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Emulation (Games) Classic Games (Games) PlayStation (Games) Entertainment Games

PS3 Backwards Compatibility Confirmed 73

Posted by simoniker from the anything-else-would-have-been-crazed dept.
Thanks to Gamesindustry.biz for their story confirming that the PlayStation 3 will offer backwards compatibility with earlier PlayStation consoles via emulation, offering a quote from Sony boss Ken Kutaragi, sourced from the Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun: "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 also partially attributed the PS2's success to its multi-purpose nature, saying "[PS2] offers a sense of insurance because it is compatible with PSone and DVD movies", echoing earlier suggestions about DVD players in consoles, and obvious advantages to backwards software compatibility.
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PS3 Backwards Compatibility Confirmed More

PS3 Backwards Compatibility Confirmed

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  • good good !!! (Score:5, Insightful)

    by BigBir3d ( 454486 ) on Tuesday September 02, 2003 @11:26AM (#6850508) Journal
    This is good news to hear.

    Although I am uncertain how long CD/DVD sized optical media will be around for (refer to "forever" comment).

    • Re:good good !!! (Score:3, Insightful)

      by GeckoX ( 259575 )
      Well, I still have a couple of tape decks and a record player in operation.

      Actually, every computer I currently use still has a floppy drive in it, and most of them have never even been used.

      Safe to say that even if a new form of media takes over from the CD/DVD formats, there will still be drives in use for a very long time to come.

  • I'm not sure about the "PS1 emulation" part... (Score:5, Interesting)

    by GrosTuba ( 227941 ) on Tuesday September 02, 2003 @11:27AM (#6850514)
    I thought that the IOP in the PS2 was in fact a near exact replica of the MIPS R3400 that was the heart of the PS1, and that when not handling PS2- or DVD-intensive I/Os, it was in charge of running the PS1 games on the processor they had always run before.

    The PS1 is enclosed in its material form in the PS2, thus eliminating the need for emulation. Is this wrong ? Does anyone have reliable info on this ?
    • I am positive that you are correct. There is a PS1-on-a-chip in the PS2. I believe this article has missed the boat on this fact.

      I'm sure somebody will take the time to provide a link to the relevant facts, if they haven't already.

      • Re:I'm not sure about the "PS1 emulation" part... (Score:5, Informative)

        by GrosTuba ( 227941 ) on Tuesday September 02, 2003 @11:47AM (#6850679)
        OK, here's the link : PS2 specs [playstation.com]

        Basically, it says :
        IOP (I/O Processor)
        CPU Core: PlayStation (current) CPU (R3000)
        • It's an interesting point, actually - I guess I'm presuming that the PS1 will get software emulated in some way on the PS3, but the article doesn't make that completely clear. I'm sure Sony would be crazy to put PS2 and not PS1 compatibility in, though, so I'm sure they're working out some way to make it happen - the I/O chip will probably need to be more powerful this time round.
          • The actual quotes don't even make it clear that there will be any PS1 compatibility in the PS3. It just states that the trend will continue and explicitly states that PS2 games will run on PS3, as the PS1 games ran on PS2. Of course, having read earlier that the PS3 would run PS2 games but not PS1 games, I was specifically looking for him to mention that PS1 games would run on PS3, but the only statements like that are from the article's author, not direct quotes.

            The PS1 emulation thing is just wrong, thou
    • The PS1 consisted of more than just an R3000. It also had a math/transform chip, a GPU, and a sound chip. All though the PS2 does not need to emulate the R3000, it does emulate the rest of the PS1's chips, as well as things like memory layout, CPU speed, etc.

  • Yes but, (Score:3, Funny)

    by Tirel ( 692085 ) on Tuesday September 02, 2003 @11:28AM (#6850519)
    will it run linux?
    • Considering that Sony [sony.com] put out the linux kit [playstation.com] for PS2, I believe it's highly likely that they will produce one for the ps3 as well.
  • I have to doubt that the "gamecube2" will be backwards compatible in a similar fashion. I also doubt that it will serve any "dual" purpose such as a DVD player.

    It's really too bad that the current GameCube doesn't play Mini-CD audio or Mini-CD VCD movies... or Mini-DVD movies... etc, etc. Otherwise it's a far superior platform.

    • Re:gamecube2 (Score:5, Informative)

      by edwdig ( 47888 ) on Tuesday September 02, 2003 @11:44AM (#6850645)
      I wouldn't be surprised if the next Nintendo system was backwards compatible. I think they've learned that backwards compatibility helped Sony this round. Besides, there are a lot of people that want to play a few GameCube games, but not enough games to warrent buying the system. Maybe those people could be swayed to buy the next system since it could also play the games they missed this time around.

      Nintendo did try to make the SNES compatible with NES games. The SNES CPU is a 16 bit version of the NES CPU, which has an 8 bit mode. The rumor is they had trouble getting it to work well enough, and decided it wasn't worth the time and money to work out the kinks.

      All Gameboy systems are backwards compatible.

      They didn't attempt backwards compatibility with the N64 as the SNES showed they could get by without it. Besides, the SNES was a 2d system whereas the N64 was a 3d system, so the hardware wasn't even remotely similar.
      • Nintendo did try to make the SNES compatible with NES games. The SNES CPU is a 16 bit version of the NES CPU, which has an 8 bit mode. The rumor is they had trouble getting it to work well enough, and decided it wasn't worth the time and money to work out the kinks.

        Yes they did get it to work, but it would have added an extra cost of 100$ or something in that area, and they felt that it wasn't worth he extra price.
      • While it's rumoured that N5 will support GameCube games, it's so far away as to not matter at this point. Nintendo doesn't paper launch consoles for years before you can actually buy them. Best to wait and see what they'll do (I hope that they release Bluetooth adapters for the GBA link port and have it connectable to N5 via bluetooth, as well as shipping with only Wavebirds -- no more corded controllers).

        The situation with the SNES was a bit different. The NES was a 6502, and the SNES had a 65C816 (whi
        • Actually, the Genesis is more than capable of being backwards compatable with the SMS. There was an official Sega device called the Power Base Converter that sat atop of the Genesis and allowed the SMS cards, carts and controllers to be plugged into the system. At boot time on the Genesis, there's an interrupt you can call that sends the system into an SMS compatable mode. It's all pretty much there in hardware.

          Backwards compatability is an old hat for many systems. All the Atari consoles of note were back
        • The Sega Genesis contains both a 68000 series processor and a Z-80, which I believe was used for the sound hardware.

          The Z-80 could also be used to run Master System carts, provided you had the converter. This is the sole reason Nintendo went to such great extents to attempt to make the Super Nintendo backward compatible.

          This only turned out to be a "failed feature" because the Master System itself failed. When you do this for highly successful platforms like the PS1, you get a much better outcome.
      • Backwards compatibility for the SNES was also available through a third party periphal [gamersgraveyard.com]. Also, Nintendo themselves released a very cool product called the Super GameBoy [zock.com], which allowed the SNES to play GameBoy games in color, albeit still with a four-color palette.

  • The obvious question (Score:4, Insightful)

    by lightspawn ( 155347 ) on Tuesday September 02, 2003 @11:32AM (#6850551) Homepage
    Since the PS2 emulates the PS1, did Sony just need to get PS2 emulation right to get PS1 emulation 'for free'?

  • Good news! (Score:5, Interesting)

    by jvmatthe ( 116058 ) on Tuesday September 02, 2003 @11:39AM (#6850604) Homepage
    If this really happens, then I think I'm pretty much guaranteed to upgrade. After I got my PS2 and got tired of Ridge Racer V (ugh) I went on a used PSX (aka PSOne) game-buying spree. My library of PSX games went from about 20 to about 40 in the space of a couple of months, and while somewhat expensive for some titles, many of them were sub-$15 and a few were sub-$10. From a gamer's point of view, a gamer who doesn't mind some chunky graphics, it was a time of great fun. During that time, I got into Ape Escape, for example. (Review [curmudgeongamer.com]. Sequel [curmudgeongamer.com].) A great, but slightly flawed, PSX game that I might not have bought had PSX game prices not dropped precipitously after the advent of the PS2.

    The PS2 is still our DVD player, too. In terms of use of entertainment hardware, the PS2 is second only the TV itself in our house.

    The only bit about the blurb posted here on /. that I don't understand is that they guy says that PSX emulation is done in software. That sounds wrong to me, since I thought that it was just using the PS2 input processor, which happens to be the same as the main chip in the PSX, as a PSX. Add in the PSX BIOS and perhaps some tiny software bits here and there, but still isn't it mostly hardware?

    • The only bit about the blurb posted here on /. that I don't understand is that they guy says that PSX emulation is done in software. That sounds wrong to me, since I thought that it was just using the PS2 input processor, which happens to be the same as the main chip in the PSX, as a PSX. Add in the PSX BIOS and perhaps some tiny software bits here and there, but still isn't it mostly hardware?

      If memory serves, PSX emulation is done mostly on the PS1 chip included, but some aspects (mostly graphics) are

    • So why would you buy a PS3? You've already got your DVD player in your PS2, you're got all your PS1 games that work on your PS2, what would be the point of "pretty much guaranteed to upgrade." you don't even know what games will be out for it and you're already "pretty much guaranteed to upgrade", I would think for you this would be more like "pretty much guaranteed NOT to upgrade" since you already have everything you want.
      • The assumption being made, and it will be true or NO PS3's will sell, is that it will be technologically far superior to PS2, and that there will be kick-ass games to go along with it.

        I believe you are trying to start an argument for the sake of the argument itself since this should be fairly self explanatory.

        Or are you still playing a PS1 and tell all your friends that GTA Vice City is a piece of crap and all you need is your PS1?
    • "A great, but slightly flawed, PSX game that I might not have bought had PSX game prices not dropped precipitously after the advent of the PS2."

      I found it much better to buy Dreamcast games for the same reason. Better graphics, better gameplay -- and Soul Calibur! :)

  • Well, duh. (Score:2, Insightful)

    by Mmm coffee ( 679570 )
    I do not own a TV. Haven't watched TV in over a year. Opiate for the masses, indeed. Can't understand how anybody could vedge away.

    However, if I had one and was given a choice between the PS2, Gamecube, and X-Box, I'd most definitely take a PS2. Here you have a simply massive game libary that spans two systems worth of modern classics, a DVD player, and a cheap CD player all in a very small black box for $200. If Sony didn't keep up with backwards compatibility the game libary for the PS3 would be on par w
    • Buying a system based on its overall value is one thing. Buying one based on the games it provides is another.

      There's more to it than you argue for.
    • Seeing how you don't a TV and you don't own a PS2, does it matter what your opinion is? Seriously, it appears you said "IF" i was going to buy one. Sony is not catering to you, they are catering to people who buy their system and their games. That's like saying I like this car or that car but I don't have a license nor do I intend of buying and driving a car.
      And please don't open your messages with a "holier than thou, I'm better" attitude because you don't succumb to the evils of TV. How this got moddded
    • I do not own a TV.

      However, if I had one and was given a choice between the PS2, Gamecube, and X-Box, I'd most definitely take a PS2. Here you have a simply massive game libary that spans two systems worth of modern classics, a DVD player, and a cheap CD player all in a very small black box for $200.

      Yeah, but seeing as you don't own a TV, you could technically only use a third of the capacity of this device. See, games are played on a TV, something you can't watch. DVD's also play on said TV. If you
    • Area Man Constantly Mentioning He Doesn't Own A Television [theonion.com]

      You need to watch a certain amount of TV, to exercise your media and pop culture interpretation skills. It's like how you have to drink beer at least every so often, to maintain your alchohol tolerance. In both cases, moderation is beneficial, while going overboard is dangerous.
    • The fact that you don't own a TV, and don't see a reason for one- means that nobody gives a damn about your opinion on this subject. Please go find a thread about some stupid way to protect your rights by not agreeing with an EULA, and making a nuisance of yourself.

      Additionally- the first respondant to your post cracked me up with his beret comment. Mr. AC, you should stand up and have yourself counted- I love you man!

  • Will PS3 actually emulate PS1?? (Score:5, Interesting)

    by cybergrue ( 696844 ) on Tuesday September 02, 2003 @11:49AM (#6850704)
    I can't see anything in the article specifically saying that the PS3 will support PS1 games, just a claim for backwards compatability for PS2 games.

    PS3insider [ps3insider.com] also does not think that the PS3 will support PS1 games. Mind you, with the ammount of power the PS3 is suppost to have, then emulating a PS1 should be trivial.

    • You didn't read the article. The very FIRST LINE of the article states: "Sony Computer Entertainment boss Ken Kutaragi has confirmed that the PlayStation 3 will feature backwards compatibility with the PS2 and PSone..."
      • Actually, if you read the article closely, you'll see that although the author of the article states it, Sony did not.

        "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.

        Of course, the other point that people have already brought up is that most of the PSOne 'emulation' on the PS2 is done by having PSOne hardware in the PS2 in the form of the I/O chip.

        The ques
    • I can't see anything in the article specifically saying that the PS3 will support PS1 games, just a claim for backwards compatability for PS2 games.

      I can't see why they wouldn't support it. The IOP of the PS2 is a ps1. So if they do full PS2 emulation, they'll have a ps1 available. In fact, for it to be full emulation it will have to play PS1 games, because the PS2 can. Emulation means it does the same exact thing, including play PS1 games.
    • I read in the Official UK Playstation2 Magazine [futurelicensing.com] that the PS3 would not be able to play PS1 games. I don't know how I would survive without Wipeout2097, the Final Fantasies VII, VIII and IX, Vib Ribbon, the decent first three Spyro games and the first Tomb Raider.("No! I'll never let go! Never!") I don't believe that with the amount of power the new machine is supposed to have, they can't fit in a little PS1 emulator. Buying a PS3 would certainly not be the no-brainer the PS2 was if my entire precious PS1 ga

  • PS2 Emulation... (Score:3, Insightful)

    by samsmithnz ( 702471 ) on Tuesday September 02, 2003 @11:58AM (#6850798) Homepage
    Very good news indeed. But will the PS1 emulation be run from the PS3 or the PS2 emulator (an emulator running inside an emulator)??? ;)

  • Reason for keeping my ps1 around (Score:5, Insightful)

    by karnal ( 22275 ) on Tuesday September 02, 2003 @12:30PM (#6851025)
    I've got a modded PS1, primarily for playing Gradius Gaiden -- an import game that Konami of America said will never hit this continent in native form....

    The problem being, since I've purchased a PS2 as well, is that I cannot play this game on the PS2 because of the region check.... so it looks like I'll be keeping my PS1 in good working order (I've already replaced the power supply, due to water damage....) I don't plan on modding my PS2 either, since I have no real benefit at this point...

    I just wish they'd do away with the region checks. On a side note, since I've got my PS1 modded, there are some Capcom games that detect the mod chip, and throwing the game halt screen up before you can even play it... ugh.....
    • I know, it's a kludge to a kludge, but there are often GameShark codes that circumvent the mod-chip check. And newer mod chips act in "stealth" mode to avoid that test.
    • Emulation, my good man. EPSXE and VGS run Gradius Gaiden just fine-- I, like yourself, imported G.Gaiden because it wasn't coming across. Even if you're not on Windows, there are PSX emulators on the Mac and Linux..
      • I had a problem with VGS on a windows based pc (not sure how I got the binary *wink*) and applied a patch to allow it to run in win2k...

        Problem being, my usb to ps2 pad adapter doesn't work with it now, so I can't play it there... but I've still got the ps1, so it's more of an annoyance... the only 2 games I ever play on the ps1 anymore is Megaman X4 and GG anyways..... and X4 will run on the ps2, so.....
    • Region codes... feh. I just got a flip-top mod for my ps2 (basically it's a new case - no electronics), so i could play the UK version of ICO. It works fine for skipping the region check on PS2 games, but it doesn't work for PS1 games. (i'm using the swap magic discs)

      I too would love to play some japanese imports - particularly PS1. I hear that if you boot with a Gameshark 2 disc, it will work... but don't know for sure.

  • Happy me. (Score:3, Insightful)

    by kabocox ( 199019 ) on Tuesday September 02, 2003 @12:51PM (#6851204)
    At one point in time, I was hard-core Nintendo. NES, SNES, & then I bought a N64. Actually N64 was o.k., but everything that I wanted to play was on Playstation. I wanted a PS2 mainly as a DVD player and PS1. The PS2 was all bonus... I won't go out and buy. I will buy several of PS2 games for $15-$20 that I couldn't afford at $40-$55 each.

  • I love backwards compatibility. I like to know that my favorite titles will carry over, and if I want to buy some legacy game down the road, I'll still be able to play it. Glad to hear the PS3 will do this now.

    But I also own an X-Box, and the chances of it doing the backwards-dealie are looking slimmer. Microsoft just ditched NVidia and have shifted to ATI to do their graphics chips for the XB2 -- will the old games still be playable on new hardware? Have coders worked with a generic API like Direct X, or

    • But I also own an X-Box, and the chances of it doing the backwards-dealie are looking slimmer. Microsoft just ditched NVidia and have shifted to ATI to do their graphics chips for the XB2 -- will the old games still be playable on new hardware? Have coders worked with a generic API like Direct X, or did they go to the metal on the NVidia part and thus old XB games have no chance of dealing with the ATI part?

      Assuming that Microsoft allow for backwards compatibility, the only reason that anything would not
  • So they're working on all of this emulation and its great, but I've been pretty pissed to see that the last 4 big competitors to sony's consoles all came with 4 native controller ports and sony still wants to bleed as much money out of their customers as possible. Maybe they can work on solving their problem with trying to make you buy a multitap every time you buy a sony system.

    I wouldn't be so mad if the damn multitaps worked at least. I've had to replace 3 multitaps over the life of my ps1 and ps2's be

  • Why waste my money buying a PS1 or PS2? I'll just wait until the PS3 is cheap. Or maybe the PS4. Heck, maybe I'll just adopt a policy of buying every 10th console from Sony.

    But seriously, this is good news for the handful of us that are still putting off our first Playstation purchase. I'll just keep waiting. :)
  • I wonder how this will effect the modding community, but legal and non. If there's emulation in software for ps1 and/or ps2 software, will the copy protection checking still be in hardware? If it isn't, someone might be able to engineer a bios update to bypass the check.

    It would be nice to extract the emulation software and use it for existing ps1/2 emulation projects too.

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