Sony filed a patent that looks to bring backwards-compatibility back to the PlayStation 3.

 

 

In a recent article posted by Siliconera holds true, Sony plans to re-fit the PlayStation 3 (PS3) console with the ability to emulate PlayStation 2 (PS2) games once again. Earlier models of the PS3 (20 GB and 60 GB NTSC) originally featured the PS2's Emotion Engine processor, enabling the newer model the ability to play older games without the need for software emulation. However, to cut down the overwhelming cost of the PS3, Sony decided to remove the chip and attempt software emulation on two models (60 GB PAL, 80 GB NTSC). Those who bought the newer PS3 console without hardware or software emulation have been forced to pull out the older PS2 from the closet, or pick up a fresh new PS2 Slim for roughly $100.

 

But a patent filed by Sony back in December 2008 could change all that, as it describes a method that would allow the PS3's Cell processor to translate code from the PS2's Emotion Engine processor. Apparently, this process will be unlike the previous emulator that was limited to playing certain games. Rather, the new method will serve as a complete replicator of the PS2 processor. This would mean that every existing PlayStation 3 console will be backwards compatible. It's also speculated that this emulator will be built into the rumored PlayStation 3 Slim, and will more than likely be offered as a system update for all current PS3 owners.

 

The big question to ask Sony is why it didn't install this emulator in the beginning. And what exactly is the difference between the old emulator and the one used in the patent? Siliconera explained it as: the old emulator acted like a translator, as if someone converted English to Japanese twenty-four hours a day, non-stop. The new process instead, translates a set of words and then stores them in a "dictionary that can be referenced." In this case, it will translate instructions based on the Emotion Engine chip into referenced chunks.

 

Currently PS3 owners can purchase, download and play digital versions of PlayStation (One) games through the PlayStation Store. This may also be the case for PS2 games in the near future rather than allowing gamers to play the older disks. Of course, everything is mere speculation at this point--despite the patent filing--until Sony comes forward with an official announcement.

 

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I read this and pretty much went WOOHOO!!!!! Hope Sony just follows through with it and makes downloadeable sometime soon.

Nice find... That would be awsome.

on mine i got an old one i can play playstation games like crash bandicoot and stuff without downloading anything i think i got a 20 gig though so idk

If they do that i just may consider picking up a PS3 i have a ton of PS2 games. My current PS2 is one of the first generation ones. I know it won't last forever. Plus some nice games are coming out just for PS3.

Please ding get one I need another person to play with on mine plus me and phrogg have none of the same games I think

I just have resident evil 5 and resistance 2...

wow they could call it windows playstation4-7, they just wnat to catch up with the PC's and new killer games that play ahell of alot better... well on the PC. Suuckas lol no offence to the console gamers ite just not even close, plus the precision is never been as good, it was close kind of by going live and with a 2bit mic. that came with SOCOM, too bad they never made it for the PC.

 

I think they are getting the hit hint from the PC owners that they are the one buying or not buying these game for themself, or family, and losing a boat load of money, in the precess, sorry to be of track a bit.

 

well if they make the ps3 backwards compatible again then i'll use my 40% sony discount and get one.

Both the 20GB and the 60GB had all the hardware (both the Emotion Engine and Graphics Synthesizer) to play PS2 games. The early 80GB only had the Graphics Synthesizer but the Emotion Engine was emulated in the Cell processor. There were problems with the emulation software plus the older 80GB models had the older Cell processor which ran hotter than the current models. This is great news as I want to buy a new backwards-compatible PS3 sometime in the future.