PSthree [Rumour]

[Dogg Thang]

It doesn't really need anything except smaller and cheaper. It's not really to tempt those of us with perfectly good PS3s to buy it. It's to pick up the final stragglers, those who were close to buying but didn't, and those with worn-out first-run PS3s. Chances are, it costs less for Sony to make too. That alone would be enough for them to make the switch. And any kind of new model will give an opportunity for a marketing boost.

[Shoju]

http://www.the-magicbox.com/1107/game110726c.shtml

Rumour that a new, cheaper PS3 redesign will be revealed at GamesCom next month. The Slim saw a massive sales surge for the format and after the hacking scandal I can see the PR sense in given the system a fresh bit of momentum to ensure it maintains it's catch up of the 360 pre-Xmas.

Looks like a hardback book in that pic

[Escape-To-88]

There was software back compatibility in early PS3 models here

Yeah the 80gb US model and UK PAL 60gb use software emulation but I'm pretty sure there is software emulation available on ALL Ps3 models, it's simply not accesible as I'm assuming it was deemed too buggy. Google the Cobra USB dongle for the PS3 which apparently 'unlocks' PS2 software emulation on the newer PS3 models which, while experimental, leads me to believe there is the possibility of it being 'unlocked', just not sure how buggy it is/would be, as this doesn't seem to be a feature the dongle implements but rather one it opens up. And yeah there would surely be no point in BC with a slew of HD remake packs on the way or readily available, would there?!

Looks like a hardback book in that pic

Looks like a **** chocolate bar from Lidls.

[Daragon]

Less than 5 is considered a slew?

The PS2 was famous for it's RPGs for example - how many of those are getting an HD makeover? Outside of ICO and SotC I would go with zero.

There is certainly still rampant demand for Backwards Compatibility and what with PS2 consoles no longer being sold new, that means no money for Sony if people wish to experience some very big titles. It is in their interest to re-enable it if possible.

[Adrock]

I'd buy a BC PS3 for sure. I have a ton of RPGs I havent experienced and I'm currently trying to work my way through them. The laser on my PS2 is dodgy, luckily a clean sufficed to get it working this time round but next time it could die on me, which would be horrible.

[C']

Yeah the 80gb US model and UK PAL 60gb use software emulation but I'm pretty sure there is software emulation available on ALL Ps3 models, it's simply not accesible as I'm assuming it was deemed too buggy. Google the Cobra USB dongle for the PS3 which apparently 'unlocks' PS2 software emulation on the newer PS3 models which, while experimental, leads me to believe there is the possibility of it being 'unlocked', just not sure how buggy it is/would be, as this doesn't seem to be a feature the dongle implements but rather one it opens up. And yeah there would surely be no point in BC with a slew of HD remake packs on the way or readily available, would there?!

No. As mentioned above by Flabio and Dogg Thang, the PAL60GB/US80GB only had software emulation of the Emotion Engine PS2 CPU. The Graphics Synthesiser (GPU) was still present in hardware. When they removed the GS from the later motherboard revisions (Sony were desperate to cut costs in any way possible at the time as PS3 was tanking quite spectacularly), that is when PS2 backwards compatibility was lost.

The remnants of the emulation are obviously present in the OS (and homebrew revealed these although there was video before this when a refurbed PS3 was sent back to a user in Factory mode) but when used it results in massive graphical corruption (or graphics simpy not appearing at all). Again, because there is no GPU support present in hardware or software and the PS3 is simply not capable of emulating it via software.

As for the PSThree story, it's a bit confusing. Haven't Sony just released (or due to release) a new motherboard revision? I presumed that would be source of cost cuttings for the rumoured Gamescon price cut.

[Escape-To-88]

No. As mentioned above by Flabio and Dogg Thang, the PAL60GB/US80GB only had software emulation

And me:" Yeah the 80gb US model and UK PAL 60gb use software emulation "

[C']

Selective quote.

software emulation of the Emotion Engine PS2 CPU. The Graphics Synthesiser (GPU) was still present in hardware

Your post made it sound like the entire PS2 BC process in the later models was a pure software solution when it wasn't. It required the presence of the Graphics Synthesiser in hardware.

[Escape-To-88]

Less than 5 is considered a slew?

I was considering individual titles e.g. The Sly series, The Prince of Persia series, God of War etc. there's at least 2-3 games per disc, with the forthcoming MGS, ZOE and Ico. I'm using my discs on PCSX2 so I guess it makes no difference either way to me

It required the presence of the Graphics Synthesiser in hardware.

Was aware of this just assumed it was a given when I say 'software' emulation - although assumed that the slims and later phats may have had this chip, or a version of it on board.

[Matt]

The PS2 backwards compat is dead. The base hardware of the PS3 simply can't do it, and it's not going to get additional beef in a smaller form factor is it?

Yep. I wish people would just drop it.

[toythatkills]

The PSthree in the OP is designed to allow a PStwo to be Sellotaped to the top of it.

[Matt]

The PSthree in the OP is designed to allow a PStwo to be Sellotaped to the top of it.

Now that's true emulation!

And I'm pretty sure with them stuck together, you could get a PSone on top. Awesome megaaaagamerrrrr.

[Kit]

I haven't liked the look of any of the PS2 or PS3 variants. PS1 chunky I thought was pretty cool though - nice circle lid and sensible shape to the rest.

Totally agree. The nicest looking (Sony related) concept art I?ve seen was that PS2 inspired by the original PSX design. What a stunning looking console that would have been.

[Julio III]

The PSthree in the OP is designed to allow a PStwo to be Sellotaped to the top of it.

Kinda what I was thinking, but without the sellotape.

I hope this PSthree is as small as the PS2slim, I really really really like the size of the PS2slim.

[Decider-VT]

Totally agree. The nicest looking (Sony related) concept art I’ve seen was that PS2 inspired by the original PSX design. What a stunning looking console that would have been.

Do you have a link to it?