ps2 just doesn't cut it. The virtual memory cards, the upscaling, and the worry-free feeling of having backward compatibility is something every ps3 owner should have had. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have a launch ps3, but I also feel that Sony removing the feature was the worse slap in the face to it's loyal fanbase.

[Sarcasm]

WTF, it's been damn near 2 years since there is no B/C models and they're acting as if it's so damn new.

[lovestruck06]

when the ps3 had b/c everyone was whining about how expensive the ps3 was. anyone know how a company lowers a price of a console. by reducing the manufacturing costs of the console. whats more important b/c or wifi or b/c or blu ray. like come on some of the gamers on this site arent thinking straight. atleast sony is still making ps2 games unlike the xbox 1 , which is extinct along with the hd dvd addon. stop being so cheap and wanting everything handed to you on a fin platter. im so tired of hearing the same old complaints about the ps3. a bunch of whiners, who are never happy with the playstation 3 always wanting more grow up. u want a price cut sony gives it to you, but unfortunately to give you that price cut they have to cut b/c. so what it all comes down too stop being a cheap and maybe you would be playing ps2 and ps1 games on your ps3 right now. i have a 60gig shes a beauty but b/c to me is pointless never used it.

dont cry to sony cuz u wouldnt pay for the superior launch ps3. you cry babies are the reason backwards compatibility is no more. irony is a b*tch.

moral of the story you cant always have your cake and eat it too.....maybe if all you cheap gamers went out and bought the ps3 at launch sony would have kept b/c but cuz u didnt they had to cut it to please you cheap gamers. yet it wasnt enough i seee. you can never win with some people. ohhhh welll back to call of duty 6 gots to get my double shottys back and my m16 ( i prestiged).

[T3L3PROOF]

Does the xbox have backward compatibility?

[TheBlackSmoke]

Man this joeit is a joke, yeah compare buying a PS2 to play PS2 games to paying to play online on xbox 360 and then spin that as a therefore "teh PS3 iz inferiorz"

Also figure in the fact that the PS2 actually still exists at retail, would it not be pointless to make both your consoles compete with eachother...but i guess he didnt think of that, journalism ftl.

At least if i wanted to buy a ps2 i can still do that unlike another console i know.

[Shepherd 214]

So the 360 using multiple discs is outdated, last gen tech according to many of you, but the PS3 having no backwards compatibility isnt? So having to swap between discs every now and then is a huge issue, but not being able to play your beloved older games on your shiny new console is no biggie right?

Ive fallen madly in love with this site.

[aaronisbla]

.....just sayin

[Foliage]

"Gamers were jumping down 360 gamer's throats (and rightfully so) for justifying an Xbox Live price increase or paying for it at all. And you're saying it's ok to spend $100 to go and buy another PS2 to play it's games. Does anyone see the hypocrisy here?"

First sign a "writer" doesn't know what he is talking about, he generalizes at the first sign of someone disagreeing with him.

Well seeing as the xLive fee to stop the 360 from restricting the internet service you already pay for, is a yearly fee. This might seem hard for you to imagine, seeing as the average lifespan of the 360 is well below 2 years, but those 50 dollars a year are well above a single 100 dollar pricetag.

Besides, it isn't like the 360 can play PS2 games (obviously), and the limited BC it has for a library that lacked any noteworthy games isn't really something to write home about.

Nice attempt at hits, writing a decent article is obviously too much work for you. Go back to your blog, and stop submitting your own work. It's pathetic, use the response system like the rest of us.

[mal_tez92]

I've used it only a handful of times for MGS2 & 3 when I was playing through the series

[madpuppy]

I thought that the PS2 games looked like crap, this is the first console generation that the games rival the PC to a relative degree.

backwards compatibility? I don't need that useless cruft that adds more complexity to already complex hardware for no good reason.

[vickers500]

Wow, seems the extremist sony fanboys are here today. Seriously fanboys, why do you feel so strongly about wanting people to spend 100 bucks on something that should be free (don't bring up the 360 here, I am making no comparisons to other consoles, bc should be in every released system)?

It's one thing that you guys "never use it", but it's another to say that it's not important and people should not ask sony for it, and that they should fork over 100 bucks for it. I bought a launch console, and I certainly use BC a lot. There were quite a few great games I discovered since then, because back then I was only a casual player. I sold my ps2 a long time ago, which I kind of regret, but whatever. I bought Shadow of the Colossus, Dragon Quest 8, Final Fantasy 10, 12, God of War 1 & 2 (should have waited on that one since the collection came out, they need to announce sh*t like that earlier), and I plan on buying a few others once I have the ps3 games I want.

It's an important feature, while not deal breaking in the slightest, is a fundamental feature that needs to be there regardless of whether you n4g fanboys use it or not. I now realize though, why you don't want people to have it and why you are telling people that it's useless and they won't enjoy it. You lowly sacks of scum just want to deprive people of their money and joy. Well that's fine, but at least be honest about it instead of giving fake, bullsh*t, made up excuses about how people should fork over 100 bucks or just stop whining.

Also, to the fool who sold his ps3 60gb for a slim, what is wrong with you?

[jadenkorri]

everyone said BC was not needed as EVERYONE HAD PS2'S.... So stfu, those of you who invested in a BC PS3, I say good for you, I personally gave my ps2 to my nephew after purchasing my ps3, but have 100s of ps2 games, not going to give those up and of course needed BC. People demanded the removal of the BC to lower the price, well sony listened and did it. SO here we are now begging for it back, well guess what it may or may not happen, but have yourselves to blame. If sony sees people buying god collection and makes a decent amount of money, well that's only your fault. If BC had stayed, I'm sure god collection prob wouldn't exist.

[rockleex]

When the PS3 no longer has it.

[nveenio]

Ditto. I used it for Kingdom Hearts 2 and Final Fantasy 12 back at launch, when the PS3 didn't have much of its own. Then, I used it for God of War 2 because I had never played it. Other than that, why would you want it? Sure, it's nice to be able to say I have the best PS3 ever (60GB), but that's like saying I have the best penis ever. No one really cares but my wife.

[andron]

That's the only PS2 game I really have played on my PS3. But I still have my PS2 and many PS2 games so I could play them anyway if I wanted.

It certainly is interesting that Sony took away PS2 BC. It was for cost, they didn't include the necessary chip in the models after the 60 gigs. But there has been many rumours about them working on an emulator that would bring BC to all models.

But why are they taking so long? Maybe to not end the PS2's life early, since it's still an viable option for some. So full BC may come at a later date...

[Hellsvacancy]

I couldnt give 2 sh|ts about BC, id play The Warriors and FFX oh and of course the Hitman games but ive still got my Ps2 if i wanted 2 play any of them that badly id get off my lazy stoner arse and go set it up

THIS IS NEXT GEN - stop livin in the past

[taz8080]

Unfortunately a lot of people sold their old consoles thinking that backward comp would be included as a matter of fact. Live and learn. But I guess you can go out and by a PS2 on the cheap as well but that would just be giving Sony more money.

[Chadness]

Living in the past? Just last year we were still seeing PS2 titles better than anything on the PS3. Persona 4 anyone? Don't knock stuff just because you personally don't care for it, it makes you look ignorant.

[ultimolu]

Chadness, are you kidding me? What year did you step out of? Persona 4 is awesome but are you for real?

[Hellsvacancy]

Chadness yes i am VERY ignorant, i dont say/do/write anythin 2 please other mofos - anythin i do i do 4-me like it or lump it

[Timesplitter14]

That makes you a graphics whore. Really, you're just being a fanboy in damage control.

You're saying MGS3, Okami, SotC, RE4, Timesplitters 2, etc... are all not worth playing? Is that it?

Now shut up and stop being so god damned biased

[Hellsvacancy]

Er no U can kiss my arse, ive never played Okami, SotC, RE4, Timesplitters 2 so yes as far as im concerned they can all go blow 4 all i care (although i would play ICO and SOTC)

[Timesplitter14]

So I take it you're a 14 year old who started gaming this gen?

[Hellsvacancy]

No not at all im 25 actually i just got out alot more when i was younger pubbin/clubbin/fu<kin women (pretty much everyday) believe wot u want

Oh and your cum-back - failed miserably, maybe your the 14 year old gamer

Petty little man

[Solidus187-SCMilk]

this lazy stoner sold his ps2 back in 2005 to buy weed. I assumed the ps3 would play ps2 games as well. I dont need BC but I would prefer to have at least SW BC as opposed to none.

But Id expect everyone on N4g to act like they dont want ps2 BC at all and then later praise the ps2 as the greatest system ever. "we dont want access to the largest video game library ever on our ps3s, Ill just get my ps2 out of my sony shrine and hook it up."

Forget the fact that ps3 has wireless controllers and could slightly clean up the grafix. Or taht Ps2 BC could be a HUGE selling point for PS3. As long as sony made it known, some of the 200k people in america who bought ps2 in NOV. might have gotten a much better buy with the ps3 if it was BC.

[WildArmed]

well yeah.
I don't expect the power of the ps3 to make ps2 games any better.
I let my ps2 do that for itself.

[aaronisbla]

just sayin

[Fishy Fingers]

I'll swap my backwards compatible 60GB for a new Slim, any takers? I dont even play year old PS3 games, let alone PS2.

[Polluted]

I was considering doing the same since my 60gig is LOUD, but they don't seem to sell for much anymore. Those slims sure are sexy, though...

[trancefreak]

my 60gb is a beast next to my slim. I know my utilty meter must be spinnin when that thing is on and the slim is like its not even there. noise and heat are a non factor with the slim.

[WildArmed]

lol.. i wish i could do the same..
*puts up a trade offer on craigs list*
fat 60gb for sexy slim ps3 :)

lol jk

[SeanScythe]

Mine has BC and it's not used at all, I used it at first but once the games started flowing in I haven't used it in the last 3 years but maybe one time.

[Ninferno]

one of the best features of my wii is the 90% percent backwards compatibility (i still wish it had the GBA player slot and LAN slot). it is something i use from time to time, and i was also able to give my gamecube to my cousin.

[Chadness]

Backwards compatibility is just something that would make people's lives easier, and some that I see no reason to have discontinued. I still play PS2 games allthe time because most tf them are better than the majority o current generation games. I don't see why Sony is making it harder for people to still enjoy those.

[W-k]

if i want to play a ps2 game , guess what my ps2 still works just fine it sits beside the ps3 haven't turned it on in a month or longer tho.

[ultimolu]

Okaaaaay...

Sony took out BC to lower the price of the console-BOO, WRONG MOVE, WRONG MOVE!
Sony leaves in BC-BOO, TOO EXPENSIVE! I CAN'T AFFORD IT!

Um, it's a next gen console for next gen games. If you want to play PS2 games, keep your PS2.

I barely play PS2 games on my PS3, unless I'm really bored.

[ReBurn]

I'm sure taking it out initially was a cost cutting measure. But I believe that keeping it out was a move to keep demand for the PS2 from softening. Face it, if the PS3 plays PS2 games then what reason would someone have to buy a PS2 if a $300 PS3 lets you play everything?

[ultimolu]

stupid double post...

[Marceles]

PS3: It Only Does Getting Singled Out

[Christopher]

Exactly. American journalism for the win here.

[yoghurt]

BC is the past, I sold out my 60gb BC ps3 for a slim, never used it.

And with more and more games either being released on PSN or as GOD of war has, HD remakes, BC is becoming even less important. Clearly this guy was annoyed that PS3 won, and let that overtake his need for good gaming journalism.

[ForROME]

On this issue, I like MS approach much better

Make only games that were in the top 100 BC or Even 250 games

Better than doing 2500 games, but gives people who invest their money something to still do with it. Beats having to pay to re download it for a price what a good business. Hey buy our game, next gen, buy it again

BS, they owe us not FULL BC but just games that count.

[maxcer]

i gotta agree with you here, i wish i could play my PS2 games on my PS3 too. PS1 game are a bit different because they are harder to find in stores, and allowing us to download FF7 is a good idea because its almost impossible to find it at any gamestop/ebGames. just plug in my PS2 you say? who wants to game with a corded controller limited to 8ft again?

[Roper316]

I still use my B/C in my launch model regularly. I play about 4-5 hours of TM Black every week. I just love that game and until there is a new TM on the PS3 I will continue to use my B/C regularly.

[evilmonkey501]

selling the ps2 like crack to crackwhores, then Sony will let us have BC. They already have the technology to enable this with little more than a firmware update. It will happen when Sony decides to let the ps2 go. They sold like what , 6 MILLION PS2'S last year alone. At a hundred bucks a pop that's 600 million in revenue. Would YOU give that up?

[Insomnia_84]

Makes sense.

[ReBurn]

I think that's the real reason for not enabling PS2 BC on the PS3. PS2 is too much of a moneymaker to make it obsolete by allowing the PS3 to play PS2 games.

[gumgum99]

That's what I figured, ReBurn.

[imnotgoodtenglish]

bc was needed when it was taken out,but now nobody needs it, since there enough great ps3 game right now.

[Ninferno]

you sold your BC PS3? isnt that version like... rare now? lol good job. and why do i have to swap discs when the company can just let us use a feature that probably costs them a few extra cents. you never use BC becuz apparently u encompass the entire gaming community. my fault.

[Ninferno]

that was towards anzagi

[SuperStrokey1123]

It will come back as soon as ps2 sales drop in the tank, and given from its rather impressive 200k it sold in november that wont be anytime soon.

[Somnipotent]

it's like a broken record dood. just shut up!

[mrdxpr2]

i have 60gb ps3 have backwards compatability

[Omega Zues]

Desperate to grab CNET hits.

[AzarVC]

Oh mah gawd. So much hate from so many people.

[Joni-Ice]

When it had backwards compatibilty people complained how expensive it was to buy one. I got mine on day one and to this day get to play games like Shadow of the Colossus and other great PS2/PS1 games I enjoyed. Now when Sony removes hardware such as backwards compatibilty and memory card slots to make it more cheaper, you complain about that. Its funny how some of those people still bought the PS3 without the that hardware.

[omni_atlas]

doesn't it do ps1 bc?

anyway i have the 1st gen 60 gb and it plays ps2 discs also.

[Aquarius]

Where are the articles bltching about:

RROD
disc-scratching
noisy console
E74
overpriced accessories
MS' poor customer support
360 loosing its own exclsuives
Peter Molyneux's fake promises
Turn 10's fake promises

*anyone feel free to enlarge the list because I'm sure there's plenty more immoral things on MS' side

[PS3and4_HAS_GAMES]

great point..the negative things about the ps3 ae so small compared to the 3fixme.....i have the 60 gig ps3 and i have my ps2 an i hardly play my old games..

i got a ps3 to play ps3 games..and for them to say they harly mentioned it on cnet is bull cause they did mention it and it was the reason they lost the games round...sounds like an angrey xbot that wanted 3fixme to win.

[Aquarius]

Exactly when this gen is over. We're going to be looking back at all 3 consoles and what they did and I can tell you now it aint going to be pretty. PS3 will come out as the victor.

People will never forget how shoddy and cheap 360's hardware was.

1more thing

IT ONLY DOES EVERYTHING IS CLEARLY A METAPHOR, THAT'S ALL.

[Hanif-876]

Why the Fvck do we need next generation consoles to play last generation games backwards compatibility isn't needed and Sony knows this

[Pumbli]

DeadlySpartan - Appearently Sony didn't know it at first. (60GB + 80GB BC)

btw, next generation is PS4/X720/Grr (or whatever Nintendo names their next console) PS3, X360 and Wii are current gen consoles and PS2, Xbox and GC are last gen. Just wanted to clear that up for you.

As for BC, I'd say it was a bad move by Sony to remove it. I'm just as much of a blind droid for my love of Sony as any other PS3 loving bloke on this site, but I love my BC.

[Ahmay]

i'm pretty sure he did...

and all ps3's can play ps1 "disc" games.

and you can remote play them all...

[Nac]

Theyre out there.

[bruddahmanmatt]

IMO backwards compatibility is only useful during the beginning of a new console's lifespan when it's just getting started and has a small and limited library. Everyone knows that launch titles are baby steps in a console's life and as such the games will generally not be as epic as later titles to come. That being said, it makes sense to be able to play some of your old favorites while you wait for new titles to get off the ground. Three to four years in however...seriously, if you're having trouble finding quality games for the PS3 in December of 2009, GTFO. To go out of your way to nag about backwards compatibility at this stage in the PS3's life shows how hopeless you are. If you're that attached to the PS2 library then go and buy one. It's not like a PS2 ain't cheap. I think these whiny articles stem from folks who have just picked up their first PS3 with a slim and don't know what to get. Do some homework.

[NewZealander]

your argument is pretty weak considering most of the issues you list were either not a big problem, or such old news its not funny, fact is backward compatibility would have been a huge bonus for sony.

i dont know why they left it out but i would love to be able to play ps2 games on my ps3, i dont think it will ever happen tho.

[jvmca]

Wow, another Piece-of-Scrap 3 (PS3) story of iCan’t anymore and iCan't catch up to the 360.

[Pumbli]

You know, a downloadable PS2 emulator for the PS3 would be a nice idea, anyone agree?

I mean, if they can emulate on PC, why not PS3. Plus, if Sony makes the emulator themselves, you could bet it would be great.

It's a nice idea... Doubt Sony will ever do it though.

I myself have a 60GB with software BC and it's great when I want to occasionally play a PS2 game like God of War 1&2, Battlefront 2, Dynasty Warriors, old GTAs, some of the Resident Evil games, etc etc.

[IQUITN4G]

It might not be what gets used a lot but it's a neat addition that some people just assume is there - i wonder how many that bought PS3 slim figured just that

I think it makes more sense for Sony to do this but there must be quite a number of very annoyed fans that have been ignorant to all of this

[hankmoody]

Dude, don't even bother. This site isn't the place for well written articles that make valid points or rational, mature discussions. Just know that if you have any slightly negative leanings towards the PS3, you're gonna get chewed up and spit out. And most likely it won't be in a logical way. Good article by the way.

[ultimolu]

You know, whenever a 360 article about the RROD shows up 360 fans are also quick to dismiss it.

Sony had to remove BC. It made the console too expensive. People were crying about the price. It has nothing to do with not taking criticism. Give me a break, really just stop it now.

What did you expect them to do?

[Arnon]

Instead of removing B/C, Remove:

-Built-in WIFI. Cable is always better for gaming, and third-party WIFI adapters can be inexpensive.

-Blutooth. Give everyone a cheap headset. Not like the majority of the PS3 community uses headsets, anyway.

-Remove a ton of the useless XMB features such as hooking up a printer to your PS3.

There's a lot of things they could have done, but I guarantee you that removing PS3 B/C while still selling the PS2 was one of their main reasons.

[WarPonyDestroyer]

You can play your PS2 GOW games. I'll play my GOW collection in HD thanks.

[ikkeweer]

and it kinda makes me wish it had backwards competibility.
Never had a PS2 and I think it may have a few more games, that I never played, but wouldn't mind playing today. Doubt theyre all gonna rerelease them on PS3.

[WarPonyDestroyer]

If the GOW collection sales well I'm sure it will justify more "remakes"

[justlikeme]

As some models have Full backwards compatibility. My 60GB can play most if not all psone games and most ps2 games. They always find a reason to hate on the PS3. When will the hating stop???

[peevmyster]

I'm more dissappointed that they removed the 2 extra USB ports.

[Pillville]

A $20 fix:
http://www.amazon.com/PS3-M...

Pricey but you can find them used. I got one for $3 at a Game Crazy that was going out of business.

[Lumbo]

here is a $5 fix for you: http://tinyurl.com/usb20-hu...

[whateva]

I only put PS2 games in My PS3 to see how they look then took them out never looked back and gave My PS2 and all it's games to my niece.

[koehler83]

This is news is it? I must have clicked on 2007 archives by accident.

[Bodyboarder_VGamer]

PS3 still has PSX backward compatibility so, not all is lost... Just half of it.

[ULTIMATE_REVENGE]

My PS3 does have compatibility, not sure if its 100% but it sure does play most PS2 games I still have.

Why did they take that out? Maybe space?

[Jsynn7]

For those who still cry about the current PS3s not having BC, stop now and deal with it. You had you chance to get one with the first group of PS3s but you chose to be cheap and wait for the price to drop. When you pay so much money for something like a PS3, your not just buying it, your INVESTING. This means you are getting something that will last you a long time and will suit you needs. I knew this when I bought my 60gb for $500. Just recently, I finished playing Xenogears (a PS1 game). Looking back on that I feel good knowing paying a little extra goes a long way. I knew it cost a lot but I would be getting a lot out of it and it would keep me entertained for a long time. A lot of people chose not to buy a PS3 for the price and wait. Now, as the old adage goes, you get what you paid for,and that's that. You got your price drop but now your missing features. Now you'll know in the future to look at device with high price tags and not looking at it as just buying it, your investing in it. Until then, use your PS2 to play PS2 games. I don't see what the big deal about doing that but do it stop complaining.

[maxcer]

so your saying it was right for sony to remove BC? lol, since when does it make sense for electronics to remove features as the product ages? the price of the system should drop due to cheaper components, not the removal of a feature that was promised from the beginning of it's life cycle

[Jsynn7]

Thanks for NOT reading my comment. I'm not saying it's right. I'm saying it happened and now you have to deal with it. The chance was there to get one BC but people thought the price was to high and they skip out on it. Sony felt they needed to remove parts for whatever reason and now you have to deal with it. If your to lazy to just break out the PS2/PS1 to play your old games, you should've thought about that before making the decision not to buy the older models. We make choices in life. What matters is how you deal with the consequences of those choices and I'm guessing your one of those people who couldn't deal with not paying more for something that was worth it in the long run. I feel for you (not really).

[asyouburn]

you do know that in order to play ps2 games, the early 60 and 20 gig models had the gpu and cpu of the ps2 on the motherboard, right? manufacturing 10 year old components outside of normal ps2 development is costly. and if i had a choice between emulation and no bc, id choose none (see red dead revolver graphical glitches on 360, or kotor 2's framerate issues)

[Nitrowolf2]

hey i love BC
but if sony rerelease ps2 collection like GOW i would be happy to re purchase them

[Nitrowolf2]

GTFO lol
you havn't even played it
where are u? Resource class?

[Nitrowolf2]

i know him in life, so he likes the ps3 and 360.

[Ninferno]

see i wish i had a BC pS3 but it cost too much at that time.

[cyclindk]

I think Sony simply decided to remove one of the least used features in order to save on costs as well as to promote PS3 game sales.

I haven't used BC in over two years and the only reason I ever would is because somehow these "younger" dev teams keep fuqing up the sequels to my favorite games, i.e. Silent Hill 5 got fuqed, DBZ: Raging Blast got fuqed because they changed the controls (back to Tenkaichi 3), et cetera.

SH 5 could have been awesome though, it's like they ran out of money early on or something. The nurses were BADAZZ and the tooth-vagina doors were great, but then the game went downhill fast from there on. The flashlight was horrible. Shattered Memories, THAT's how you do a flashlight!

[man0fsteel]

to be technical, the PS3 DOES have BC with every model.. just only with PS1 games.

But still, I have an 80 gig model without BC, and I have a PS2. I have not touched my PS2 since I got my PS3. Same goes with my X-box 1, I don't even touch it. I'm pretty sure that most people who own both are pretty much doing the same thing. Why is BC such an issue?

[asyouburn]

i have a 60g i bought when the machine came out, but i dont use the bc, let me tell you why. when you play ps2 on ps3, it does upconvert which is nice, but it signs you out of psn, locks you out of XMB while you play, can only save 8mb to every internal memory card among other things like turning off your controller when it switches over to ps2. its nice and convenient, but i think rerelease is a better option. you get better graphics, trophy support, i can actually be signed in while i play, etc. i already beat all the ps2 games i have. it would be nice if i was gonna play them again to earn trophies, or have them in hd or something

[Whoooop]

Is it actually a "bad thing" or a limitation to not have backward compatibility???

I'm asking honestly... I know that Sony tauted it as a great feature when the PS3 released and that could very well be a good reason, the lack of it, to be a fault now and even more when the new campaign is called "It only does Everything".

However, is it really a feature to be considered as bad when it's not there?? Playing an old format from an old generation console in a new gen system has to be considered a vital addition to that new system?

There are systems to play those old games... I mean, were DVD players criticized for not adding VHS or removing it after having it for some time for the sake of consumers??

Will Bluray players be faulted after removing DVD playback???

I just think Backwards Compatibility is a commodity and not a necessity and IMO is does not warrant being criticized for not supporting it now.

[Chaos Striker]

I tend to disagree about the commodity sense. From my perspective, it's a competitive advantage where a company (or product in this case) has an absolute advantage over the competition. In other words, this would give Sony one more feature that the 360 does not have. But, as you remove those features, both consoles become substitutable for one another (from a gamer's perspective, we are disregarding Blu-Ray for this argument). As a result, I firmly believe that it was a mistake to remove the feature. However, given the circumstances that they were in, I understand why they had to remove the feature. But still, I think it would definitely be a selling point for PS2 adopters who have not made the switch to an HD console (given they already have a Wii).

[Vortex3D]

It doesn't matter if current model of PS3 today has BC or if you still need it. The point is current PS3 model has lost PS2 BC, SuperAudio CD and Linux/Other OS support which means it CANNOT do everything as Sony tried to advertise. That's the beauty of advertising, pretend features dropped from the older models never existed so that it can say whatever it wants to say. I still see in stores new buyers came in planning to buy a PS3 thinking the current slim model can play PS2 games because Sony's advertising says It Only Does Everything.

So, what does "It Only Does Everything" supposed to mean or compare? Obviously, it doesn't compare to what PS3 used to be able to do.

If Sony is honest, the advertising should say, "It Only Does ALMOST Everything" but that wouldn't sound good for advertising.

For PS3 fans, they will continue to support Sony whatever Sony advertises or says because they don't want to hear any negativity about PS3.

[JayD-1K]

Come on! When the PS3 came out, every body and their grandmother had some thing negative to say about it! Just about every thing on/in it "WAS NOT NEEDED FOR GAMING"! Blu-tooth,Blu-Ray,wi-fi, browser, flash drives, and other os..you name it it was useless. The last thing being the price. The internet flipped out when they said it was going to be $600.
All I'm saying is, if you want TRUTH in advertising from Sony you should expect no less from the other two. And i'm sorry but, MS would have a hell of a time trying to convince people to buy a system that fails often if they put that fact in their commercials!
And kinda like you said, Sony/MS fanboys will continue support their camps no matter what! I have both...does that make a double agent?
lol

[sashimi]

So i saw Microsoft's "Jump in" advertisement for the Xbox360 and i thought it was cool so i picked one up at Bestbuy and when i got home and tired to jump in it broke and so did my hdtv while falling after trying to jump in. I am so pissed at M$ right now it's not even funny.
I am going to sue them since they falsely advertised their product /s

[SilverSlug]

People bought a console to play that console? You are buying a PS3, it does what the box says, play PS3 games. Want PS2 games? Go get a 60gb on ebay, there are options. So don't cry me a river.

[ColossiSlayer]

GT4, Sims 2 & SOTC. I havent put a DVD Movie in my PS3 since I have owned it. (July 07). GT4 was only to show a GT Hater the Model T was actually in the game and drivable. Sims 2 & SOTC are 2 games I reguarly play on my PS3. That will end once SOTC & ICO are remastered ala God Of War for Last Guardians release. I will say this. For people want BC to return, it will not magically turn your 5 to 7 year old PS2 Classic into a PS3 game it will still be that same experence you had 5 to 7 years ago, just with a wireless controller. In truth, I'd rather have the remasterd multigame editions that are sure to be released in the near future. These remastered editions at least have XMB and Trophy Support plus multiple games on 1 disc . . .

[DragonPrince]

PS3, played 4 PS2 titles on it since launch. Nice to have it when you're feeling for an old-school fix but with soo many games coming out (which is what we asked for) focus on BC should be fading by now, shouldn't it?

[Jsynn7]

Your right that focus on BC should fade away but, like you said at the beginning, sometimes you have an urge to play an old-school game. I have those same urges and when I bought my 60gb I not only bought it, I invested in it and so did you. I'm guessing you paid a lot for it but now at least you have peace mind to know you don't have to break out the old PS systems to play old game and just play them on your PS3. A lot people don't have but that's their problem because they didn't look at what they were getting for the money. They just looked at the price tag and said it wasn't worth it. Now those same people are probably kicking themselves for not shelling out the extra cash. Oh well.

[silvacrest]

im only speaking for my self, i used it once to play MGS3 for the first time

never used it since

i still have hope for software emulation in the future

[ironmonkey]

thats why the ps2 is still in sale people complain why theres no backwards compatible well i complain about 360 wifi and and its battery controllers whose perfect? buy a ps2 simple as that you've gone this far in buying so many games and owning a ps3 and xbox 360 and for a console thats been out for 10yrs your tellin me you dont have one??? lol you had 10 yrs to make that choice stop complaining about not have backwards compatible for your ps3 ...99$ games are dirt cheap so cough it up if you want to play it but dont pout about it

[Nac]

Here lies the biggest reasoning that I didn't trade in and get a cheaper made Slim.

[lateralus1082]

My launch PS2 is broken and I'm glad that my 80 gig PS3 is BC. I wouldn't buy a $100 PS2 to play $20 worth of games such as Yakuza 1 & 2

[divideby0]

bought the launch 60 G and never have to look back or worry...hardware natively doing BC is where its at..
playing some old PS2 games...SSX, ZOE...classic and puts many of the new 60+ buck games to shame

[stonecold1]

launch ps3 60gb never had a problem its worked for nearly 3 years no problems ive got ps3 games as well i even sold them off because i hardley play ps2 games on my ps3 anymore people should have brought it when it first came out i payed a grand for mine and got my moneys worth plus there alot of ps3 games out now

[sarshelyam]

I could name a number of things I'd LOVE my wife to do...but she doesn't, and she still owns my heart.

Bottom line is this feature is a luxury. It's a cool reassurance, nothing more. I still have my PS2 and honestly, if I want to play a PS2 game...I'm doing it on the console it was designed for, not the one it was emmulated for.

I love many a PS2 games as much as the next gamer, but if I'm driving a Mercedes SLR McLaren, I'm certainly not pulling into a Shell station to fill it with Unleaded Fuel. That's reserved for my slightly older more environmentally conscious mid-80's Ferrari F12 (the PS2).

[Pillage05]

It doesn't print money either....I want a refund!

"Price check on aisle 'BOOM!'"

[ReBurn]

There are a couple of ways to look at this. With Sony still fully supporting the PS2 it means that a consumer will have to own a PS2 to take full advantage of Sony's full catalog. That's a negative for consumers because you have to buy two different consoles to play your games. That means an outlay of $400 to play the fully supported catalog.

On the other side, it's a positive for Sony because they are making sales on the PS2 front when people want to play these games. So removing PS2 backward compatibility makes business sense for them to keep people buying PS2's. Because let's face it, if the PS3 could play PS2 games they wouldn't need to continue to produce the PS2.

[zoks310]

Sensational Headline to attract the N4G.com flies. 140 million people own the PS2 so Sony don't need to add BC to the PS3.

The PS2 now cost $99.

People who are buying the Slim already know that the Slim does not support BC, Sony tells you on the box, inside the box, and inside the user Manual.

The Author has nothing to do but bash Sony and try to be stealth at it because he takes us for fools, that's all that this is about, so ignore the troll guys.

[divideby0]

so many single console owners are just upset cause their console just aint getting it done, so they put out articles like this

[maniacf40]

oh wait. the bots can't afford that cause they already blew their money on wifi, HDD, and battery chargers. LMFAO!!!!

[Sir Ken_Kutaragi]

...'AAA' Games in 2009"!!! ;-D

[DuneBuggy]

Eh..Having BC I think was a good move early on.Nice way to bridge people over to the PS3. I dont think Sony handled it as well as they could though.Read about certain games having issues and the 20 gig launch wasnt BC right?
But now with 2010 almost here? BC isnt a big issue anymore.
My 360 has it,but I never owned or played a original Xbox game.

[gumgum99]

" Even if you say something positive, if it doesn’t come out positive enough and/or you don’t also bash the 360, you are a non-believer and should prepare to feel the wrath from the fanboys in the Playstation nation, or whatever the hell they refer to themselves nowadays..."

The comparison between the two consoles was supposed to always be a comparison of facts and facts alone. If the website has to spin facts to handicap one console over another to make it fair game, then the comparison, itself, is unfair.

[electricshadow]

It's THIS article again. I have a launch 60 GB PS3 that is backwards compatible. How many times have I used it? ONCE. For "The Bouncer". That game will always have a special place in my heart. But, the thing is, I bought a PlayStation 3 to play PlayStation 3 games, not PS2. If I REALLY wanted to play PS2 games, I would buy one. They're like, what, 100 bucks? There are too many good games coming out for the PS3 for me to care about PS2 games.

[The_Zeitgeist]

I thought it was a decent article and I happen to agree with his points about the re-release of God of War 1 and 2.

[bigboss911]

i love how all the fanboys try and defend every little thing. I'm a Sony fanboy myself, but for the love of God don't add me into their little bunch. I play ps2 games all the time, it was the reason why i jumped on the ps3 to start with. My ps2 craped out on me so i sure as hell wasnt going to go by a freaking outdated ps2, when i could go get ps3 and play ALL my games. RE4, DMC 1 and 3, Mgs 1,2,3, the list goes on and on. And most of the crap that has come out this gen is no where even close to the library we had back then. With the exception of Mgs4 Uncharted 1,2 and a few other gems. If i had to live on a island with only one game, it would not be from this gen. This gen is amazing don't get me wrong, but half the good stuff is either sequels or clones from ps2,xbox,and cube games.

[Neo604]

too busy with nextgen games.
nice try bashing.

[Ninferno]

for all those saying they dont want BC because theyre too busy with next gen. i know plenty of people that would love the feature. i know people who specifically bought gameboy SPs when they had a DSlite because they wanted the option to play their original Tetris cartridges. BC is very important to some people. you dont make up the whole gaming community.

[thehitman]

then they shouldve bought the ps3 when it did which was a good 2 first years. Also Sony conducted a study on who actually uses their ps3 for ps2 games and the majority said they dont so POOF b/c.

[thehitman]

I have a 60gig so .... It Only Does Everything

[Tomarcus]

I think BC isn't necessary, but someone like me with such a huge library and only limited connections, would love to be able to leave all my PlayStation gaming on one console.

[SportsFan]

You can get a PS2 for $50-75 bucks now. That is a great system...even if you want to have your kids play something that is great and affordable. I still play SSX Tricky, and watch movies (When I go baby sit) with my PS2. BC is not necessary, especially if it means cutting blu ray, wifi, or other free costly PS3 features.

[djfullshred]

lol, this is old news. Everyone knows by now that PS3 moved away from backwards compatability, and it really doesn't matter to most of us that bought one.

I care about as much as playing ancient games on it as I do playing VHS movie tapes on it.

[Defectiv3_Detectiv3]

hahaha lmao, hilarious title!

[Huntmaster17]

Geez this old ass topic is still around? I can count the number of times I used BC on one hand for my PS2. The only thing I wish Sony would release is a remastered version of Ico and Shadow of the Colossus.

[younglj01]

I'm one of tha thousands if not millions of people that brought the God of War I and II pack just released.The reason I brought it because I didnt have tha money at tha time to pay those games because I was in fuking middle or high school at tha time and didnt have a job.And my single mother didnt have tha money to get me every fuking game I wanted.And now that I work and make my own money I can finally get those games and play them on my MOTHER FUKING PS3 not a PS2(last gen console).And I hope Sony brings alot more classics games from tha PS2 libary and update them into HD.I would love to play GTA:SA on my PS3 since GTA4 was a totally letdown.How about getting Socom 1-3 on one disc all in beautiful HD.If you wanted a PS3 with BACKWARDS COMPATIBILITY then you should have done like me and millions others and brought a PS3 at lauch if that feature is so fuking important to you.

And tha dumbasses that think tha PS3 slim should have came with BC then you need your head checked.If that was tha case Sony COULDNT have finally drop tha price to $299 like everyone was fuking crying for so shut tha fuk up.And if you still want a PS3 with backwards compatibility send me a check worth $400 and you can have mines.

SORRY FOR THA RANT BUT I HATE DUMBASS PEOPLE THAT ONLY WRITE OR SAYS SOMETHING FOR ATTENTION.EVEN THOUGH IM 23 I FEEL LIKE IM SURROUND BY DUMBASS FANS THAT ONLY WANT TO BRAG ABOUT WHAT CONSOLE IS THA BEST.IF YOU IS A GAMER THAT SHOULDNT MATTER.WHAT HAPPEN TO THA GOOD OLD YEARS WHEN EVERY GAMER GOT ALONE AND CAME TOGETHER TO ONLY PLAY VIDEO GAMES NOT B1TCH BACK AND FORWARD LIKE LITTLE 9 YEAR OLDS.

[SportsFan]

I AGREE COMPLETLY!
PS3 will have haters...looking for reasons to try to de-throne the champ. PS2 systems are everywhere, for cheap...so if you want BC, then buy a $50 (or cheaper) PS2 system. I love when someone can speak with some balls on here!!

PS. the Xbox 360 and Wii are both great machines, but they have
way more short commings than the PS3. Never hear about the hundreds of million that MS is ripping from customers with XBL....or Wii's over priced "last gen like" Gamecube system do you? If Sony is gonna stay in last place, then why talk about them? (I mean, Sony's the Detroit Lions...right?) SONY AIN'T GOING ANYWHERE, WHICH IS WHY COMPANIES ARE PAYING FOR TV SPOTS TO MIS-LEAD CUSTOMERS INTO BUYING THEIR "INFERIOR" SYSTEMS.

It's all good though, because apparently, Sony's PS3 is ripping people off with failed promises of "Lucid Dream Graphics", NO HDMI ports on systems at launch, not including a charge cable in the system, HD add on that the company knew was a long shot....so it was cheaper to add a cheap add on, in case Blu Ray was proven to be better than DVD-9 and HD-DVD disk, and $50 bucks per year (EVERY YEAR!!!) just to play games online. (LOLL) Oh yea, I'm a fanboy because I don't want to waste money on rushed and ethically challanged products. I have always said that both the 360 and Wii are great systems....with great games. However, $50 XBL JUST FOR CROSS GAME CHAT?? You people really think that's fair? The millions you pay for XBL is what MS is using to repair the RROD systems...AGAIN, WHAT MOST OF YOU PROB. PAIED INSURENACE FOR!!!! Think about it....is Sony really the bad guy? (DU, DU, DUUUUNNNNN!)

[boss_killa]

a lame article by a lame 360 fanboy.

the ps3 will always be a better value than a 360 no matter how hard you try to spin it.

the 360 is old outdated badly designed hardware. go cry in a corner.

[ScorpianusNoir]

The PS3 is most certainly Backwards Compatible. Every PS unit has some form of BC other than PSOne. The current version of PS3 can play PSOne games, without having to download anything, all you need is the disks, so this is all crap

JoelT, you might want to phrase your crap better next time.
PS3 It Only Does Everything, including playing games from previous generations, unless you simply want to discount the PSOne, which I can unsderstand, it is the only way that your title doesn't make you look like an idiot
BOOM

[TwistedMetal]

also ps3 you can play ps1 games on any of them. Why would anyone want to play trophy less or achievemnetless games? wasnt that why some of you bashed the ps3 becuase it didnt have trophies when it first came out so you just played x360 games?

[Salta_nelas]

And? I havent played a ps2 game since i got my PS3.

[xaviertooth]

stvpid so-called "journos" are stvpid! lame article is lame. xbots disguised as dualshockers.

[JJFNIGHTS80]

My PS3 60GB original is bout to turn 3 years old this Dec 15th. I have used backward capability with it. The only thing I didn't like bout is the graphics is kinda differ than the PS2 graphics. The other thing why they didn't get BC on it is because it will put more cost on the PS3 they took it out now so they can lower the cost. But now on the PSN you can download all or half of original PS2, PS1 titles digitally and play it. So I think digital is better that's in my opinion anyway

[nefertis]

@JoelT u must pay the cost to be the boss. Its time to play beyon.

[Knightofelemia]

Backwards Compatability would be nice for my PS3 or even avalible emulation throught the PSN would also be nice. But neither is avalible for my PS3 I could careless if it plays old games or not thats not why I bought my PS3 I still play my PS2 and it sits next to my PS3.

[massapeal]

well i have my 60 gigs fattie no worry and the 60 gigs is the best think about i can play all my games ps1, ps2, ps3 and i have all my memory slots

[AliTheBrit19]

So messed up, shows how much Sony care about gamers huh?

Note: I don't believe any of what I am about to say, I am just using PS3 Fanboy logic -

So sony stop you playing the epic God of War games 1 & 2 on PS2, why? so they can rehash them onto Blu-Ray and make you buy them again, thats why :)

See, I bet that annoyed you didn't it? :D

[RedDragan]

Or you could just play them on the PS2

[Stevo35]

I bought one of the original release day PS3's, and I have full backwards compatibility. I actually played God of War 2 on it 1 1/2 years ago. It can obviously do it, it either cost too much to put on the $299 consoles or like someone else said, it violates their 10 year plan thingy?!

While I have not played a PS2 game in at least a year (cause the graphics, save points and sound suck!), my daughter does all the time. If it didn't have the compatibility, she whould have to use the PS2 (sold). So what!

[napoleon_ist]

now get off xbox fantards.

[Figboy]

since i've popped in a PS2 game, especially since i got the GoW Collection (GoW, Final Fantasy XII, Sly Cooper, Ratchet, Ico, Shadow of the Colossus, and Rogue Galaxy are the only PS2 games i would play on my PS3).

i have too many Playstation 3 games to play to worry about games i should have gotten through last generation.

if i didn't have a BC PS3, i'd have simply hooked up my PS2. but because i figured i'd maybe like to pop in an old game every once in a while and give it whirl, i bought the 60gig PS3.

people HAD their chance to support BC, and instead they b*tched about the PS3 until Sony started taking cost-cutting measures and removed the BC for PS2 games (PS1 BC is still there, of course).

so which is it? did you want a PS3 to play PS2 games, or did you want a PS3 to play PS3 games?

eventually Sony may institute PS2 BC via software emulation, but if they never do, you had your chance and let it go.

Microsoft hasn't released any more support for Xbox 360 Xbox emulation, and there are still plenty of Xbox games that won't work on the 360 (fortunately, the only three Xbox games i care about are supported: KOTOR 1 and 2, and Fable).

but hey, lets beat on the dead horse that is no PS2 BC, since the "PS3 is too expensive," "PS3 has sh*tty online," "PS3 has no games" horses have finally been buried.

of course, there's always the "PS3 has poor multi-platform games!" despite the majority of multi-plats released in the past two years have been on par. especially the multi-plats worth a damn (ie, Dead Space, Borderlands, Assassin's Creed 2, Batman: AA, etc).

the PS3, when all is said and done, will go down as the most criticized and ostracized consoles in the history of gaming. never has their been a console that has been met with so much disdain and hatred, even when it does things RIGHT (ie, Killzone 2 embarrassed a LOT of journalists, but instead of manning up and admitting they were wrong about the game, it's graphics, and it's game play, they hate on it and attack the controls, which were unique and perfect for what Guerrilla Games were trying to do).

some of you guys are just whiny b*tches this generation, and the PS3 will never do anything right.

in the end it's not affecting me in any way, because me, and many other PS3 owners get to enjoy some rather phenomenal NEW GAMES, instead of pouting over BC (of course, many PS3 owners like me have BC PS3's so it's win/win either way for us).

[kagon01]

_

[AriesFury]

I would rather have it and don't use it, then want it and don't have it. The fact of having a option to play B/C would be nice. That's the point of the article, a choice.

[WLPowell]

Most of you didn't want to act on it. Don't get mad, you voted with your dollars on the importance of BC... Sony obliged and dropped it.

[LiquifiedArt]

If you guys would rather save the 100$, i'd ahve to disagree with you. I payed 600$ day 1 and couldn't be happier, i acutally bought several ps2 games post launch.

I like being able to have 1 machine to do everything.

----

For all the (BUY a ps2 People). Your cheapness and Kiss as much SONY butt as possible is what put us into this position. Backwards Compatiblity was a trend Sony was creating AND IT WAS A GREAT TREND. You young generation of gamers with no $$$ is what screwed that awesome trend up..

Thanks for nothing.

[GrammarPolice]

I have an 80GB PS3 w/BC. It is a nice to have feature, but its absence shouldn't hold someone back from buying one of the new PS3s. It's useful for games like Singstar- you can swap PS2 discs in after loading the PS3 version. It also makes GOW 1 and 2 near-HD after activating WS and progressive mode (without trophies, of course but the core gameplay is very nice visually).

I'd say on average I use the BC capability for 2 hours a month (with maybe 40 total hours of gaming in that month). In terms of pure dollars, probably not a good return on investment. But when I do play Singstar, or turn the switches on GOW to maximize the visuals, I get the "that's cool" feeling and in my corner of the gaming world, it was worth the price.

Make your own value judgment- don't subscribe to someone else's.

[Bell Boy]

1.48 -
My 60GB model broke down (YLOD). I refuse to pay or buy another one of those older models. I would love BC on my slim; kind of bored with my PS3 games already.

Do us all a favour...sell your PS3, maybe buy a cheap PS2 and a damn big anti fanboy pill.That way you could quit your WHINGEING about the PS3 a product you either don't own or were stupid enough to purchase even though it does not have the features your fanboy senses cry out for.

[WLPowell]

He's either one of the very few pathetic people who actually bought a PS3 just to complain about it, or he's a pathetic troll acting like a PS3 owner just to sling hate. Check his post history...

[stryx]

@taz8080 Why would your friend have to download Parappa? Sony didn't take PS One support out of the PS3, only the PS2 emotion engine and emulation software.

To everyone that say I'm wrong, I've had no problem playing Metal Gear Solid on my PS3 Slim and it's the original black cd and every thing.

[xg-ei8ht]

Don't have BC, PS2 wise.

Still have a couple of ps1 games floating about somewhere, and they work. I tried one once.

Seriously people, move on.

If you wanted BC, you should have bought the 60gb. Or wait, maybe they will add it, when nobody cares.

[dragon82]

I just have to point this out since I have not seen it anywhere in the comments so far.

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/h...

Only the Xbox 360 Elite models have B/C. Looks like its in the same position as the PS3. Both have half-ass B/C.

P.S. I am a happy PS3, Xbox360, Wii, PSPgo and PC owner.

[REALZILLA]

Backwards compatibility is going to be part of premium service.

[xcox]

get GOW collection and you'll see where we're going: remastering
for $40 you get 2 PS2 games that look better than most 360 games:
BWAAAAAAAAAAA HA HA HA HA!

can't wait for team ICO games to be remastered!

[free3sixty]

"It only does FLOPS"

[Bebedora]

I read article after another and always never disappoints me. Are there not sales, there are graphical comparisions between the two (xböx360 vs PeäSs3) - The political issues are killing me more than Nico in GTAIV

It's just so boring

[Shendow]

I'm happy with my PS3 that doesn't play PS2 games, mostly because I feel that a PS2 is needed and plus I collection systems (First Playstation model an no not PSOne) Besides it is a 100 bucks for a new PS2.

Another thing is, why make PS3 play something that is going to last 10 years or more? PS2 hasn't really die down, it isn't dead here yet and until PS2 dies out. We are not going to see PS3 play any PS2 titles....well besides God Of War Collection lol.

[Platinum_k]

why the frick would u wanna play old games if we already have way better games in this generation?

frickin OLDIE! stop playin gthen and just stick to ur God damn PS2

[Platinum_k]

u want to play PS2 games? ill crap one out for ye!

[sam2236]

LOL at all the fanboys in the Gamer Zone saying they play the PS3 for PS3 games yet they'll all flock to the PSN and download FF7, RE2, MGS and SH!! Fuking hypocrites.

I want PS2 BC to be put back into the PS3. Removing it was a really stupid move on Sony's part. No wonder the console is losing to the fuking Wii for Christ's sake!

[Tzuno]

Amen

[harpua]

yeah hooking up a PS2 is like impossible...you would basically need help from NASA.

[Azazel]

Who gives a shyt about backwards compatibility?? The old games look like atari on my 1080p 46'' Bravia. I think if you want ps2 games then get yourself a small welfare tv and 40 dollar ps2 and go re-live the past, lol. Me....Ilike high definition gaming, LMFAO

[BuCK-NaStY]

i use bc on my o.g.80 gig ps3...currently playing re2,re code veronica,re4...so yeah there is a need for it...ps3 fanboys just wanna act like they don't need it so it not used against their precious ps3...lol

[kraze07]

I'm guessing the people who don't care for backwards compatibility and are praising the games of this generation like they're a godsend are the kids who's first console was either a PS3 or XBox360. I love playing my older consoles and there really isn't a huge need for me to have bc, but saying things like "why the frick would u wanna play old games if we already have way better games in this generation?" just irritates me and sounds childish. Statements like that are similar to when people say "why do you want to watch those old Star Wars movies when the new ones are better?"

[dredgewalker]

I already have a PS2 and as much as i loved it in the past it doesn't get anymore playtime cause the new PS3 games are keeping me busy.

[MANTIIS]

I have the 60GB PS3, arguably the best iteration of the console. While I can indeed play PS1 and PS2 games on it, I can honestly say I have very rarely used this feature. I doubt a lot of people who own a PS3 bought the system to play last gen games. I would recommend those who want to play last gen games go buy a PS2, which is the same price as an Xbox 360 wireless adapter. Anytime I want to play a PS2 or PS1 game, I prefer to show my PS2 some love, and break it out. This is what I will be doing when I finally get my hands on Shadow of the Colossus, a game that I did not play when it was released. This gripe about BC is overrated.

[MultiConsoleGamer]

Why is there so much negativity around this subject? If you want PS3 BC you had a chance to buy the 20/60/80 GB models. And if you don't want to spend the dough for a PS3, get a PS2 slim instead. Its an amazing console and its only $99.

[ZeroYui]

I wish my Ps3 slim had full b/c. It's nice to play ps1 one games but why include ps1 b/c and not ps2?

[Droid Control]

We want convergeance!

One device to play PS1,PS2,PS3 games, DVD, and Blu-Ray.

That is the point. Its not that the PS2 is cheap to buy, its about space in the home, and how things look.

Something you fraks clearly don't understand.

[Treyb3yond]

And have used BC about twice since the PS3's release. This is just another excuse to get at the best console out there.

[rmatott]

when did this become such a huge deal? could the snes play nes games? no, its just a feature people keep brining up because they need a reason to complain. that what this generation is going to be known for complainers and fanboys. jesus if you must play your old ass ps1 game, go find a ps1 on ebay or somthing. damn people i have a BC ps3 and have used it maybe a dozen times, usually i get an urge to play an old game, pop it in and play it for 10 minutes, then realize ah this sucks, and go back to my collection of ps3 games.

[jvmca]

hmmm

[robotnik]

Wow Micro$oft defense force sure is in full force today!

[avengers1978]

Backwards compatability really, that is what people are b!tching about. They PS3 orginally had this but they took it out when people said that it did not matter to them, hence making the system cheaper to make. The 360 is not BC, but you can buy old games through ondemand just like you can buy old games through psn, and next year ps2 titles will be there so it's not a big deal, and if you really need to be playing your old PS2 get one there cheap as hell.

[Tzuno]

When PS3 was launched i wanted to buy one because at that time PS2 was my favorite console (i own one slim version) but when i heard about no compatibility with Ps2 games i said screw you Sony and buyed a XBOX 360 (no remorse and i am very happy with the decision) and i have to tell shame on you Sony.

[Picnic]

Anyone who didn’t buy a PS3 because it has no backwards compatibility really didn’t want a PS3 all that much in the first place.
If you’d never had a PS2 (as I haven’t) the ability to play some games that you’d never played before, without having to buy a dusty old PS2, would be appealing. But if you’d already got a PS2 (as, ironically, most of these complainers probably have or used to) and want to continue to play it then you’ll make the space to play it.

The Gamecube couldn’t play N64 cartridges but Nintendo players weren’t complaining. When they wanted to enjoy the old N64 games they got their N64 out.

I’d much more question Sony’s decision to release the PS2 with only 2 ports , in order to make people buy a ‘multitap’ if they wanted to play 4 player games , when the Dreamcast and even the N64 had 4 ports.
I’d also question why, for a console that was supposed to be an elite experience out of the box, the PS3 didn’t come with a HDMI lead.

[kewlkat007]

Think about it.

At this time

-140 million PS2's sold
-26 million PS3's sold

Think about how many people wait to buy a PS console and only to see that they will not be able to play their old-school games and such.

Especially with this "It Only Does Everything" commercials.

[n4gno]

Too much good games to play with a ps3, nobody cares about ps2 old stuff since 2,3 years (and you can play it for very little $ after 1 or 2 months release date)

But fanbots like to ignore that.