Question about the 160GB Playstation 3 I just got

[Judge Smails]

I think this is the first time that I'm posting in this forum because I'm not that technologically inclined. So, when you answer my question you need to talk to me like I'm an idiot - because I am.

I got my son the new 160GB Playstation 3 for Christmas and was wondering if maybe I should have gone for the 80GB and should exchange it. Some people with the 80GB said they were able to download something to allow them to play most Playstation 2 games. Everything I've read online says that the 160GB is not backwards compatible to the PS2 though it does apparently play PS1 games. This isn't a problem for me as we still have our old PS2.

The other issue is that this model has only 2 USB ports as opposed to 4. Again, seems OK to me but most of the reviews I'm reading from the techheads are putting this thing down. Anybody know something about this, or have an opinion? Did I buy a lemon? I saw the 80G and 160GB in the store and just thought: "160 = more better". All the technonerds online say otherwise. Was I duped? Please help an analog dad trying to get a gift for his HD son.

[Don Stugots]

i can fix it.


http://www.ardeeceltic.com/Misc%20%20Web%20Images/sledge_hammer_on_white.jpg

[Sheeplovr]

i think sony just wants to go under they were tired of makeing alot of money for awhile

seams like the smart move is 80 if you play your old games alot

[biggestmexi]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playstation_3

go to the table that is under Retail Configurations.

Should answer all your questions

Cliff's:

New 80gb and 160gb dont have back compat.

Early model 80gb use Software emulation(a program that plays old games)

EARLY 60gb is hardware back compat. like the ps2.

i would take it back and look for and early 80gb. If your son needs more hard drive space tell him to buy his own external one.

But on the chart it tells you which ones to look for.


edit stugots got pwnt

[dryerdoor]

The Metal Gear Solid 4 PS3 combo pack was backwards compatible. Definitely go with the earlier models.

[donnie_darko]

Is playing ps2 games that important for you?
If so, there's your answer.

[KnoxHarrington]

Can you still get the backwards compatible PS3 at most retail outlets? That might require finding one used at a Gamestop or something.

[dryerdoor]

Can you still get the backwards compatible PS3 at most retail outlets? That might require finding one used at a Gamestop or something.

Or amazon. Or you could try best buy (online)

[Judge Smails]

Is playing ps2 games that important for you?
If so, there's your answer.

Like I said, we still have the PS2 hooked up to the same tv, so that's not problem. Is the 2 missing USB ports a problem? I don't know. I guess what I'm saying is that I don't know enough to make an informed decision. It seems fine to me but the "experts" say otherwise. I just don't want to realize too late that I made a mistake and then I can't take it back to the store.

[biggestmexi]

Like I said, we still have the PS2 hooked up to the same tv, so that's not problem. Is the 2 missing USB ports a problem? I don't know. I guess what I'm saying is that I don't know enough to make an informed decision. It seems fine to me but the "experts" say otherwise. I just don't want to realize too late that I made a mistake and then I can't take it back to the store.

I would say return it. Look for the right PS3 that has the Back compat. The more USB ports you have the more peripheral's you can use. i.e.- controller charge station, external HDD, and others. So if you get and external HDD and a charge station you will have to pull one out all the time. But you can also get a USB hub.

But the 80 will do you just fine and save you money.

[Judge Smails]

OK. I'm going away for the weekend. When I get back on Sunday l'll check this thread and expect to find a decision to have been made for me. So, get working on it, Geeks.

[brettmojo]

i think sony just wants to go under they were tired of makeing alot of money for awhile
Actually it's quite a small part of Sony's empire, so it really isn't killing them. However it also means they don't really pour enough resources into addressing the problems holding the console back.

[SatCam]

As far as USB ports go, games like Rock Band actually come with a hub so lack of ports is not a concern. I don't know why it would be in the first place considering the controllers are wireless except when charging.

With storage space, you can actually swap out the hard drive fairly easily..... it is just a laptop hard drive. You could also use something like a USB flash drive if you didn't need a ton of space.


Not quite sure otherwise why you'd downgrade. You already said you had a PS2 so you could just use that to play your old games. Why would you opt for an older version when you could have the latest (and most improved) version? It just seems silly. unless cost is an issue.

So to sum up, the two latest models (80 & 160gig) are exactly the same outside of storage capacity. The older model can play PS2 games (not an issue as you stated) and possibly has more USB ports (solved with an inexpensive or free USB hub). Just seems like more trouble just to get two things they probably took out for a reason???:wallbash:

[celery]

The USB thing is a non-issue - in all likelyhood you'll have enough ports. If not, simply pick up a hub for $5. http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.7980

The backwards compatibility thing was an issue for me, though since I've gotten the console I've found that I rarely play ps2 games. But it's just a nice thing to have in case you need it. Sony taking it out is one of the stranger decision in this console generation.

[Snoogans]

The USB thing is a non-issue - in all likelyhood you'll have enough ports. If not, simply pick up a hub for $5. http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.7980

The backwards compatibility thing was an issue for me, though since I've gotten the console I've found that I rarely play ps2 games. But it's just a nice thing to have in case you need it. Sony taking it out is one of the stranger decision in this console generation.

not really, they took it out because it saved a bunch of money making the system.

And because if forces you to buy PS3 games cause your old games wont work

[celery]

not really, they took it out because it saved a bunch of money making the system.

And because if forces you to buy PS3 games cause your old games wont work

It's software emulation in the most recent models, so it doesn't really save any money by taking that out. But it doesn't work that well (http://www.hardcoreware.net/playstation-3-80gbs-ps2-backwards-compatibility-sucks/), so now I think they've given up on that completely.

It's more the second reason, but I think it's a short-sighted decision - being backwards compatible hasn't hurt Wii or 360 game sales.

[HBox]

Keep what you have. you already have a PS2 so the backwards compatibility thing is irrelevant. The only way you are going to find a new PS3 with backwards compatibility is finding a MGS4 bundle. Everything else is non-backwards compatible. The same thing with USB ports. Unless you find a MGS4 bundle they all have 2 usb ports. But you probably wont ever need them. Rock Band 2 needs a few but all the new instruments link together so that 2 usb ports is enough.

Don't listen to anyone else, your 160GB is fine and you've got your son a great Christmas present.

[HBox]

It's software emulation in the most recent models, so it doesn't really save any money by taking that out. But it doesn't work that well (http://www.hardcoreware.net/playstation-3-80gbs-ps2-backwards-compatibility-sucks/), so now I think they've given up on that completely.

It's more the second reason, but I think it's a short-sighted decision - being backwards compatible hasn't hurt Wii or 360 game sales.

It was partly software emulation. There was still some PS2 hardware, the Graphics Synthesizer I believe, in those models that the software emulation was reliant on. They took it out.

[Judge Smails]

OK ,thanks everyone. I guess I'll be keeping it. That's the last time I let random internet geeks make me doubt a purchase I've made.

[CountryBob]

I think it is about time that we let the Playstation 2 die and quit playing those games. Look to the future and embrace the PS3 games.

[dryerdoor]

I think it is about time that we let the Playstation 2 die and quit playing those games. Look to the future and embrace the PS3 games.

WRONG!

Tell that to Shadow of the Colossus, Metal Gear Solid 2 & 3, Okami, Persona 4, etc.