New Sony Patent May Mean Return of Backwards Compatibility - PlayStation fans are tawkn

New Sony Patent May Mean Return of Backwards Compatibility
Posted by Mike Hartnett at 2009-06-29 22:18:35
Tagged: [Sony] [PlayStation 3] [PlayStation 2] [Images & Screenshots]

Sony has just filed a new patent which will grant the PS3's cell processor the ability to emulate the PS2's emotion engine. There could be several reasons for this, but the one most likely would have to do with bringing PS2 backward compatibility back to the PS3.

Siliconera managed to get their hands on the pics for this new patent.

This is most interesting, as the return of PS2 backwards compatibility to the PS3 may be just what the doctor ordered to help those who still own PS2s embrace the next generation of PlayStation consoles. We should probably expect to see this implemented by the end of this year, possibly with the release of Sony's fabled PS3 Slim perhaps?

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10 comments:

TRUE_PS3

2009-06-30 00:17:10

All 60gb already have backwards compatibility correct?

Mike Hartnett

404

2009-06-30 01:27:01

@TRUE_PS3: 20GB and 60GB systems have full B/C via the Emotion Engine chip built-in, the old 80GB had limited B/C through software emulation.

Brian Kamm

279

2009-06-30 07:10:47

would this mean BC equivalent to the launch 20GB/60GB units or more like the 80 GB MGS4? I'm hoping for the former, as I have the latter-- I'm itching to finish off some R&C games which are pretty much unplayable on my PS3 due to massive slow down. I'm also looking to pick up the first two GOW's, but have read mixed things about how they'll play on my PS3. I actually wouldn't be surprised if they sit on this tech for awhile-- I'm still thinking that the PS2 is going fairly strong, so aside from satisfying some PS users (including myself), how will this make a great deal more money for Sony? We might not see this BC in new PS3's till they finally kill off the PS2.

TWIZTID1

426

2009-06-30 07:19:53

Would have to be implemented into a new system that you'd have to buy or could it be included in an update? Luckily I have a launch 60 gig but it would suck if everyone else had to buy a whole new system just to get backwards compatiblity.

TwIsTeD_MiNd

308

2009-06-30 09:43:16

@Watchmann: I would guess it would be more like the 80 GB compatibility, though its not as bad as most people make it out to be. I can play God of War I and II without any problems. And since both games support Progressive Scan, they look fucking awesome too. I have played almost every PS2 game I have on it (I have like 50) and most worked good, except for maybe 1-3 getting slowdowns at times.

The biggest problem I've had with 80GB is with Kingdom Hearts RE: Chains of Memories. There is a battle at the very beginning of the game that serves as a tutorial, but in the PS3 the tutorial never moves on and you are pretty much stuck forever on that fight.

I'm pretty sure they could take care of many of those issues with frequent system updates though.

zoomtechtv

2009-06-30 10:06:20

Sony is doing this for two reasons. One to sell PS2 games over the PSN store. Second if PS4 uses cloud computing again they might need a emulator for PS2 games.

Mike Hartnett

404

2009-06-30 15:09:47

@TwIsTeD_MiNd: Agreed. That's how I see it playing out.

@zoomtechtv: I actually considered Sony selling PS2 games over the store as weel even though they denied it. That could be promising.

BamBamBoozled

218

2009-06-30 18:33:03

One game that has BC issues (and apparently will forever have, specifically online) is Battlefield:Modern Combat. I know nobody gives a shit about this but me, but its a pretty big shit. Big enough that I will probably now look for the 60+ ft network cable Im going to need to get my ps2 online out on the old tv.

thebluespirt

115

465

2009-07-01 13:37:55

too bad for you 80GB's out there... 60GBs wOOT!

thebluespirt

115

465

2009-07-01 13:38:25

@TRUE_PS3:

Si senor!