New EGM says PS3 likely for PS1 & PS2 backwards compatib

[Alastor]

Hey guys,

This is from the December issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly, which I got in the mail (Page 32):

"Sony Computer Entertainment President and CEO Ken Kutaragi, whom you probably know as the father of all things Playstation, confirmed that that Sony is working to make its next console backwards compatible with both PS1 & PS2 software. "[Backwards compatibility] is our desire and something we need to take on," said Kutaragi."

Might be old news, but I figured it was worth reporting anyway. At least Sony's trying.

Peace,
Alastor

[Domination]

Althought the debate is old, this news isn't. I have been saying it many times before, Sony will be adding both the PS1 and the PS2's library to the PS3. It's almost undeniable at this point. They have comfirmed this back a while ago and it being possible through emulation. People were still a little skeptical once they found that the format Sony was using for the PS3 would be none compatible to the previous formats. But, then Sony announced that Blu Ray would be backwards compatible with the same discs that their previous two consoles used (CD & DVD). Then we get further news stating that they are working hard to enable this feature for both of their last platforms. I say they're closer to achieving this goal than not.

[Rallyracr420]

No this is pretty old news. Sony already officially has stated the PS3 will be backwards compatible.

This article is from Feb 9th, 2003:
http://gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?section_name=pub&aid=2171

Sony Computer Entertainment boss Ken Kutaragi has confirmed that the PlayStation 3 will feature backwards compatibility with the PS2 and PSone, ensuring continued support for older software formats in the new hardware.

Speaking to Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun, Kutaragi-san attributed some of the success of the PS2 to the console's ability to play PSone games as well as PS2 native titles, stating that this was "a matter of security... [PS2] offers a sense of insurance because it is compatible with PSone and DVD-Movies."

This trend - started by Sony with the PS2, as backwards compatibility in home consoles was certainly not the norm before then - is set to continue with the PS3, which will offer emulation for the PS2 and hence for the PSone.

"PSone runs on the PlayStation 2 through emulation rather than actual hardware. PlayStation 3 will offer the same compatibility for PS2 software and the format will continue forever," he explained.

[Domination]

No this is pretty old news. Sony already officially has stated the PS3 will be backwards compatible.

This article is from Feb 9th, 2003:
http://gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?section_name=pub&aid=2171

Sony Computer Entertainment boss Ken Kutaragi has confirmed that the PlayStation 3 will feature backwards compatibility with the PS2 and PSone, ensuring continued support for older software formats in the new hardware.

Speaking to Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun, Kutaragi-san attributed some of the success of the PS2 to the console's ability to play PSone games as well as PS2 native titles, stating that this was "a matter of security... [PS2] offers a sense of insurance because it is compatible with PSone and DVD-Movies."

This trend - started by Sony with the PS2, as backwards compatibility in home consoles was certainly not the norm before then - is set to continue with the PS3, which will offer emulation for the PS2 and hence for the PSone.

"PSone runs on the PlayStation 2 through emulation rather than actual hardware. PlayStation 3 will offer the same compatibility for PS2 software and the format will continue forever," he explained.


That's why I say the debate is old but the news isn't, as in HIS NEWS from the EGM subscrption.

[Ragnorok]

In OPM last month, the feeling was on the contrary in an interview so I'd say this is new news.

[amod20002004]

Wait, I have one question? As per the above information source, whenever ps4 will come then on that time it will support ps1, ps2, ps3 and ps4. And same trend will follow for upcoming ps console. Is it really possible?

[freak outcast]

Hey guys,

This is from the December issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly, which I got in the mail (Page 32):

"Sony Computer Entertainment President and CEO Ken Kutaragi, whom you probably know as the father of all things Playstation, confirmed that that Sony is working to make its next console backwards compatible with both PS1 & PS2 software. "[Backwards compatibility] is our desire and something we need to take on," said Kutaragi."

Might be old news, but I figured it was worth reporting anyway. At least Sony's trying.

Peace,
Alastor

Just figured I'd point out it's not in the Dec issue... It's in the holiday 2004 issue which is a special 13th issue

[amod20002004]

Whatever, bottom line is we are going to see ps3 which will support ps2 and ps1 games.

[Rallyracr420]

In OPM last month, the feeling was on the contrary in an interview so I'd say this is new news.

I've never heard any other reports or rumors that PS3 wouldn't be backwards compatible. Why would they name it PS3 if its not going to be able to play games from 1 & 2. Besides the article I quoted earlier is almost 2 years old.

Just because someone took the same information and republished it doesn't make it news again.

If that was the case, then here's some more news for ya:
The Nazis lost World War 2! No, really! I know there have been rumors floating around saying otherwise, but incase you've missed the past 50 years of history, you've heard it here first so it must be true.

[amod20002004]

I have never played my old ps1 game on my ps2. I think same thing will repeat after the debut of ps3. Therefore backward compatibility really doesn't matter to me.

[Domination]

I have never played my old ps1 game on my ps2. I think same thing will repeat after the debut of ps3. Therefore backward compatibility really doesn't matter to me.

Besides myself, actually, it does matter to others out there. For those who haven't purchased a PS2 or a PS1 can always purchase the new system for an upgrade while claiming older,less expensive titles in which they weren't able to get hold of during the previous generations. Incase you hadn't notice, just because it's next-generation hardware, does not mean you'll be guaranteed to play older generations games that won't make it to the next-generation consoles. For instance, what if Metal Gear or Ninja Gaiden was the last installment for these series? How would you get a hold of these titles without coming out of your pocket for an entirely different system and the game at the same time?

For me, I'm not a clutter bug. My entertainment center also lacks the space for three and four different consoles. However, I don't still play older games. It all depends on what they are with graphics being the complete minimum. Hell, sometimes I kinda wish it was backwards compatible with some of the games for the NES and SNES. But, thisis why backwards compatibility is such in issue.

[amod20002004]

Yes, you are right. Average buyer always goes with max feature console. So if anyone doesn’t own ps2 can enjoy all great ps2 titles on ps3. Yes, your explanation is acceptable.

[Darknight]

The main reason for backwards compatibility in any console is to attract back the customers that bought the old console. MS are going to realise this if they don't include compatibility with old games: "I can't play Halo2 on the new X-Box, and the PS3 is more powerful... I'll take a PS3 Mr Game Salesman please" :lol:

Then there's the case of having a massive installed back catalogue of games for your new console. The PS2 had about 2 decent launch titles, but that didn't matter, as you could go and get any of about 500 quality PS1 games and run them on your new system.

[BigPapaSmurf]

good i will be able to play breath of fire 4. :D

[Scott R. Mraz]

Sony's official stance, right now that is; the PS3 will be backwards compatible with the PS1 and PS2. And at this time, there is no reason to doubt them.

[amod20002004]

Yes, it’s true. I have also read from many news website that ps3 will support backward compatibility to ps1 and ps2. And it's an official statement from Sony.

[Z]

I don’t think Big Mamma (PS3) will have any trouble running PS2 games from software emulators- with no need of any specific hardware. Although backward compatibility is one of the good extras to add, it is not really important. Think about it. Who plays PSOne games on their PS2 today? And chances are that almost every PS3 buyer would already have a PS2. Heck, 74million PS2s have shipped, who doesn’t have one? It is amazing that it is still selling this good. Now, as with the PS2 experience, we will get wowed by the PS3 performance and wouldn’t want to go back. It is hard to go backwards with technology. Yes, it may be tempting to have such a feature initially. One may get worried that games won’t be that available in the beginning. As for me, I could care less, and I got more important PS3 issues to worry about.
Here is a thought; when I saw DS’s 3D capability, I was utterly shocked! It is WORSE than PSOne graphics! I had nightmare. I don’t want to even get close to such an ugly thing. Now I am not bashing the DS, it is just technically pathetic next to the awesome PSP. When I saw PSP’s 3D capabilities, I was left speechless from amazement. The thing is, if the graphics isn’t impressive, no one is interested. As it will be with the PS3 games. Once you got a sniff of the superiority, there is no going back.
For those who haven’t tried this for a while, pop the best graphical PSOne game you have in the PS2. You will get surprised that it looks worse than you remember/think it was. So when we first get to play PS3 games, all PS2 games flaws and limitations will jump out immediately.

what do you guys think?

[ainsley]

You will get surprised that it looks worse than you remember/think it was. So when we first get to play PS3 games, all PS2 games flaws and limitations will jump out immediately.

Well that kinda happened to me with the PS2 when i first got San Andreas. After playing games like Farcry and doom 3 in high rez and not really playing PS2 in while, san andreas seemed very rough looking, i was convinced GTA3 looked much better from what i could remember, but GTA3 actually looks pretty much the same as san andreas. I quickly got familiar to the graphics after getting hooked to the amazing gameplay, which what makes san andreas quite possibly my favorite game of the year ahead of HL2 (now playing).

[nesman]

Backwards compatibility isn't really a necessity. but it would be a cool feature to have.

[GTShotoKen]

Backwards compatibility isn't really a necessity. but it would be a cool feature to have.

Developers say that backwards compatibility is a must for premiering consoles because users will be able to have good games to fall back on if the premiering titles aren't at a high enough quality.

The PS2 had very few promising titles at launch (if any :oops: ), but the capability of backwards compatibility allowed gamers to play their old PS1 games, which were still good at the time, and kept them occupied until better titles surfaced.

The only problem with this feature is that it will become totally obsolete a few months after launch, because very few people will want to go back to the older games when they have newer and better games to play.

Devs do admit that if any great titles such as Grand Theft Auto or Gran Turismo make the launch of the PS3, then there would be no need for this feature; thus cutting down costs.

[Danji]

Wow, I feel very, very, alone *playing Ape Escape*.

[Z]

Wow, I feel very, very, alone *playing Ape Escape*.
Don’t be, there are TWO Ape Escape games for the PSP! One, a whole new game. The second, a party game (most definitely online)

:D

[Danji]

There is also a third one planned for it according to some game list (either IGN or gamespot) or I misread it. I will be getting the remake and maybe the party game.

I think backwards compatibility is very vital to a system. It allows you to buy old games and play them on your new console instead of digging out your old. It also saves a lot of space and cords.

[The_One]

I thought this matter was already settled... Just for your information, Sony has officially said that the PS3 will offer Backward compatibility to BOTH PS1 and PS2. However, that particular article doesn't seem to exist in gameindustry.biz anymore... I'll try to find some other source for it.

[xbdestroya]

Well I would really hope that they do make it backwards compatible with both previous systems. Knowing I can basically consign the PS1 and the PS2 to a box somewhere (or ebay) means I don't have worry about systems taking up room in my apartment.

Plus, I probably will play some PS2 games every now and then. Though I admit it won't be all that frequent. But I bought and played Dragon Warrior VIII entirely on the PS2 - that's one instance that comes to mind.

[Rallyracr420]

This issue has been beaten to death. For those too lazy to scroll back a whole page ago...

This article is from Feb 9th, 2003 (a really really long time ago)
http://gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?section_name=pub&aid=2171

Sony Computer Entertainment boss Ken Kutaragi has confirmed that the PlayStation 3 will feature backwards compatibility with the PS2 and PSone, ensuring continued support for older software formats in the new hardware.

Speaking to Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun, Kutaragi-san attributed some of the success of the PS2 to the console's ability to play PSone games as well as PS2 native titles, stating that this was "a matter of security... [PS2] offers a sense of insurance because it is compatible with PSone and DVD-Movies."

This trend - started by Sony with the PS2, as backwards compatibility in home consoles was certainly not the norm before then - is set to continue with the PS3, which will offer emulation for the PS2 and hence for the PSone.

"PSone runs on the PlayStation 2 through emulation rather than actual hardware. PlayStation 3 will offer the same compatibility for PS2 software and the format will continue forever," he explained.


Note the "and the format will continue forever." For those who don't understand, this means the PS4 will be backwards compatible with the PS3, PS2, and PS1.

Some ppl have some really thick heads around here... :?

[Z]

I will be getting the remake.

I don’t think it is a remake. Sony is strict not to have ANY direct ports on the PSP. It also tries to give the impression that the PSP is NOT a portable PS2, but a whole system on its own. That is very exciting for all of us. When you look at all the games announced for the PSP (+60?!) you will notice that a lot of them are brand new games. For the few that are based on PS2 game, you will notice they are rather different in a way. I sure hope Ape Escape is not the remake of the last game, I want something new.

You make a very good point there. Compatibility will make adopting a new system dramatically faster- since there will be people who want to wait until a good number of titles are available. I also think what happened in the post-launch of PS2 will happen again in post-PS3; which is having two versions of a game. This didn’t last for very long, but I do expect it will last longer in the PS3’s case due to the strong PS2 support from both Sony and publishers. I predict that after the firs solid info about the next incarnation of the Playstation family, the volume of PS2 games will begin to go down hill noticeably. This is already happening now. We have the big developers either making major cuts in PS2 productions to focus more on taming the new beast. Some of them have ceased work on the PS2 permanently. Examples of such Devs. Are Criterion; I don’t think they will be working on anything after the crazy Burnout3 (maybe- I could be wrong). Climax is another example. But I do not know if the ceased all work on the PS2 or just partly.
And I have a feeling that the wizards at Naughty Dog and Insomniac are already at full focus on the next Big Mamma (PS3)- maybe there will by side games like cart racing, but I am talking about a whole game, new or sequel.

[The_One]

This issue has been beaten to death. For those too lazy to scroll back a whole page ago...

This article is from Feb 9th, 2003 (a really really long time ago)
http://gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?section_name=pub&aid=2171

Sony Computer Entertainment boss Ken Kutaragi has confirmed that the PlayStation 3 will feature backwards compatibility with the PS2 and PSone, ensuring continued support for older software formats in the new hardware.

Speaking to Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun, Kutaragi-san attributed some of the success of the PS2 to the console's ability to play PSone games as well as PS2 native titles, stating that this was "a matter of security... [PS2] offers a sense of insurance because it is compatible with PSone and DVD-Movies."

This trend - started by Sony with the PS2, as backwards compatibility in home consoles was certainly not the norm before then - is set to continue with the PS3, which will offer emulation for the PS2 and hence for the PSone.

"PSone runs on the PlayStation 2 through emulation rather than actual hardware. PlayStation 3 will offer the same compatibility for PS2 software and the format will continue forever," he explained.


Note the "and the format will continue forever." For those who don't understand, this means the PS4 will be backwards compatible with the PS3, PS2, and PS1.

Some ppl have some really thick heads around here... :? THANK YOU Rallyracr420!! Finally, we can put this trivial issue to rest :roll:.