PS2 Emulation coming to PS3

[robotriot]

Apparently Sony patented a way to emulate the Emotion Engine from the PS2. I hope it's going to be a firmware update that brings us software bc!

http://www.siliconera.com/2009/06/29/sony-patents-emotion-engine-emulation-technology-for-cell-processors/

[TheDomesticInstitution]

As one of the 3 PS3 fans on these boards, this is good news. I do hope that you will be able to save games on the HD instead of a damn card.

Although, I'll be honest, I never had many PS2 titles. Of course, this may kick me in the ass to go out and pick up many of the games I missed out on the during the last generation. Let's hope the emulation doesn't totally suck though.

[Sniderman]

If they are able to get 80-90% BC with the PS3 without any additional cost involved, I'll pull the trigger and finally buy one.

[norkusa]

'bout time. I kinda suspected it would be coming back after they referred to BC in one of their recent surveys.

I'll definitely be buying a PS3 once this is ready. I've got about 170 PS2 games but never touch them because they look terrible on my hdtv with PStwo.

[Dr. Dib]

I just went out of my way to purchase a 60gb PS3 just for BC. Ah well, at least I don't have to worry about too many emulation bugs.

[RCM]

Why give something away when they can sell it? I imagine they're going to start selling PS2 titles via PSN. And because it's a nice source of revenue for publishers, I imagine the big three won't include BC in their next consoles.

[Solertia]

The 80GB PS3 that was bundled with MGS4 at MGS4's launch already had software BC. That's the one I have.


Edit: Pardon me if this is a dumb question, but could you play any region PS2 game on a PS3 with PS2 emulation?

[Hitman Tyler]

This is kinda odd but what about the 60GB owners like myself and others, how will this affect our system?? I mean we already have BC, so whats going to happen? Will they make something u have to download via add-on when downloading firmware? Now thats a good option, make it so when you download the lastest firmware it ask would you like BC as a add-on.

[Oobgarm]

Why give something away when they can sell it? I imagine they're going to start selling PS2 titles via PSN. And because it's a nice source of revenue for publishers, I imagine the big three won't include BC in their next consoles.

+1000 meseta for correct answer

If anyone thinks Sony was going to give this away, they're out of their minds.

[backguard]

OP...is this actually a new development? Sony started with full hardware support (launch systems), then went to emulation (early 80gb system), then dropped emulation entirely (current 80gb, 160gb).

Those wanting BC, just grab a 60 or a 20gb system. PS3s have very low failure rates so I wouldn't hesitate to buy a used one.

Make that 4 PS3 fans on the board. :)

[Cloud121]

Make it five PS3 fans. I love my 20GB model, gave it a 400GB HDD. I haven't been this in love with a console since my Dreamcast (which is say A LOT).

[Sniderman]

Those wanting BC, just grab a 60 or a 20gb system. PS3s have very low failure rates so I wouldn't hesitate to buy a used one.

Two things though:

- EVERYONE wants one of the original BC consoles, so they've been priced to all Holy Hell by resellers who know of the demand.
- Most folks would rather have a brand new console that has BC if one of coming. Even if the used ones are pretty sturdy, I'd rather wait for one out of the box.

[Howie6925]

Make that six PS3 Fans, I love this system. But it sounds like it maybe for the Ps3 slim.


"Perhaps, a firmware update or the new PlayStation 3 slim, which our friends at Ars Technica say is coming this fall, will utilize this technology."

[TonyTheTiger]

So assuming the emulation is near 100%, does that mean the 60gig model would no longer be the "perfect" PS3?

[j_factor]

The 80GB PS3 that was bundled with MGS4 at MGS4's launch already had software BC. That's the one I have.

The 80GB systems were only partially software. They still contained the original PS2 GPU. Although, that would still mean the link in the OP is inconsequential, because the Emotion Engine is the part that was removed and emulated.


Edit: Pardon me if this is a dumb question, but could you play any region PS2 game on a PS3 with PS2 emulation?

Nope. Region locking is still intact for Playstation games even.

[chicnstu]

Two things though:

- EVERYONE wants one of the original BC consoles, so they've been priced to all Holy Hell by resellers who know of the demand.
- Most folks would rather have a brand new console that has BC if one of coming. Even if the used ones are pretty sturdy, I'd rather wait for one out of the box.

Supposedly the earlier models have been getting a lot of YLODs lately, I didn't want one of those. So I bought a new model 80GB, I don't care about BC because I will be setting my PS3 right next to my PS2.

[Rickstilwell1]

7 PS3 fans.

I got the system before I got the Wii and 360. I went for the 60GB when it was new and was just really happy to be rid of those damn memory cards for PS1 & PS2 games. The only thing they are good for now are my cheated plythroughs - gameshark and action replay files.

I like sticking with the classic controller from 1995, not needing batteries, free online service, and optional game downloads. Good way to get demos without having to buy magazines and get free demo discs like in the old days. This system is good enough for me and hopefully new PS2 BC will attract more gamers so there will be more people to try playing online with. I still haven't tried playing online on any system yet, and I'd prefer this one since it's free.

I got Xbox 360 because I know it has exclusives, but I play it less. If I go for games for it, I'd get them cheap at the pawn shop.

I like the PS3 not for being a fanboy because I like all systems. It just fulfills my needs better and offers what I look for in a game system.

[BHvrd]

I have had a 60 GB since day one, it did YLOD, found out it was cause of dust, but I fixed it.

I made a topic about this a few months back and I still think this is going to happen and the main reason they pulled it was cause playing PS2 games on a PS3 is a bit buggy, though not buggy enough to notice but enough to create problems "over time" like Bluetooth disconnects mainly, but that's a severe problem when you think about it. I believe the culprit was emulating the multi-tap without actually having it. I think the code would somehow get crossed in the HD as a file rebuild (hidden menu fix) would usually fix the problem for me. I still stick by this.

I realize another reason would be they have been relying on PS2 sales to make up for loses on PS3 and this makes better sense, I believe it's a bit of both though and once the PS2 is out the dor I can't wait cause I know PS3 sufferes because of it, but it has also funded them so it's like a double edge.

I recently bought my son a new model 80GB without BC and the fact that it still has the create a PS2 memory card built in seems to be even more evidence. That's just too coincedental. PS3 really needs this as BC on PS3 is a godsend and freakin sweet, I wouldn't trade my 60GB for nothin! The way it upscales, smooths, use of wireless online and controllers and being able to create memory cards is just like a super PS2, it's really freakin awesome x10!

[roushimsx]

welp, i filled the cup.

[NayusDante]

I got my 60gb right when they started phasing them out. I just hope they don't do something stupid like force software emulation if you have the hardware.

And I'd be another PS3 fan if there were more interesting games. I just keep telling myself FFXIII... FFXIII...

[Sonicwolf]

Maybe I will take my PS3 off the floor and hook it up if this comes true.

[Solertia]

The 80GB systems were only partially software. They still contained the original PS2 GPU. Although, that would still mean the link in the OP is inconsequential, because the Emotion Engine is the part that was removed and emulated.

Nope. Region locking is still intact for Playstation games even.

Ah, okay. Thanks for clearing those up.

[BHvrd]

I got my 60gb right when they started phasing them out. I just hope they don't do something stupid like force software emulation if you have the hardware.

And I'd be another PS3 fan if there were more interesting games. I just keep telling myself FFXIII... FFXIII...

Heavenly Sword is great.

Uncharted: Drakes Fortune is great.

Ratchet and Clank is great.

Resistance 1 is ok, Resistance 2 is great.

inFamous is great.

Motorstorm 1&2 are great.

Warhawk is great.

Folklore is pretty good.

Lair is ok.

Metal Gear Solid, duh, it's great.

Little Big Planet is great.


I consider all those interesting and they are all exclusive. Sony has really been building alot of new franchises and they are all pretty damn good and not sequels or rehashes but truly new IP's.

I don't have to tell myself anything as I already have been more than impressed with what they have done in the time given.

Great single player and online experiences. I can understand that the RPG's haven't really been full blown like they should be as a large audience of PS2 users were heavy into RPG, but new franchises like Demon's Souls looks new and great.

No FFXIV?

[Sailorneorune]

I got a PS3 60GB @ $400 from a local shop, and it's nice to see that people have this option now for backwards compatibility - now no one has to search high and low for a BC system.

[heybtbm]

Double post sorry.

[heybtbm]

I TOLD YOU SO!


I've been predicting this since Sony removed BC a few years ago. A quick check of my former posts on the subject will show my gift of prognostication as well as many other people's doubts.

I love being psychic (and right).

[Mr Mort]

Why give something away when they can sell it? I imagine they're going to start selling PS2 titles via PSN. And because it's a nice source of revenue for publishers, I imagine the big three won't include BC in their next consoles.

Agreed, I see this more as a means to sell us PS2 games via download, though I hope I'm wrong, and they actually include true PS2 emulation.


So assuming the emulation is near 100%, does that mean the 60gig model would no longer be the "perfect" PS3?

No, I think the 60 & 20 gigs are still the best models if PS2 compatibility is important to you. I would prefer to have the hardware emulation with the actual PS2 chip in the console versus straight software emulation, which will be more prone to bugs and timing issues. Hardware emulation will always be more accurate and "true" than software emulation, IMO.

I just got a new 80gig model a short time ago, and I'm really disappointed with the PS1 emulation on it. Wip3out and other games I tried on it looked like crap, whereas they looked much better on my PS2. I'm chalking that up to the PS2 having a PS1 chip in it, versus the PS3's software emulation.

I'm just speculating.

[NayusDante]

I actually play more PS2 stuff on my PS3 than I do actual PS3 stuff. I can't imagine owning a PS3 without PS2 compatibility, making Sony a bunch of boneheads in my book.

I wish the PS3 had decent PS1 compatibility. I tried FF7 and it was a fuzzy mess. FF8 looked a little better, but the battle swirls were corrupted. I've since switched to my original PSX, so my PS2 is the only one that gets no use.

[exit]

I hope this means they'll release some games we didn't get via PSN, Siren 2 I'm looking at you.

[robotriot]

Well, I do hope it will actually add bc and not mean they're going to sell their games again via PSN (which would make more sense of course). Since I'm in Europe, we never got a bc PS3, so getting an older model is not really an option. I'd just prefer not having that many consoles hooked up simultaneously, that's why I'm a fan of bc. Of course, that would mean I couldn't play my PS2 imports anymore, so I'll probably have to keep the PS2 around anyway.

[Cloud121]

I got my 60gb right when they started phasing them out. I just hope they don't do something stupid like force software emulation if you have the hardware.

This is what I'm afraid of most.

Although one thing that does bug me about Sony, is that they don't mention the PS3 being backwards compatible at all. EVERY single PS3 model will play PSX games. Granted, that's support for fifth generation games, on a seventh generation console, but they could still use it as somewhat of a selling point.

[Oobgarm]

I got my 60gb right when they started phasing them out. I just hope they don't do something stupid like force software emulation if you have the hardware.

I highly doubt that. Keep in mind that 80% of the consoles out there(guessing) are not BC.