PS3 Not 100% Backwards Compatible?

[Cmtz]

Somewhat surprisingly, SCEI’s Reiko Sakamoto admitted not only that the list of problem games may grow but also that the imminent PS3 will not necessarily be 100% backwards compatible. You heard it here first.

(Via IDG News Service)

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) is launching a limited edition version of its PlayStation 2 to boost holiday sales in Japan. It comes with a special surprise: the inability to play some games smoothly.

SCEI has published a list of nine PlayStation 2 games and 38 PlayStation games that run into problems on the new console. The SCPH-75000 will be available in Japan from Nov. 23, and is modeled on the slim-line PlayStation 2 that SCEI put on sale just under a year ago. In launching the new model, SCEI is using an oft-employed sales-boosting tactic of making a console available in a different color — silver in this case — for a limited period.

However, this time changes made inside the console are causing trouble.

"We believe multiple factors are responsible," said Reiko Sakamoto, a spokeswoman for SCEI in Tokyo. The latest console uses a new chipset — the chip that sits between the main processor and the rest of the device — and changes in that chip coupled with the way some software is programmed are believed to be causing the glitches, she said. The problems are largely screen hang-ups during certain parts of the game but also include glitches such as the slow saving of game data onto memory cards.

The problems were discovered when SCEI began compatibility testing of the new consoles with the roughly 8,000 games that have been released for the PlayStation and PlayStation 2 consoles in Japan. Mass production of the consoles had already begun at the time.

As testing isn't complete the list could become longer. SCEI wouldn't specify how many titles remain to be tested but said "most of" the software testing has been completed.

Looking ahead to the PlayStation 3, which SCEI plans to launch in the first half of next year, Sakamoto said that SCEI remains committed to backwards compatibility with existing titles on the new machine.

"It's hard to say the PlayStation 3 will be 100 percent backwards compatible but as we said earlier this year we aim to make it so as much as possible," Sakamoto said.

The latest promotion comes at an important time for the company: ahead of the holiday sales season in Japan and just under three weeks before Microsoft is due to launch its Xbox 360 console in Japan. SCEI hasn't detailed an international launch for the console, which will cost ¥19,800 ($171) in Japan.”

[njiska]

No real suprise here. Ok well the compatability of the 75000 is suprising, but not for the PS3.

Hell the PS2 isn't even fully backwards compatiable, but it does support an incredibly large number of PS1 games. I always assumed the ps3 would be the same way.

[whoisKeel]

9 ps2 games and 38 ps1 games out of 8,000 ain't bad.

Wonder what games they are and if most of them were even released here in the U.S.

[AMG]

Hell the PS2 isn't even fully backwards compatiable, but it does support an incredibly large number of PS1 games. I always assumed the ps3 would be the same way.


Same here.

[badinsults]

One would expect that the PS2 should be compatible with all PS2 games? What the hell is wrong? Sony shouldn't be getting away with this. I can understand problems with PS games, but really, they shouldn't release a PS2 that has problems.

[alm0stfinished]

simple solution:

Use a psx to play psx games
Use a ps2 to play ps2 games
Use a ps3 to play ps3 games

I do think that is a little messed up that they aren't going to be fully backwards compatible, but i don't feel like anyone should be getting thheir panties twisted up because of it...

[mr_pollock]

Well the Slim PS2 isn't compatible with FFXI, but no one seemed to care.

I don't see this as a huge issue.

[Mianrtcv]

I don't find it a huge issue. So many other consoles gave you zero backwards compatibility. I'm glad to get what I get. This is usually only a big deal to haters and fanboys/fangirls. If it is merely less than one percent of titles released that is acceptable to most reasonable people. I'm sure this topic will soon become a hate thread somehow. :roll:

[kevin_psx]

Somewhat surprisingly, SCEI’s Reiko Sakamoto admitted not only that the list of problem games may grow but also that the imminent PS3 will not necessarily be 100% backwards compatible.


Plan to buy 5 ps2's when they get marked down to $50. I want to still be able to play all my ps1 and 2 games!

[chrisbid]

One would expect that the PS2 should be compatible with all PS2 games? What the hell is wrong? Sony shouldn't be getting away with this. I can understand problems with PS games, but really, they shouldn't release a PS2 that has problems.

my thoughts exactly

[kevin_psx]

Is the White PSone compatible with all PlayStation games?

[goatdan]

I don't find it a huge issue. So many other consoles gave you zero backwards compatibility. I'm glad to get what I get. This is usually only a big deal to haters and fanboys/fangirls. If it is merely less than one percent of titles released that is acceptable to most reasonable people. I'm sure this topic will soon become a hate thread somehow. :roll:

Except that they are talking about this being a problem with PS2s that they are releasing now. I don't understand why no one is talking about that problem.

Sony is releasing a PS2 RIGHT NOW that doesn't work with all of the PS2 games.

I don't know about anyone else, but if I bought an Xbox and then later found out it wasn't compatible with 10 Xbox games, I would feel pretty ripped off. I guess Sony's QC has just cushioned people from this?

As for the games not working on the PS3, agreed, that isn't a big deal. But the PS2 not playing all PS2 games? That I do see as a problem.

[Flack]

Plan to buy 5 ps2's when they get marked down to $50. I want to still be able to play all my ps1 and 2 games!

The PS2 doesn't play all PS1 games. Depending on which PS2 you're talking about (the original or that new one), they have different levels of compatibility. Hell that new PS2 doesn't even play all PS2 games.

Backwards compatibility will never be 100% and I'm okay with that. We've talked about that before; how many PS1 games do you really play on a normal basis on your PS2? And if you think PSX games look bad to your eyes now, wait until you get used to PS3/XBOX360 graphics.

I think they're making an effort and I'm happy with a 90-95% success rate, which they seem to be way above at the moment.

[kevin_psx]

Plan to buy 5 ps2's when they get marked down to $50. I want to still be able to play all my ps1 and 2 games!
The PS2 doesn't play all PS1 games.


Yeah. But PS2's 99.9% compatibility is better than the PS3's estimated 80% compatibility. That's my point. And why I want to stock up on spare PS2s.


; how many PS1 games do you really play on a normal basis on your PS2?
All of them. I like how the smoothing function makes the graphics look better. :-P

Is the White PSone compatible with all PlayStation games?

[KingCobra]

Depends on the games it won't play IMO, I'd be really bumm'd if I couldn't play my copy of Intelligent Cube, Konomi's Greatest Hits or my copy of Rez on a new PS2 model :/

I play alot of PSX titles on my PS2, it's nice playing theim through componet cables on the HDTV, S-Video is soo washed-out on the PSX.

This is really going to come down to whitch games, Now you know Sony won't let the cat out of the bag if they have any say so about the matter LOL

[Xizer]

Well the Slim PS2 isn't compatible with FFXI, but no one seemed to care.

That's because FFXI sucked balls.

[kevin_psx]

Depends on the games it won't play IMO, , Now you know Sony won't let the cat out of the bag if they have any say so about the matter LOL

Sony lists the PS1 games that don't run on the "old ps2" on their website - like final fantasy anthology. They don't hide flaws.


When Nintendo downgraded the Cube to a non-component video version - they offered to upgrade it to component video for anyone who asked. Wonder if Sony would do the same if you said, "Bought slim ps2 - won't play Rez. Can you fix it?"

[poloplayr]

who gives a flying f**k

[njiska]

Well the Slim PS2 isn't compatible with FFXI, but no one seemed to care.

That's because FFXI sucked balls.

No because the slim PS2 doesn't support the shitty HDD. Technically it does support FFXI but it can't run it because there's no HDD. I beleive if you pop the disc in you get a warning.

[Flack]

Yeah. But PS2's 99.9% compatibility is better than the PS3's estimated 80% compatibility. That's my point. And why I want to stock up on spare PS2s.

Who estimated 80% compatibility? You?

[poopnes]

Didn't this happen with the Genesis? I vaguely remember Populous not working with Model 2's or maybe it was Model 3's?

[njiska]

Yeah. But PS2's 99.9% compatibility is better than the PS3's estimated 80% compatibility. That's my point. And why I want to stock up on spare PS2s.

Who estimated 80% compatibility? You?

Who cares if it is 80% anyways? That's still 6400 playable games and Sony idefinitely going to test and fix as many of the popular ones as possible. Let's not forget that there's a lot of garbage out there.

[goatdan]

Yeah. But PS2's 99.9% compatibility is better than the PS3's estimated 80% compatibility. That's my point. And why I want to stock up on spare PS2s.

Who estimated 80% compatibility? You?

If we take the 8 games that currently don't work number and put that into the "approximately 2000" games that have come out in Asia for the PS2, you get a percentage of 0.4%. 80% compatibility would be 400 games that don't work.

This isn't a problem with the PS3, honestly. For the PS2, I do see it as a problem. Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I think that the PS2 should work with all PS2 games.

[goatdan]

Didn't this happen with the Genesis? I vaguely remember Populous not working with Model 2's or maybe it was Model 3's?

Certain unlicensed games (Zany Golf comes to mind) were purposely locked out of future Genesis releases, since they weren't licensed. The only Sega-released game that I believe doesn't work on 3's is Virtua Racer, but someone would have to confirm that for me.

[chrisbid]

Didn't this happen with the Genesis? I vaguely remember Populous not working with Model 2's or maybe it was Model 3's?

Certain unlicensed games (Zany Golf comes to mind) were purposely locked out of future Genesis releases, since they weren't licensed. The only Sega-released game that I believe doesn't work on 3's is Virtua Racer, but someone would have to confirm that for me.

thats correct (titled Virtua Racing ;) ), but the Genesis 3 wasn't even a Sega Product, and the Genesis had been out of the market place for a few years.

[zerohero]

No biggie, just makes more ps2 games rarer, and ps2 systems rarer.

[KingCobra]

Why would anyone want less compatibility within the same generation comming from the same compony? I can understand the next consoles gen, but after this quote...

"The problems were discovered when SCEI began compatibility testing of the new consoles with the roughly 8,000 games that have been released for the PlayStation and PlayStation 2 consoles in Japan. Mass production of the consoles had already begun at the time. "


Shouldn't they have done a little more testing before production begain?

[alm0stfinished]

Shouldn't they have done a little more testing before production begain?

Yes.

[sabre2922]

I don't find it a huge issue. So many other consoles gave you zero backwards compatibility. I'm glad to get what I get. This is usually only a big deal to haters and fanboys/fangirls. If it is merely less than one percent of titles released that is acceptable to most reasonable people. I'm sure this topic will soon become a hate thread somehow. :roll:

Except that they are talking about this being a problem with PS2s that they are releasing now. I don't understand why no one is talking about that problem.

Sony is releasing a PS2 RIGHT NOW that doesn't work with all of the PS2 games.

I don't know about anyone else, but if I bought an Xbox and then later found out it wasn't compatible with 10 Xbox games, I would feel pretty ripped off. I guess Sony's QC has just cushioned people from this?

As for the games not working on the PS3, agreed, that isn't a big deal. But the PS2 not playing all PS2 games? That I do see as a problem.

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/weblogs/upload/50/151706165843615b91ac38c.jpg

I agree with the statement that Mianrtcv made

OK so the there are a couple dozen PSX titles that arent fully compatible with the PS2s thats out of what? THOUSANDS OF PSONE GAMES?

As far as all this talk about the NEW PS2 not being compatible with 5 or 6 games even though one IS TEKKEN 5 the newer PS2 that the press is talking about is the a special release metallic JAPAN PS2 cmon big fuckin deal.

[Ed Oscuro]

As for the games not working on the PS3, agreed, that isn't a big deal. But the PS2 not playing all PS2 games? That I do see as a problem.
[Gary Coleman was here]

Hmm, people who have PS2 games?

For my part, it is a big issue. I want the PS3 to be able to play the PS2 games I've taken a miss on thus far because I had thought the PS3 would play them. No doubt it'll do all of them, but even one miss would piss me off.


OK so the there are a couple dozen PSX titles that arent fully compatible with the PS2s thats out of what? THOUSANDS OF PSONE GAMES?
Hmm...longevity of the drive issues, emulation issues...ACCURACY issues...[/quote]

[sabre2922]

As for the games not working on the PS3, agreed, that isn't a big deal. But the PS2 not playing all PS2 games? That I do see as a problem.
[Gary Coleman was here]

Hmm, people who have PS2 games?

For my part, it is a big issue. I want the PS3 to be able to play the PS2 games I've taken a miss on thus far because I had thought the PS3 would play them. No doubt it'll do all of them, but even one miss would piss me off.


OK so the there are a couple dozen PSX titles that arent fully compatible with the PS2s thats out of what? THOUSANDS OF PSONE GAMES?
Hmm...longevity of the drive issues, emulation issues...ACCURACY issues...[/quote]

My old nemesis ED I luv our littl tifs ;)

If the almighty-all-knowing god that is ED OSCURO will excuse my indignity for questioning his resolve in this issue I shall reiterate my point:

OK here we go again

First off I HAVE A PS2 AND PLAY MANY PS2 GAMES and I dont have a problem with this NOR DOES IT SEEM THAT OVER 50 MILLION OTHER PS2 owners have a problem with it either.

Also the PS2 DOES NOT EMULATE THE FREAKING PSONE GAMES IT HAS THE PSONE CHIP BUILT INTO THE PS2's IO PORT I thought this was common knowledge by now.

My point as well as a few others on this thread is this HOW MANY ACTUAL GAMES ARE WE TALKING ABOUT HERE? MAYBE A TOTAL OF 30 TO 50 PSONE/PS2 GAMES?
and once again......OUT OF WHAT? WELL OVER 5000 GAMES?

Damn some ppl will bitch about anything :D

[evildead2099]

Somewhat surprisingly, SCEI’s Reiko Sakamoto admitted not only that the list of problem games may grow but also that the imminent PS3 will not necessarily be 100% backwards compatible. You heard it here first.

Big deal. The PS2 wasn't 100% backwards compatible, either. Most of the Sony library is shite anyway, but as long as the minority of excellent games play well, I don't think too many people will care.

[Ed Oscuro]

First off I HAVE A PS2 AND PLAY MANY PS2 GAMES
Good for you, I don't. I'd rather just get a PS3, ya know? Saving money = good.


and I dont have a problem with this NOR DOES IT SEEM THAT OVER 50 MILLION OTHER PS2 owners have a problem with it either.
Did you ask them all? I bet some of them do. I do, but I'm not a PS2 owner, so I guess my opinion doesn't count...oh, wait, it does, because I'm a prospective PS3 customer, and your 50 million PS2 customers don't own this new, somewhat-less-compatible slimline model. Stands to reason they wouldn't have a problem...but then in my few trips to the local GameStop I have seen people coming up to management to return discs and being bewildered at the response that nope, they won't take back merchandise even if it won't work on their PS2. The compatibility issues hurt. Sony had said years ago that they were going to keep the format alive forever...and that's what people would like to assume. Ah, well.

As for backwards compatibility on the PS3, PS2 owners have something to fall back onto...until the PS2 breaks, that is, if you believe in that sort of thing; my original PSX still works. That's really the whole point of my post - I don't have a PS2 to use in lieu of a PS3, and a PS3 that doesn't actually play all PS2 games (especially if they are ones I want to try) would defeat the whole purpose of the backwards-compatibility thing, I'd think.


Also the PS2 DOES NOT EMULATE THE FREAKING PSONE GAMES IT HAS THE PSONE CHIP BUILT INTO THE PS2's IO PORT I thought this was common knowledge by now.
See, I was just giving something for you to act clever about ;) That said, something's obviously wrong, and it needs to be fixed in the drive emulating a PS2's, PSX's, not quite sure which or either, if not both. I'm sure Sony's working their dear little asses off over it, though, and I'm sure they'll do well to fix it.


HOW MANY ACTUAL GAMES ARE WE TALKING ABOUT HERE? MAYBE A TOTAL OF 30 TO 50 PSONE/PS2 GAMES?
and once again......OUT OF WHAT? WELL OVER 5000 GAMES?
Well, the problem is that some good, new titles are on the list. If brand-new games are on the list...

[davepesc]

Didn't this happen with the Genesis? I vaguely remember Populous not working with Model 2's or maybe it was Model 3's?

Populous (and one of the street fighters, I think) don't even work with post-launch Version 1s!

[sabre2922]

First off I HAVE A PS2 AND PLAY MANY PS2 GAMES
Good for you, I don't. I'd rather just get a PS3, ya know? Saving money = good.


and I dont have a problem with this NOR DOES IT SEEM THAT OVER 50 MILLION OTHER PS2 owners have a problem with it either.
Did you ask them all? I bet some of them do. I do, but I'm not a PS2 owner, so I guess my opinion doesn't count...oh, wait, it does, because I'm a prospective PS3 customer, and your 50 million PS2 customers don't own this new, somewhat-less-compatible slimline model. Stands to reason they wouldn't have a problem...but then in my few trips to the local GameStop I have seen people coming up to management to return discs and being bewildered at the response that nope, they won't take back merchandise even if it won't work on their PS2. The compatibility issues hurt. Sony had said years ago that they were going to keep the format alive forever...and that's what people would like to assume. Ah, well.

As for backwards compatibility on the PS3, PS2 owners have something to fall back onto...until the PS2 breaks, that is, if you believe in that sort of thing; my original PSX still works. That's really the whole point of my post - I don't have a PS2 to use in lieu of a PS3, and a PS3 that doesn't actually play all PS2 games (especially if they are ones I want to try) would defeat the whole purpose of the backwards-compatibility thing, I'd think.


Also the PS2 DOES NOT EMULATE THE FREAKING PSONE GAMES IT HAS THE PSONE CHIP BUILT INTO THE PS2's IO PORT I thought this was common knowledge by now.
See, I was just giving something for you to act clever about ;) That said, something's obviously wrong, and it needs to be fixed in the drive emulating a PS2's, PSX's, not quite sure which or either, if not both. I'm sure Sony's working their dear little asses off over it, though, and I'm sure they'll do well to fix it.


HOW MANY ACTUAL GAMES ARE WE TALKING ABOUT HERE? MAYBE A TOTAL OF 30 TO 50 PSONE/PS2 GAMES?
and once again......OUT OF WHAT? WELL OVER 5000 GAMES?
Well, the problem is that some good, new titles are on the list. If brand-new games are on the list...

Kool but I would like to make a slight suggestion in all respect my friend - JUST ADMIT (to both yourself and all of us here at the board) THAT YOU ED ARE ANTI-SONY and all will be golden :angel:

[Griking]

Perhaps Sony can get the bleem! team to work getting those eight or so games working again. LOL

[CrimsonNugget]

I'm really not surprised with the lower backwards-compatibility of the PS3. After all, it will be running on completely different hardware. It's all emulation, and emulation's tough to get 100% right. I commend them for even getting it to 80% (I don't know if that's right, just saw someone say it while skimming through). As for the PS2 not being able to play some PS2 games, that's kind of silly.

[Ed Oscuro]

Kool but I would like to make a slight suggestion in all respect my friend - JUST ADMIT (to both yourself and all of us here at the board) THAT YOU ED ARE ANTI-SONY and all will be golden :angel:
Guess you didn't remember me as well as you thought you did!

If I were anti-Sony, I'd be laughing at them, not planning to save my money for a PS3 first (instead of a 360 or Revolution). This is really not a huge issue for me; it's just a detail (an important one) to be ironed out - but one that I expect will be fixed, not just hope. I suppose if I were anti-Sony, I wouldn't have that expectation ;)

[sabre2922]

Kool but I would like to make a slight suggestion in all respect my friend - JUST ADMIT (to both yourself and all of us here at the board) THAT YOU ED ARE ANTI-SONY and all will be golden :angel:
Guess you didn't remember me as well as you thought you did!

If I were anti-Sony, I'd be laughing at them, not planning to save my money for a PS3 first (instead of a 360 or Revolution). This is really not a huge issue for me; it's just a detail (an important one) to be ironed out - but one that I expect will be fixed, not just hope. I suppose if I were anti-Sony, I wouldn't have that expectation ;)

agreed

[PS2Hawk]

it will definitely be a million times better than xbox360's bacward compatbility

[njiska]

it will definitely be a million times better than xbox360's bacward compatbility

Who asked or cares?

Anyway's yes at the start the PS3 should have better backwards compatibility, HOWEVER MS has stated that it's commited to having as close to 100% compatibility as possible, so with any luck the gap will shrink.

[PS2Hawk]

it will definitely be a million times better than xbox360's bacward compatbility

Who asked or cares?

Anyway's yes at the start the PS3 should have better backwards compatibility, HOWEVER MS has stated that it's commited to having as close to 100% compatibility as possible, so with any luck the gap will shrink.

yea just like they said all the download contents will be free with xbox live fee & over time they lived to their word.

[Ed Oscuro]

Another thing to consider, though, not really Sony's fault here, but the XBox has just one type of media, whereas there are quite a few types of slightly different (or wildly different) discs for PSX and PS2 games, which assuredly complicates the reading process...

[Arkaign]

Well, the thread title is about the PS3 being not entirely backwards compatible. On that note, I'd be pretty surprised if it were, there are probably close to 10,000 titles worldwide for PSX and PS2. Many are probably pretty obscure (they will make ANYthing in Japan!) to begin with.

On the PS2 side of things, it is kind of weird that you'd have a system that wouldn't be able to play all the games for *that* system. What's this about Tekken 5? Does it completely not work, or just some glitch somewhere?

[njiska]

What's this about Tekken 5? Does it completely not work, or just some glitch somewhere?

I forget the specific detail but it seems to me that the game was locking up.

[Arkaign]

Ah, found the article here : http://ps2.ign.com/articles/659/659949p1.html

All in all, insignificant. The Tekken 5 error only happens when "selecting "Tekken 3" from Arcade History, the game will sometimes freeze following the save screen" .. lol if that's it, big deal.

[goatdan]

Ed,

If PS2 backwards compatibility means so much for you that not having it 100% functioning makes you want to not get a PS3, why don't you just get a PS2? You said yourself that saving money was important. By the time the PS3 comes out, a used PS2 will probably drop to $49.99 or less.

Of course, you still wouldn't guarantee that the PS2 would play 100% of the games (which I do have an issue with). But being pissed that 0.4% of the PS2 library won't play on the PS3? I think that's a hell of a lot better than most companies have done in the past.

[Ed Oscuro]

If PS2 backwards compatibility means so much for you that not having it 100% functioning makes you want to not get a PS3
I said that?

Nah, you see, it's very important to me but I'm this goes on the "this is Sony's responsibility, if they screw it up shame on them" list, not the "if the PS3 does not have this feature I will NOT BUY IT (http://computer.ytmnd.com/). Probably should do something more constructive than fill everybody's ears here, though...

[Arkaign]

Sony has done an admirable job with Backwards compatibility, certainly leads the industry if you compare ..

This compares out-of-box ability, not the various add-ons (I owned a SMS to Genesis adapter heheh)

NES in SNES .. no
SNES in N64 .. no
N64 in Gamecube .. no
SMS in Genesis .. no
Genesis in Saturn .. no
Saturn in Dreamcast .. no
PS1 in PS2 .. yes (pretty much 99%)
PS2 in PS3 .. yes (should be very high %, of course not certain until actual launch)
Xbox1 in X360 .. yes (not too good at launch, hopefully will increase as time goes on)

I left off handhelds, but nods to Nintendo for some backwards compatibility with the GB series.

All in all, Sony has the best track record for new hardware supporting the last-gen games.

[kevin_psx]

Left off two important ones
- Atari 7800 - played 99.9% of 2600 games
- Revolution - downloadable games for nes, snes, n64 + cube discs


If Nintendo delivers what they promised they'll win the award for "best backwards capability".

[Arkaign]

Good call on the 7800 ..

I'm not sure about the Nintendo Rev though .. I mean you can't plug your old games into it, you have to download them? What about the mountain of unlicensed NES titles? How about cost? :)

Don't get me wrong .. could be great! I'm just not sure how to categorize an idea like that.

[kevin_psx]

Nintendo Rev though .. I mean you can't plug your old games into it, you have to download them? What about the mountain of unlicensed NES titles? How about cost? :)


Think of the success of Ipod and $1-2 game downloads on demand.

[Arkaign]

Yeah, I think it could be a huge hit!

And most of those games, even the n64 ones, are tiny (fast download!).

With the missing ability to plug in physical games from the legacy systems, or to play unlicensed games, I'd have to say that I couldn't exactly give Nintendo the award for backwards compatibility.

I would, however, say that it's definitely the most compelling *legal* games-on-demand concept ever attempted, and I hope it works for them.

[kevin_psx]

With the missing ability to plug in physical games from the legacy systems, or to play unlicensed games, I'd have to say that I couldn't exactly give Nintendo the award for backwards compatibility.

I'm sure someone/somewhere will figure a way to download illegal games via wireless and/or null modem.

How would you design a console to accept NES,snes,n64 carts? You'd need three different slots!

[devils advocate]

With the missing ability to plug in physical games from the legacy systems, or to play unlicensed games, I'd have to say that I couldn't exactly give Nintendo the award for backwards compatibility.

I'm sure someone/somewhere will figure a way to download illegal games via wireless and/or null modem.

How would you design a console to accept NES,snes,n64 carts? You'd need three different slots!

LOL. We agree on this one!! There is no way to combine those cart slots on one machine. And why should they. The thing would cost a fortune, and certainly would not help N's bottom line. Are you going to buy brand new freshly manufactured SNES carts for eighty bucks?
So Arkaign, am I understanding you properly? You wont give Nintendo the award,so to speak, because of the lack of physical cart reception from machines that vary by over TWENTY years, and that they won't allow UNLICENSED software on it??? Hmmmm....... Me thinks one demands too much.

Kevin, as far as piracy of the download system goes. Probably not possible. While it may be possible for users to modify uploaded data, (ie multiplayer modifications) that is temporarily stored in memory. They should not be able to beat the N's encryption on the downloads. MS has been successful with the box, I see no reason for N not to be.
I work as an engineer, Area manager for a telecom company, and although its CDMA tech on a high frequency that we use, the overall outlook seems to be that theft like that is quite low, Virtually non exist for us. The penalties are much higher for an individual than stealing a movie or two. In Canada, where I am, the result would be jail time for playing around in airspace. I'm sure the N has a pretty big legal team for that type of stuff.

[kevin_psx]

With the missing ability to plug in physical games from the legacy systems, or to play unlicensed games, I'd have to say that I couldn't exactly give Nintendo the award for backwards compatibility. How would you design a console to accept NES,snes,n64 carts? You'd need three different slots!
So Arkaign, am I understanding you properly? You wont give Nintendo the award,so to speak, because of the lack of physical cart reception???


Giving Arkaign the benefit of the doubt - he probably already has the nes/snes/n64 cartridges & doesn't want to rebuy them for $1 per download.

But I agree with you. If the Revolution can play the ROMs of the games - it should still count as backwards-compatibility. No other system can claim it plays games back to 1982!

[GameSlaveGaz]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the blue-backed disc issue w/the PS2. It's a recurring problem, especially as one's PS2 gets older, that it will stop reading the blue-backed disc, so we've been having problems with compatibility with Sony for quite a few years.

But, as far as none of the games that you really want is on the incompatible list, it doesn't affect you, so why care until it does? And in that case, then keep your old PSX (or PSone) and PS2 around to play those few games that don't work on your PS3. A vast majority of people already have both or at least one, and by the time the PS3 comes around both systems are going to be retardedly cheap (probably even for new ones) so it's not like it's going to be that big a pain in the ass.

The fact that Tekken 5 won't load Tekken 3 on the new PStwo is definitely not a big problem when you can just get the original copy of Tekken 3. If you're a big Tekken fan you probably already have it (I do)

Also, this is just another reason to wait on the PS3. First and foremost is the price, and now this. I know it's hard to resist, but buying a brand-new system on launch day isn't always the brightest idea. First off, you're getting it at the highest price where you can wait 6 months to a year and get it for $50 or even $100 less, they haven't worked out all the bugs yet and the library is just starting out. It makes a lot more sense to wait until a price drop and for there to be a large selection of games that you really want available. Also, later shipments might be upgraded and have better backwards compatibility than the launch units.

[esquire]

I was reading a back issue of EGM, Sept. 2005 - Number 195, p. 52, "Overheard" when I came across the following quote:


"Playstation 3 will play your Playstation games. It's not enough for us to go in there and say, 'It's backward compatible, sort of.' That doesn't work for us."

- Sony Computer Entertainment America President and CEO Kaz Hirai knocks the Xbox 360's ability to only play certain older Xbox games

I recalled this thread and just had to laugh. If that weren't the case of the pot calling the kettle black, I don't know what would be. Statements like this is only more reason to ignore all the hype the industry puts out over why their console will be better than their competitor's. Lesson to be learned is to just wait and see, and then talk about issues such as these, as today's news is tomorrow's long forgotten history. A lot can change between now and the release of the PS3.

[njiska]

I was reading a back issue of EGM, Sept. 2005 - Number 195, p. 52, "Overheard" when I came across the following quote:


"Playstation 3 will play your Playstation games. It's not enough for us to go in there and say, 'It's backward compatible, sort of.' That doesn't work for us."

- Sony Computer Entertainment America President and CEO Kaz Hirai knocks the Xbox 360's ability to only play certain older Xbox games

I recalled this thread and just had to laugh. If that weren't the case of the pot calling the kettle black, I don't know what would be. Statements like this is only more reason to ignore all the hype the industry puts out over why their console will be better than their competitor's. Lesson to be learned is to just wait and see, and then talk about issues such as these, as today's news is tomorrow's long forgotten history. A lot can change between now and the release of the PS3.

Yeah a lto can change for better or for worse. I doubt we'll ever see 100% flawless backwards compatibility, even in hardware.

[kevin_psx]

as one's PS2 gets older, that it will stop reading the blue-backed disc, so we've been having problems with compatibility with Sony for quite a few years.


That's a dirty/dusty lens problem not software-incompatibilty. Luckily even though I use my ps2 as my dvd player - I've not had that problem.

[njiska]

as one's PS2 gets older, that it will stop reading the blue-backed disc, so we've been having problems with compatibility with Sony for quite a few years.


That's a dirty/dusty lens problem not software-incompatibilty. Luckily even though I use my ps2 as my dvd player - I've not had that problem.

It's often more then just a dirty lens. As a PS2 ages it's laser get's out of position and needs to be re-adjusted. As it get's more and more out of position it has a harder time reading the disc. For some reason the blue bottom ones start to fail first.

[Ed Oscuro]

But I agree with you. If the Revolution can play the ROMs of the games - it should still count as backwards-compatibility. No other system can claim it plays games back to 1982!
Huh? Paying the company twice for games you already own is "backwards-compatibility?"

No, I call that "bend-backwards gullibility."

[njiska]

But I agree with you. If the Revolution can play the ROMs of the games - it should still count as backwards-compatibility. No other system can claim it plays games back to 1982!
Huh? Paying the company twice for games you already own is "backwards-compatibility?"

No, I call that "bend-backwards gullibility."

Yeah Nintendo's download back-compatibility is cool, but beyond the n64 is's just pointless.

The revolution does have a perfect Nes controller (just look at that remote sideways) but i'm still happier with the Xbox + Modchip + Emulator option.

[GameSlaveGaz]

as one's PS2 gets older, that it will stop reading the blue-backed disc, so we've been having problems with compatibility with Sony for quite a few years.


That's a dirty/dusty lens problem not software-incompatibilty. Luckily even though I use my ps2 as my dvd player - I've not had that problem.

It's often more then just a dirty lens. As a PS2 ages it's laser get's out of position and needs to be re-adjusted. As it get's more and more out of position it has a harder time reading the disc. For some reason the blue bottom ones start to fail first.

My PS2 is 4 years old and I haven't had any problems with it yet *knocks wood* but as a video game retailer I've heard many sob stories from PS2 owners, and the most common is that their system won't read blue-backs anymore. I get a lot of customers asking me if a game they want to buy has a blue back or not and asking if they can exchange it for a different game if it doesn't work, which of course is an unfortunate no due to our return policy. But my boyfriend's boss at GameStop pointed out to me that silver-backed games will have the DVD-Rom logo on the case and blue-backed games will have the Compact Disc logo on the case, and I checked all my games at home and sure enough, all my silver-backed say DVD-Rom and all my blue-backed say Compact Disc, so I can use that to aid my poor unfortunate PlayStation 2-owning customers. Honestly, once my PS2 starts to go, I'll just send it to Sony to have it fixed or buy a new one. I'm not gonna play games with my system (except the games it was designed to play LOL) and miss out on playing quality blue-backed games like Mad Maestro and ICO and Taiko Drum Master.

And why do we keep calling them blue-backed when they're more of a purple color? Technically, it's an Indigo (like the GameCube) I guess it's just easier to say blue-backed (gotta love alliteration) than purple-backed or indigo-backed. LOL

[njiska]

Said a bunch of stuff.

I guess you see colors different then i do because i see a very dark blue.

Anyways if you and you're PS2 owning customers need some help try looking here. It didn't help Mr.FoodMonster, but it may help you.

http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/features/45797/PlayStation_2_Disc_Read_Error_Fix.html

[Zing]

The PS2 was especially well thought out since it was physically similar to the PS1 and all of the peripherals were compatible. Sadly, this isn't the case with the PS3. The current information is that even our saves on PS2 memory cards won't be able to be carried over to the PS3. :(

I play all of my PS1 games on my PS2 and have had no issues. However, I just found out that my shiny new Tomba is on the official b0rked list and locks up when saving. :(

Anyone have a sealed or NIB SCPH-9001 for sale? :D