GetDotted Domains

Viewing Thread:
"Sony adds another blow to the European PS3 launch."

The "Sony Games" forum, which includes Retro Game Reviews, has been archived and is now read-only. You cannot post here or create a new thread or review on this forum.

Thu 01/03/07 at 11:23
Moderator
"possibly impossible"
Posts: 24,985
"Do Sony hate Europeans?"

This must be a question a fair few people are asking after the latest in a line of disappointments for the potential PS3 customers on this side of the Atlantic. First the delays, then the choice of only one machine (which, in my opinion, will be a good thing in the long term) and now the bombshell that most PS2 games won’t be compatible with the PS3 in European consoles. And Sony wonder why people import!

This cost cutting process means that Sony, while not making a profit, can make less of a loss on the PS3. At the same time, it may also prevent PS2 owners from trading in their machines and their precious back-catalogue of games which now seem unlikely to be played on the new console. Software emulation is still working, but this supports only a small number of the vast back catalogue of PS2 games at the moment and doesn’t seem to rise to Xbox 360 proportions as yet.

There was a similar outcry when Microsoft announced that not all old Xbox games would be compatible with the 360, but then software emulation was on the cards from the start with that console. With the PS3 Asian and American owners have already enjoyed hardware emulation, so it makes little sense for Sony to remove this even before the European launch unless, like many are now thinking, they have something against Europe.

On the plus side, the PS3 releases look quite strong enough to hold plenty of interest for potential purchasers, but PS2 compatibility would have been a nice bonus for those wanting only 1 console under their TV.
Fri 02/03/07 at 14:15
Regular
"8==="
Posts: 33,481
Probably. Especially now one of their competitors has gone.
Fri 02/03/07 at 14:03
Regular
Posts: 14,437
Don't Play-Asia do them?
Fri 02/03/07 at 10:49
Regular
"8==="
Posts: 33,481
I still loathe the early 90's pads and Sony, very intelligently, killed off lik-sang who were the source I was going to buy an Xbox controller to PS2 console converter from. :D
Fri 02/03/07 at 10:42
Moderator
"possibly impossible"
Posts: 24,985
Bullett wrote:
> Are PS3 games region free? I think I heard that somewhere.
>
> If so, I'll import when the time comes for me to take the
> plunge.

Not sure if you'll get the download service working from a US PS3, I think there are obstacles to paying downloading or something. Might have to look into that first.
Fri 02/03/07 at 10:26
Regular
Posts: 14,437
Are PS3 games region free? I think I heard that somewhere.

If so, I'll import when the time comes for me to take the plunge.
Thu 01/03/07 at 13:15
Regular
"8==="
Posts: 33,481
They're stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Two cheaper rivals with established user-bases both with deep pockets and both with a degree of marketing savvy and a reluctance to play the old FMV tricks that have been used by Sony in the past.
Thu 01/03/07 at 13:09
Moderator
"possibly impossible"
Posts: 24,985
Hedfix wrote:
> No doubt Sony have realised that many NTSC titles were never
> translated to various european languages so releasing them in
> their current state (ie with just English and Japanese
> translations) would be a disaster for the european launch.

But that has nothing to do with hardware emulation, which is basically the same as putting a PS2 inside the PS3. Therefore, it's easier for them to keep it in to cope with all the other language releases.

There may be an issue as to the amount of PS2 software sold in Europe, but considering previous sales figures and the PS2 being the dominent machine from the last generation, I doubt it.

So the only reason is cost cutting, and damn Europe if the customers get in the way...
Thu 01/03/07 at 12:13
Regular
"8==="
Posts: 33,481
Europe's the third best market of the main three. There's language and licencing issues because of the sheer number of countries.

Compared to sorting out Japan and America, Europe's a minefield. It's this extra hassle that sees it get the poor deals.

No doubt Sony have realised that many NTSC titles were never translated to various european languages so releasing them in their current state (ie with just English and Japanese translations) would be a disaster for the european launch.

Still the British market is supposed to be incredibly strong (at-least the recent support for the 360 has shown this) so Sony it really would have been a coup if Sony had just let the British Isles have these titles, but then that would annoy the rest of europe and I doubt the strong conmsole market in Britain can equal the total console buying power of the rest of europe.

"Meh" :D
Thu 01/03/07 at 11:41
Regular
"Copyright: FM Inc."
Posts: 10,338
I was trying to think of something witty to add, but it's getting so serious with Sony now that I just can't think of anything.

Anyone would think their long-term goal was to move out of Europe altogether.
Thu 01/03/07 at 11:36
Regular
"Picking a winner!"
Posts: 8,502
Does seem like an odd decision - but one that should save them a bit of money.

I'm not really bothered by it, there would be a handful of games that I'd probably play on the PS2 at the moment but I doubt when the new PS3 games were around that I'd give them much thought.

I'll not be rushing around at launch to try get one, going to wait until a few games that actually look like being something special appear out for it.

Freeola & GetDotted are rated 5 Stars

Check out some of our customer reviews below:

First Class!
I feel that your service on this occasion was absolutely first class - a model of excellence. After this, I hope to stay with Freeola for a long time!
Everybody thinks I am an IT genius...
Nothing but admiration. I have been complimented on the church site that I manage through you and everybody thinks I am an IT genius. Your support is unquestionably outstanding.
Brian

View More Reviews

Need some help? Give us a call on 01376 55 60 60

Go to Support Centre
Feedback Close Feedback

It appears you are using an old browser, as such, some parts of the Freeola and Getdotted site will not work as intended. Using the latest version of your browser, or another browser such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Opera will provide a better, safer browsing experience for you.