40G BC: Final Word (Link to SCEE Quotes Inside)

LINK

I've seen way too many topics containing only speculation on these boards, so here is an interview with SCEE Director of Corporate Communications Nick Sharples. For those a little too lazy to read the whole thing, here's the critical (although still somewhat lengthy)quote:

The 60GB model launched in Europe was a new model (shared with the 80GB model launched subsequently in USA) which contains only a modified version of the Graphics Synthesiser chip from the PS2 and not the Emotion Engine chip. The European launch model therefore used a combination of software and the modified version of the PS2 Graphics Synthesiser chip to deliver backwards compatibility for PS2 titles. As a result the percentage of backwards compatible PS2 titles was slightly reduced.

The 40GB model, to be launched in Europe on 10th October, is a new model and is not equipped with any of the semi conductors from the PS2, and backwards compatibility would therefore have to be achieved by software emulation alone. The sheer numbers of PS2 titles available, together with the increased complexity of using a software only solution for each and every title means that to ensure accurate software emulation for the majority would be technically challenging, time consuming and costly. As we have mentioned on several occasions, our engineering resources are now focused on developing new and innovative features and services for the PS3 and, as a result the 40GB model does not have backwards compatibility with PS2 titles.

The current PS3 system software and future updates will continue to support backwards compatibility for the current 60GB and 80GB models.

Cheers.

plain and simple, the 40g model is perfect for those new to playstation and have no desire to go back to ps2/ps1 games or gamers who just want current gen games rather than last gen because they've experianced them before and are moving on.

imo it's a great value package for a lot of people. If BC is a must usually for more hardcore gamers than you'll have to save a bit more to pay for it. But that's life in general, pay more get more, pay less get less.

plain and simple, the 40g model is perfect for those new to playstation and have no desire to go back to ps2/ps1 games or gamers who just want current gen games rather than last gen because they've experianced them before and are moving on.

imo it's a great value package for a lot of people. If BC is a must usually for more hardcore gamers than you'll have to save a bit more to pay for it. But that's life in general, pay more get more, pay less get less.

Dr-Strangelove

plain and simple, the 40g model is perfect for those new to playstation and have no desire to go back to ps2/ps1 games or gamers who just want current gen games rather than last gen because they've experianced them before and are moving on.

Or will play them on their PS2's and play PS3 games on their PS3's until they fully move on to PS3 only.

I agree. I just tired of seeing speculative posts with no real information, so I wanted to put something official out there.

But for my money? BC FTW!!1!

Anyone who cares about backwards compatibility should keep there Ps2. I don't care about PS2 anymore. It is old and outdated. I only play PS3 games now. Stop living in the past. PS3 needs more games, but there are plenty of good ones out now. It is great Sony is making Ps3 more affordable. Look for more PS3 owners as the 40 Gig gets released!

It is great news -- i for one have the UK 60Gb one and although it has BC i have yet to use it in the 2 months that i have had my PS" - but i am not denying that i would never use it. What im trying to say is, its like a lil kid baby, the baby can have one item and not use it, u take it away it complains, but when u give it back it doesnt want it. and the cycle repeats.

Also there are 2 versions out for the UK -- if you really want BC then get the damn 60gb one anyway, if you currently cant afford it then that is a shame, but if your simply holding out for god games, then its your loss really. There are great games out now and coming out. I have althogether clocked in 72 hours of WarHawk in two weeks and im still having a blast with it -- dont knock it til yo try.

I agree. I have no clue where everyone is getting that this system is seriously stripped down. The 360 Core, now that is seriously stripped down.hiryu3

But with the 360 Core, you're always able to upgrade the hard drive and add controllers. In this case, you're not able to add BC or a bigger hard drive, nor a memory card reader. Does the 40GB even have Wi-Fi?

[QUOTE="hiryu3"]I agree. I have no clue where everyone is getting that this system is seriously stripped down. The 360 Core, now that is seriously stripped down.ATLReppa770

But with the 360 Core, you're always able to upgrade the hard drive and add controllers. In this case, you're not able to add BC or a bigger hard drive, nor a memory card reader. Does the 40GB even have Wi-Fi?

You can't swap HDD with the 40gb model now? and yes it has wifi, and ps1 playability

[QUOTE="ATLReppa770"]

[QUOTE="hiryu3"]I agree. I have no clue where everyone is getting that this system is seriously stripped down. The 360 Core, now that is seriously stripped down.plg2307

But with the 360 Core, you're always able to upgrade the hard drive and add controllers. In this case, you're not able to add BC or a bigger hard drive, nor a memory card reader. Does the 40GB even have Wi-Fi?

You can't swap HDD with the 40gb model now? and yes it has wifi, and ps1 playability

Nope, you can't switch out the HDD, I forgot what Sony's reason was, I just know that you can't do it. Also, since it has Wi-Fi, I might as well get the 40GB (white). So, what would the 40GB get me? If I only have a 20GB HDD for my 360, what else can the PS3 use with all the extra memory space? Demos, movies, music? Doesn't the PS3 support music-streaming or no?

[QUOTE="plg2307"][QUOTE="ATLReppa770"]

[QUOTE="hiryu3"]I agree. I have no clue where everyone is getting that this system is seriously stripped down. The 360 Core, now that is seriously stripped down.ATLReppa770

But with the 360 Core, you're always able to upgrade the hard drive and add controllers. In this case, you're not able to add BC or a bigger hard drive, nor a memory card reader. Does the 40GB even have Wi-Fi?

You can't swap HDD with the 40gb model now? and yes it has wifi, and ps1 playability

Nope, you can't switch out the HDD, I forgot what Sony's reason was, I just know that you can't do it. Also, since it has Wi-Fi, I might as well get the 40GB (white). So, what would the 40GB get me? If I only have a 20GB HDD for my 360, what else can the PS3 use with all the extra memory space? Demos, movies, music? Doesn't the PS3 support music-streaming or no?

External - HDD. At the sametime im wondering where you got that info from because i have been searching the web to see if 40gb doesn't allow HDD swap and i can't find any site stating that it can't.

If it didn't support anything else then BC for PS2 they are obligated to release info about it to the consumers.