Sony has announced that backwards compatibility will not be returning to the Playstation 3 in future models.
In early July My Gaming reported that Sony has patented an updated cell processor which would better emulate the Emotion Chip, which formed the basis for the PS2’s hardware.
It seems however that this patent may have been intended for the PS3 Slim which includes a cell processor that is slightly smaller and arguably faster than its bulkier predecessor. Sony’s director of hardware marketing John Koller told Ars Technica at Gamescom this week that the processor had been upgraded from a 65nm process to a 45nm process. This should make the PS3 Slim a cooler and quieter console than the regular PS3.
“It’s not coming back, it’s not as big as a purchase intent driver as you may be hearing.” commented Koller regarding backwards compatibility.
“We’ve got such a substantial lineup of titles on the PS3; most people are buying the PS3 for PS3 games. They’ve buying it for PS3 games and Blu-ray movies.”
Some older PS3 models still offer backwards compatibility, either through software emulation in European machines and an embedded Emotion chip in the North American and Japanese versions. None of these models are currently available for retail although they can generally be purchased second hand.
On a lighter note Koller added that upgrading the Slim’s hard drive would not void the warranty. “In fact, we encourage it,” he said and added that upgrading the 120GB 2.5” HDD would be a simple two screw process.
Discuss backwards compatibility in the forums
Loading ...
