Will the 40GB PS3 ever be backwards compatible through firmware updates?

May be...

It's only down as a rumour (as all firmware update stuff is until it hits), but there's a site that seems to think it may happen in october;

http://www.n4g.com/ps3/News-152943.aspx

It may be wise to take it with a pinch of salt, but I'd also bet it's something Sony would be trying to get done if it could.

"the 60gb ps3 has the emotion engine (i believe its called) which is the hardware used in the ps2, to play ps2 games. The 80gb (if im not mistaken) does not have the emotion engine but it uses software to 'emulate' most ps2 games, so, it is not impossible for this software to be released as a firmware update and to be used by 40gb ps3 users to play ps2 games."



The 80GB still has the PS2's graphics chip, but the 40GB does not. Sony has never made an emulator for that part (and some have said that due to the drastic changes in thePS3's architecture, it's not enough more powerful than the PS2 to even be able to emulate it), and has already indicated that it is done giving any real support to the PS2.

yes there are rumors... i was going to link to the site that that other person said.. but they beat me to it... although i would like to point out this comment from another answer:



"No it wont be, if this was true, then firmware would give you a new harddrvie, and it doesnt. Just go to ebay and find a 60 gb."



That is the most idiotic comment i have read in some time. What on earth are they talking about!



the 60gb ps3 has the emotion engine (i believe its called) which is the hardware used in the ps2, to play ps2 games. The 80gb (if im not mistaken) does not have the emotion engine but it uses software to 'emulate' most ps2 games, so, it is not impossible for this software to be released as a firmware update and to be used by 40gb ps3 users to play ps2 games.



Also sony have hinted at the fact that ps2 games might be able to be downloaded of the PS store onto the ps3 harddrive... so that should also work on 40gb ps3 models



to sum up... if the ps3 40gb where to be able to play ps2 games.. which it might soon... it would have to be done by software emultaion only, which could be released in a firmware update

No, I highly doubt this will happen.



Even if it does happen you will never be able to play PS2 games by disc, you'd have to download them on the PS Store and re-purchase them. If Sony ever gave the 40gb the same backwards compatibility as the 80gb (which I'm pretty sure is impossible since the 40gb lacks the hardware) there would be a major backlash from the people that paid $100 extra for an 80gb that had backwards compatibility out of the box. People would be angry that they paid $100 for what would then just be an extra 40gb of HDD space.



You don't want to piss your customers off like Apple did with the iPhone.

No it wont be, if this was true, then firmware would give you a new harddrvie, and it doesnt. Just go to ebay and find a 60 gb.

no backwards compatibility will ever be possible as the ps2 disk reading cheap has not been inserted as it does not use the advanced red laser technology that is needed only standard to read dvd's hope i helped you

no i do not think so they only made it not backwards compatible to lower the price. sry. hope this helped