Looking for PS3 System Recommendations

[Jasonbar]

Howdy-

At a used car dealership promotion, I won a new TV yesterday! (47" Vizio LCD, 120Hz, wi-fi). Given that my current TV is a 25" JVC tube that I bought in 1993, this is quite a leap in TV technology for me. This necessitates some other upgrades in my audio/video rack.

At the top of the list is a PS3 to act as a good Blu-Ray player. Oh yeah, & it also plays video games & stuff too. Getting a PS3 will break my tradition of owning no consoles that are currently sold in stores, so I'm a bit rusty when it comes to details on the current systems.


Here's my question/dilemma. I prefer to minimize my console count. I currently have a fat PS2 that's modded to play imports, & it also plays PS1 US & import games.

It would be *great* if I could get a PS3 that plays PS3 games, PS2 US & import games, & PS1 US & import games. Am I dreaming?

My research has revealed that only a few of the older, bigger PS3 models could play PS2 & PS1 games (with perfect compatibility? or just *good* compatibility?), & these probably command a premium accordingly.

But, the newer PS3s are in much smaller cases & have much bigger hard drives & have some audio/video improvements. Are there any mods on current (or current-ish) small PS3 consoles that will let me play my US/import PS2/PS1 library?

What do you guys recommend?


Thanks!
-Jason

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Yes, a bit of dreaming.

20, 60 and some early 80 Gig models play PS2 discs.

ALL PS3s play PS1 discs.

However, only PS3 game software isn't locked down to its region of manufacture, so even if you do get a PS2 compatible PS3, PS2 and PS1 discs are limited to the region system that you get.

I'm not certain if this can be alleviated with custom firmware, you'll need to consult with an expert in soft-modding PS3s. I've never done that. I know there's currently no way to add PS2 compatibility to any PS3 that doesn't have it built into the hardware, but you may be able to strip the region lock-down on PS1/PS2 games.

Here's a compatibility chart for off-the-shelf PS3s.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_3#Model_comparison

[RCM]

I have a 60 gig model for all my domestic stuff (PS, PS2, PS3) and a PS2 slim for imports. The 20 and 60 gig launch models still command a higher price in comparison to other models on the second hand market due to the BC, last I checked.

Besides Blu-Ray, is there any particular reason you're going with PS3? 360 (via HDMI) upscales DVDs just as well as PS3, and I prefer the disc-based and downloadable library on 360. I've owned a PS3/Blu-Ray player for over four years now and have purchased roughly five BR discs. The tech is cool when a disc is given the proper treatment, but some studios have been content to half-ass transfers (like some DVDs too) and charge way too much for cruddy looking films.

I like Blu-Ray, but I probably watch more "HD" content via Netflix.

[substantial_snake]

Since all PS3's are region free in regards to PS3 software you could always buy a japanese 60 gig PS3. If you go this route a 60 gig will give you the best compatibility possible with PS2 games but it will be REALLY expensive regardless of condition of the console.

It would allow you to play:

-All Region PS3 games
-JPN PS2 games
-JPN PS1 games

It would not allow you to play:

-US/EU PS2 Games
-US/EU PS1 Games

I have also read mixed reports that PS3 from X region cannot play DvDs from another region due to the same region encoding system that effects region-free PS2 play, blu-ray uses a different system for region encoding and so shouldn't be effected by this.

I would highly suggest you just pick up the cheapest new PS3 you can find a keep your region free PS2. With Black Friday coming up less then a month away and having already a region free console it would make a ton more sense to pick up a 160gig slim which is going to be more reliable then a used "fat" model and has significantly more onboard memory as standard. (although its really easy to replace if your interested)

[Blanka789]

Keep your region-free PS2, and don't throw out that tube TV either!

Get one of the slim models of the PS3. They don't have backwards compatibility, but seem to be more reliable in my experience. It should also net you a larger hard drive, although that can be upgraded if you wish.

The older, larger models tended to become very, very hot when playing games or video. After enough time, many get the Yellow Light of Death. It's not as widespread as the Red Ring of Death, but the problem is definitely there.

After my first PS3 broke, I got a slim, and have been incredibly happy ever since. The only downside? I sold my PS2 :(

Don't make the same mistake I did.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I have also read mixed reports that PS3 from X region cannot play DvDs from another region due to the same region encoding system that effects region-free PS2 play, blu-ray uses a different system for region encoding and so shouldn't be effected by this.

Both DVD and Blu-Ray region coding is locked down as well.

Only PS3 games are region "friendly" (they're coded, but not restricted).