PS3 40GB is/is not backward compatible?

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raftcomm

93 posts

Master Geek

#18337 7-Jan-2008 12:14

Hi guys,

After stumbling across some news that GTA4 is coming out mid this year (i think) on the PS3, im starting to look at potentially getting one in the near future. Incidentally, GTA was the ONLY reason why i got the PS2 in the first place.

The question is, for the 40GB PS3 console, can we play PS2 games on it? I checked the FAQ section on the official PS3 site and it says 40GB version is not but the 80GB is. The quote of the FAQ is here:

___________________

Can I still play my PlayStation®2 games, DVD movie, and CD music collection on PLAYSTATION®3?
Yes, you can play your DVD and CD collection, as well thousands of PlayStation® and PlayStation®2 software titles on your 80GB PS3. . Many PlayStation®2 format software titles operate, but full compatibility is not guaranteed. Updating the system software may improve compatibility. Visit www.us.playstation.com for system software updates.
The 40GB PS3, however, does not include PlayStation 2 compatibility.

___________________

Through some of the threads ive read in this forum, it seems like the 40GB is backward compatible so just to set the record straight, can the current owners of the PS3 console of the 40GB version confirm that it is or isnt backward compatible?

Cheers

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397 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#103306 7-Jan-2008 12:20

The answer is: no, nope nada, no way Josay!

raftcomm

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Master Geek

#103312 7-Jan-2008 12:48

ah bugger! Ive got quite a few PS2 games and wouldnt like to see them go to waste with the upgrade to PS3.

Are there any NZ shops that sell the 80GB version of the PS3 then?

chiefie

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#103318 7-Jan-2008 13:07

It'll be very hard to find 80GB and soon you'll see Sony withdrawing all PS2 components in all editions. 40GB proved a good selling package and attracted a lot of PS3 buyers.

Sony's advice to people looking to upgrade from PS2 to PS3, is to keep their current PS2.

A whole lot of good reason on their side to suggest this. It ensure that PS3 isn't killed or overshadowed by it's predecessor, and pushes the migration from PS2 to PS3 by only allowing one to play PS3 games (and PS1) on PS3. To push 40GB PS3 as their primary BluRay (with profile 1.1) player.

This put the very question on, what is PS3's real identity... the gaming side of it isn't sparking that great because the game titles aren't really huge yet, the media centre part is doing alright, but BluRay player role is obviously the selling point at the moment.

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raftcomm

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Master Geek

#103321 7-Jan-2008 13:13

Thanks for that piece of advice chiefie.

Admittedly, its going to be hard for me to resist getting the PS3 once GTA4 comes out. Blue Ray certainly is a plus for those with HDTV but unfortunately, im still one of those stuck with a CRT TV and cant really justify the upgrade as yet since it cost considerably more than a PS3. :)

Are there any known common problems with the PS3?

Not sure if im able to ask this subsequent question (happy to remove this question if required):

Can the PS3 be modified to play all game formats (PAL and NTSC)?

littlehead

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Master Geek
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#103324 7-Jan-2008 13:23

All ps3's and ps3 games are region free, for gaming.
They are, however, region locked for DVD and Blu-ray.

chiefie

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#103344 7-Jan-2008 15:00

My advice is, unless you got awesome big CRT TV, hold off a bit longer until you can get HDTV to fully appreciate HDMI (or HD quality video). On the positive side of doing so, is the console will drop in price in due time and HDTV will becoming more affordable too.

However, if you can't wait for it, do take up Sony's promotion (which seems to be in every other countries at the moment) is get a Sony LCD tv, and receive PS3-40GB for free. That is if you have the money to justify a bigger purchase, or if you're daring and have the credit, why not get it on hire purchase to secure this promotion (again, if it is running in NZ).

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raftcomm

93 posts

Master Geek

#103352 7-Jan-2008 15:35

Funny that you mentioned that offer actually. I did have my eyes set on the Sony Bravia LCD TV range but dont recall seeing any offer about a free PS3. I know the wife has been eyeing a decent LCD for awhile so i might be able to kill 2 birds with one stone with such an offer. Dont recall seeing that offer in Harvey Norman though.

Anyone used this offer yet?

chiefie

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#103360 7-Jan-2008 16:16

there was this offer a while back when PS3 40GB was out.. good 3 months or so ago... and the same promotion just started up in US/UK recently...

But I have heard/read that Aussie just started this promotion again... so it may be very soon another promotion here, so just look out for it.

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stevonz

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Ultimate Geek

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#103407 7-Jan-2008 18:46

Or... you could get a 2nd-hand PS3 (60GB) like I did! I have a samll aresnal of PS1 & 2 games too.

macuser

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#103415 7-Jan-2008 19:06

No way in the world that the 80GB PS3 will come to NZ...

They're not going to bring it if they couldn't get anyone to buy the 60GB...

Thats why they introduced the 40GB for...

Plus 80GB is only America I believe?

as Stevonz said, Buy a 60GB off Trademe, or hunt down some at a local electronics store - They may have some as PS3s don't usually sell that well!

tstone

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#103495 8-Jan-2008 08:11

macuser: They may have some as PS3s don't usually sell that well!

I think you should check your facts first: http://ps3.qj.net/Sony-platforms-still-leading-in-New-Zealand/pg/49/aid/109852

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raftcomm

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Master Geek

#103517 8-Jan-2008 09:57

Thats quite interesting to note actually. Not that im completely loyal to sony or anything but much as there are a lesser range of games to choose from.....for now....its the actual game that drives me to get the PS3. In my case its GTA4 so i guess im very much part of the "playstation nation".

chiefie

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#103519 8-Jan-2008 09:59

tstone, I think MacUser was referring to 60GB version. It is true that before 40GB became available, 60GB was mostly sitting on the shelves. it's the 40GB-no-PS2-backward-compatible that made the difference.

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#103521 8-Jan-2008 10:02

raftcomm: Thats quite interesting to note actually. Not that im completely loyal to sony or anything but much as there are a lesser range of games to choose from.....for now....its the actual game that drives me to get the PS3. In my case its GTA4 so i guess im very much part of the "playstation nation".

I would probably bite the bullet and get PS3, just for Final Fantasy. If only it is just a pure console as I don't see the need for its media part (sure it is nice) but... I don't spend much time on all game consoles we have here, and I just want to get to the game and play it and be done with it for a while. I don't picture myself using the media part when we have our media centre, game consoles, lcd tv, few laptops... in ONE room... so all the gadgets are within very close surrounding that I don't need another media centre.

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tstone

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#103527 8-Jan-2008 10:33

chiefie: tstone, I think MacUser was referring to 60GB version. It is true that before 40GB became available, 60GB was mostly sitting on the shelves. it's the 40GB-no-PS2-backward-compatible that made the difference.

Yes, upon rereading it is quite possible he was referring to the 60GB version, my apologies if that was what he meant. I can understand that the price of the 40GB makes it much more attractive. I bought a PS3 for the games but I have become a convert to the media capabilities given that we have no other source of high-def stuff at home. Also the ease of use (which I didn't know about before purchase) means that it 'just works' and a 5 year old can operate it.

Good luck to you raftcomm.

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