I know an aftermarket part that can give the PS3 full backwards compatibility with PS1 and PS2.

It is called the PS2 Slim, and it will be in stores nationwide...now.

Why don't you buy one with the money you save on your PS3 'Core System!'

go_op beat me to it:
Really, who doesn't have a PS2?

I would think, after Sony finally giving people what they've been asking for (assuming the $399 p.p.), bitching about not being able to play PS2 games is just....bitching.

@ qo_op

True, but I only have so many ports on the back of my telly, and even with a switcher, I wouldn't have room for a PS3 and a PS2.

And it seems like it would take extra effort to remove a feature your system already has? I'm sure this saves them $1.27 a console or something, but honestly? This is a dealbreaker for me, at least.

No BC at all? Or just no BC chip...i.e. software emulation only?

More important question:

How can it have "No backwards compatibility" when the recent crop of PS3s use SOFTWARE emulation that is installed and updated through system updates?

Will this PS3 simply SKIP those updates? Seems removing sofware BC would save ZERO money AND make the system seem less valuable.

@DinnertimeNinja
Haha, beat me to the punch on that one.

No BC is certainly not a deal breaker by any stretch of the imagination.

It is a matter of convenience however as for those with limited ports to their television who don’t want to rely on a splitter (such as myself). It is nice having to pop in a PS2 game in a PS3 or a Gamecube game into the Wii rather then getting the system out. It’s not terribly difficult to hook up other systems but having the same functionality for overall less space is nice.

"The 40 GB model will only two USB 2.0 ports (as opposed to four)"

Wooo-hoooo!!! With that 50 cents saved in manufacturing costs, I predict PS3 profitability in...2025. Go, Sony, go!

I can live with no bc for $400

Yeah, that really doesn't make much sense to me. I mean the European PS3's don't have the EE chip in them to save teh monies, but still retain backwards compatibility through software emulation. Why don't they just use the software emulation? Makes no sense...

How much does it cost to put in two USB ports vs four? Can't be that much. I have a 20GB PS3 and never missed the card reader.

100,000,000 ps2s say that BC doesn't really make that much of a difference.

I wish they they still made the 60gb with full backwards compatibility :(. i have a boatlaod of ps2 games that i still play, and if i wanted a ps3, i'd like to sell my ps2 to help cover the cost of the ps3.

To make this clear for everyone
they removed the EE ship from the ps3 but to achieve BC they still
had the graphics synthesizer and some IO chips in so they are
saving on 40 GB models

I’d say not having BC might be a factor in which of the PS3 versions one would purchase. I can’t imagine it will affect one’s desire to purchase the system entirely. You’re still getting a system that plays PS3 games and a Blu-Ray player (which isn’t too bad for $400).

What the hell is up with everyone saying they have too many models? there are 3 now and phasing out one of those. That would make 2. It's no Core(with & w/o HDMI)<Premium(with & w/o HDMI)<Halo<Elite. That is when you have too many models.
You fucking asked for a cheaper PS3, and you got one.
STFUAJPG!

Here's a theory: They LEFT OUT software support simply to give more people a reason to buy the higher priced SKU. Stupid, I know, but it's a very stupid sony-esque thing to do.

Lack of compatibility is never a good thing.

a ps3 that doesn't play ps2 games is completely useless.

Gotta save some money.

funny you managed to misspell COMPATIBILITY in two different ways in the same article

Ok, I currently own a 20GB Ps3 that I upgraded to 120GB. I am currently PISSED at Sony for limiting the 40 GB unit so much. Supposedly the current systems run PS2 games through an emulator ala Xbox360. While I still think that was stupid, it at least had the option to play some games no matter how crappy. Also it gives Sony to improve compatibility in the future with firmware updates again like the Xbox360. If I didnt already have a PS3, I would not mind the loss of the memorycard reader and the loss of 2 USB ports...I barely use the four that are on mine. But removing SOFTWARE BC is a slap in the face of a Sony fan and just exemplifies the fact that Sony has lost base with there fans and loyal customers. I hope Sony gets enough backlash so they change there minds. Remember my friends when sony almost nixxed HDMI from the 20GB unit? If people didn't bitch and moan, I wouldn't have HDMI, and I wouldnt of saved the $100 on my PS3 (to me the 60gbHD/Wireless/Memory Card Reader were useless anyway). Someone start a petetion, my Fellow Playstationers write angery email we have to slam sony so they keep BC on the 40GB unit. I want more gamers to enjoy Ratchet, Drake, and WarHawk. If Sony keeps screwing us gamers they will end up screwing themselves and , like Sega, become a Game Publisher for better platforms like the Wii and the Xbox 360.

I was really close to buying a PS3 once they released this model, but the lack of backwards compatibility was the deal-breaker. Come on Sony, work with me here; I really want to buy your product, but you keep fucking it up.

Here's an idea, if you haven't bought the system yet, and are still playing ps2 games and don't anticipating stopping anytime soon then why not just keep doing that? People have been asking for a cheaper ps3 well here it is, if you want BC then pony up and get the other one. At least you have a choice, get the one with BC or not. The last ps2 game I played on my ps3 was God of War 2, after I beat it I haven't gone back to it yet. Grand Theft and all the others are either sold or collecting dust in my basement. If you haven't bought a ps3 yet and still love playing your ps2 then by all means keep doing it.

better yet, can I get some more "fuck sony"s?

Well, it will give the price point people have been complaining about, although for once I feel quite happy with my 60Gb Model :)