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This is the end of a chapter for Sony's videogame entertainment products.
They're pulling out one of their best features which kept the PS2 going at the start of its term when there were barely any half decent games available...
...Backwards compatibility.
There will be no more 60GB unit production and Sony will focus entirely on their new cheaper to produce (and buy) 40GB version which does not feature backwards compatibility on any of your Playstation or Playstation 2 games...
...That is unless you're willing to buy your games again on the PS3's online store.
So how have Sony awarded all you Playstation customers for sticking with them from the start? They're cutting a bloody good feature which they promised would be available...mind you, they also promised 7 bluetooth controllers on one PS3 system back in 2005 E3...
I know the backwards compatibility thing hasn't been entirely without flaws on Xbox 360, and to be fair, Nintendo have done as much as I can see reasonably possible with Wii's backwards compatibility featuring parts of the back catalogs of atleast 6 systems so far, as well as the entire GameCube back catalog. But atleast its there for all customers.
They're pulling out one of their best features which kept the PS2 going at the start of its term when there were barely any half decent games available...
...Backwards compatibility.
There will be no more 60GB unit production and Sony will focus entirely on their new cheaper to produce (and buy) 40GB version which does not feature backwards compatibility on any of your Playstation or Playstation 2 games...
...That is unless you're willing to buy your games again on the PS3's online store.
So how have Sony awarded all you Playstation customers for sticking with them from the start? They're cutting a bloody good feature which they promised would be available...mind you, they also promised 7 bluetooth controllers on one PS3 system back in 2005 E3...
I know the backwards compatibility thing hasn't been entirely without flaws on Xbox 360, and to be fair, Nintendo have done as much as I can see reasonably possible with Wii's backwards compatibility featuring parts of the back catalogs of atleast 6 systems so far, as well as the entire GameCube back catalog. But atleast its there for all customers.
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I think it's a very wise move. Slash the price, keep the power :)
If people care enough for their PS2 games, play them on your PS2?
If not, the source even says: "...all the 'missing' features should some consumers require them are easily upgraded with USB memory card readers, USB hubs, or bigger external USB or internal HDs."
If people care enough for their PS2 games, play them on your PS2?
If not, the source even says: "...all the 'missing' features should some consumers require them are easily upgraded with USB memory card readers, USB hubs, or bigger external USB or internal HDs."
yes, I think it's an important feature. But I have a feeling Sony will announce a European release for the higher spec model becoming available in the US very soon. Now either this is in their plans already or it will be due to having to bow to public pressure.
If so, it would be a far smarter move, having a cheaper system without BC and then providing an even higher spec one than the current system at a higher price (or more likely the original price).
However, if that doesn't happen then I think Sony will sell less consoles than they hope. They'll still sell loads, but maybe not as many as if they'd had BC.
You also have to ask how many people are going to know about the BC issues anyway. It's alright for people like us that keep up to date with gaming news, but many kids or parents getting the console for Christmas won't be aware of it and will be enticed by the cheaper price. Could be a good thing in terms of sales, perhaps until the owners realise what's missing...
If so, it would be a far smarter move, having a cheaper system without BC and then providing an even higher spec one than the current system at a higher price (or more likely the original price).
However, if that doesn't happen then I think Sony will sell less consoles than they hope. They'll still sell loads, but maybe not as many as if they'd had BC.
You also have to ask how many people are going to know about the BC issues anyway. It's alright for people like us that keep up to date with gaming news, but many kids or parents getting the console for Christmas won't be aware of it and will be enticed by the cheaper price. Could be a good thing in terms of sales, perhaps until the owners realise what's missing...
With my disc tray on my original Xbox being dodgy, the backwards compatibility feature was part of my decision to buy a 360...
And the ability to play retro games on Wii came into that decision too...
I'm not saying it's the sole-important feature - but it does make a difference...
And the ability to play retro games on Wii came into that decision too...
I'm not saying it's the sole-important feature - but it does make a difference...
To be honest, I think its a sensible move. We all know they needed to reach a more favourable price point (personally I think <300 is the benchmark). BC is a nice feature to have no doubt, but I cant imagine I'd ever factor it into me buying a PS3. Having said that the 60gig model is still better value for money at the moment given it comes with 2 games + the BC and other minor features)
I wouldnt discount the introduction of a further model either. Theres already rumours of yet another model being filed (although what territory it ends up in is anybodys guess).
I wouldnt discount the introduction of a further model either. Theres already rumours of yet another model being filed (although what territory it ends up in is anybodys guess).
Thats a shame. I was just starting to get interested in it but i've got too many old games to just let them gather dust and i'm not going to switch between the two consoles. Once again, Sony can screw themselves.
As far as i was aware the 60GB model has just been cut to £350 with all the normal features, while the 40GB model has lost it's backwards compatability.
This is the end of a chapter for Sony's videogame entertainment products.
They're pulling out one of their best features which kept the PS2 going at the start of its term when there were barely any half decent games available...
...Backwards compatibility.
There will be no more 60GB unit production and Sony will focus entirely on their new cheaper to produce (and buy) 40GB version which does not feature backwards compatibility on any of your Playstation or Playstation 2 games...
...That is unless you're willing to buy your games again on the PS3's online store.
So how have Sony awarded all you Playstation customers for sticking with them from the start? They're cutting a bloody good feature which they promised would be available...mind you, they also promised 7 bluetooth controllers on one PS3 system back in 2005 E3...
I know the backwards compatibility thing hasn't been entirely without flaws on Xbox 360, and to be fair, Nintendo have done as much as I can see reasonably possible with Wii's backwards compatibility featuring parts of the back catalogs of atleast 6 systems so far, as well as the entire GameCube back catalog. But atleast its there for all customers.
They're pulling out one of their best features which kept the PS2 going at the start of its term when there were barely any half decent games available...
...Backwards compatibility.
There will be no more 60GB unit production and Sony will focus entirely on their new cheaper to produce (and buy) 40GB version which does not feature backwards compatibility on any of your Playstation or Playstation 2 games...
...That is unless you're willing to buy your games again on the PS3's online store.
So how have Sony awarded all you Playstation customers for sticking with them from the start? They're cutting a bloody good feature which they promised would be available...mind you, they also promised 7 bluetooth controllers on one PS3 system back in 2005 E3...
I know the backwards compatibility thing hasn't been entirely without flaws on Xbox 360, and to be fair, Nintendo have done as much as I can see reasonably possible with Wii's backwards compatibility featuring parts of the back catalogs of atleast 6 systems so far, as well as the entire GameCube back catalog. But atleast its there for all customers.
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