The Destructoid tip line reached critical mass, when PS3 users were hit with an unannounced firmware update (without any explanation) this morning. Rumors swirled, and according to at least one source, the mystery code was enacted to do the unthinkable -- allow users to rip PS2 games to their PS3's hard drive.
Since then, we've learned that the update is actually designed to add further stability to the PS3's backward compatibility. We're sorry to disappoint any pirates out there, but you aren't going to be able to rent games and rip them to your PS3's hard drive on the cheap. Sony's not that stupid.
Nonetheless, wouldn't it be cool if Sony released an update that allowed us to install our PS2 games to the HDD, but required us to have the disk in the slot, like DMC4? Sony could still curb piracy and cut down on those painful loading times that PS2 games are known for. Sounds like a win-win situation to me. Care to make this happen while we patiently wait for in-game XMB and Home, Sony? Something tells me that we have a better chance of seeing classic PS2 games on PSN -- for a fee.
[Update: According to the PlayStation blog, the update is actually about improving the stability of online PS3 games. Sorry, folks. It doesn't hurt to dream.]
[Thanks to the zillion tipsters who sent us this]
Contest:
9:33 AM on 03.13.2008
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I've been thinking of buying a PS3, but mostly for backwards compatibility because I missed the PS1/PS2 generation of games and I want to play the great ones like Vim Ribbon, Ico, Shadow of the Colossus, etc. I don't want to just buy a PS2 because I am also really interest to play Little Big Planet when it comes out.
It seems I missed the boat on the 60gig PS3 with full backwards compatibility. I'm not terribly interested in the 80, because its backwards compatibility isn't great, and I don't expect Sony will continue to improve it since they are phasing the model out.
What should I do? Is there any hope that a future PS3 model will again embrace backwards compatibility?
I've been thinking of buying a PS3, but mostly for backwards compatibility because I missed the PS1/PS2 generation of games and I want to play the great ones like Vim Ribbon, Ico, Shadow of the Colossus, etc. I don't want to just buy a PS2 because I am also really interest to play Little Big Planet when it comes out.
It seems I missed the boat on the 60gig PS3 with full backwards compatibility. I'm not terribly interested in the 80, because its backwards compatibility isn't great, and I don't expect Sony will continue to improve it since they are phasing the model out.
What should I do? Is there any hope that a future PS3 model will again embrace backwards compatibility?
I could finally play Steambot Chronicles without all the constant loading.
I wouldn't worry too much about the BC of the 80GB PS3. It's around 95% or so, so most of the games you want to play should work. Make the jump and get one. You won't regret it.
Imagine if a console had exclusive games AND all its competitors' games as well?
I would literally break dance in public to raise money to buy it.
According to Sony, that is how it has always worked with the PS3...unless they just never told anyone.
Thanks for the clarification. That is indeed the case. I believe an update was added to allow this soon after the PS3 was first released. Making corrections to original post in 3...2...1..
AMAZING!!![/Chad]
bout BC getting better, sweet. Honestly I see this as the devil's bait for me.. I am one of the victims of FF11 mmownage, and as much as I would seriously love to go back to the wonderful world of Vanadiel, I can't...
Is that US only or EUR also?
That's only for games that required the PS2 hard drive, like Final Fantasy XI, I believe.