[quote name='ducttapeBigSexy']Make sure you check out the PS3 compatibility listing on PlayStation's site first - software emulation isn't that great. Honestly, I picked up the MGS4 bundle mainly for the BC (wanted a back up for my PS2) - I honestly wish I would have bought a lower end one and just picked up a second PS2. Software emulation is decent, but there's some graphic corruption, occasional freezing, etc., even in games Sony claims works perfectly.[/QUOTE]Well, the MGS4 bundle and MotorStorm bundle are 50% software, 50% hardware (only the EE CPU is being emulated). Most all games will work, but there will be compatibility issues regardless with some games. Even the 20GB/60GB SKUs will have some issues with certain games, like sound clipping (looks at Sonic Mega Collection +), distorted look (looks at Yakuza), and a firmware update CAN screw with compatibility (I remember when Wild Arms 4 played fine on my 20GB, then after an update it no longer worked. Others had the same issue too, but it eventually got fixed). I will admit not having to use memory cards is very nice and along with no multi-tap required wireless controllers, but I have a few issues with the PS2 BC on PS3 (which is why I don't think it's worth it):
- Upscaling is mostly a mixed bag. If anything, games tend to look worse than hooking a PS2 up to an SDTV. A game can either be too blurry or too pixelated with upscaling. Even a PS2 type graphic game will look much better on PS3 since it was made for high resolution (such as Tekken 5: DR). People who keep thinking they want a PS3 to upscale PS2 games, I'm like prepared to be disappointed.
- Trying to get PS2 accessories to work on PS3 is a pain. There's no current way (unless something has changed) to play Guitar Hero games after the first one (PS2 version) on PS3 and Taiko Drum won't play either. PS2 USB accessories work perfectly fine. All other accessories, you gotta buy $15-$20 adapters for each, which can add up. And while some might minimize input lag, there's still a little input lag (not much, but just a tad) when playing PS2 games on PS3 regardless of what method (It's one reason singing with SingStar on PS2 with my PS3 is a tad off, unless I'm using my SingStar PS3 disc).
- Since the PS3 switches to hardware mode, you get signed off of PSN and many PSN features are not supported. You don't see the XMB in-game, no messages/notifications at all. You also have to reconnect the controller since the bluetooth switches to the PS2 hardware. Since PS2 was never made to deal with bluetooth headsets, if you want to play a PS2 game online with voicechat, you need a USB headset.
- Just a little small thing, PS2 games also take the longest time to boot up. A PS3 game boots up instantly. A PS1 disc takes a little longer, but not much. It takes around 10 seconds or more for the PlayStation 2 logo to come up with playing a PS2 game.
[quote name='dragonjud']Don't go through the extra trouble. My 60gb model just died after very light use for a year. They are known to have tons of issues, and die the quickest out of all the models. Buy a cheap ps2, and buy a low end model ps3. Put in a large capacity drive, and save a few dollars.
Not only that, since those systems are even more rare now, Sony may just send you a refurbished machine or a different model, if it's unable to fix it. In both of those cases, you will lose any backup that you may have had of your unit.
More recently available units will not create that problem for you.[/QUOTE]That is very true. I spend a lot of time without a doubt on various PlayStation sites. From what I've seen (even when comparing the percentage of SKUs people own with what SKU failed), the 60GB had by far, and I mean by far the highest failure percentage. HDD failure, a PS3 stopped reading discs, etc. is close to being the same for any SKU (although the newer ones like the 40GB/80GB may be a little lower, but we'll see over time. They DO use a different laser).
The 60GB appears to be the only SKU (or widespread one) where I heard people get the blinking red light of death. Basically, it means the console either overheat badly or there's a problem with its power supply. I've heard around that there appears to be a slight design flaw with the 60GB PS3 consoles that can lead to the power problems (where it doesn't turn on, getting a blinking red light). I've heard of some people get the yellow light of death, but most of them have come from 60GB SKUs. The 60GB problem is no where near as bad as the early PS2 models, very first PS1 deisgn, and pre-HDMI 360 consoles, but it's failure is still a bit above acceptable.
The 60GB has by far the most electronic components on its SKU. Uses more power than all other SKUs (probably about the same as 20GB though). Also, the last bit of the 60GB SKUs were made in early 2007 (so most of them are around 2 or more years old). One big advantage of the new 80GB consoles (with two USB ports) is that they use MUCH, MUCH less power.
Only thing I don't like about the new 80GB consoles is less USB ports.
Overall, I just think it's a better deal to get an 80GB PS3 without PS2 BC. If you really want to play PS2 games, just stick with a PS2 or buy that also. It may suck using memory cards, wired controller, and hooking it up to an SDTV (if you have one), but it's less painful overall IMO. By picking up a used 60GB, while it may have tons of features, you are buying a console that MIGHT have a design flaw that could cause it to fail one day, then you'd have to pay $150 to fix it (especially since you need the receipt with it, and most warranties probably expired by now). Once you get a replacement, you get a warranty of 90 days, and the same thing could happen to you again. While the 80GB PS3 with PS2 BC is more reliable it seems, I heard it has the loudest fan out of all SKUs (don't quote me on that) and you have to deal with SOME games not working (although the majority do). Firmware updates can mess things up (doesn't happen much, but can, no matter what SKU you have).
While I have had a 20GB PS3 (it doesn't seem to be as bad as the 60GB, eventhough much fewer own it) for over 2 years (had some issues here and there, but still works), I rarely use the PS2 BC. Since I have an HDTV, looking at the pretty PS3 games makes it very hard to go back (plus I get to take advantage of PS3 features while playing PS3 games). I rarely if ever use my PS2 BC and plan to buy a new PS3 anyway one day with no PS2 BC (since I don't use it, and I rather have a PS3 that uses much less power).
My biggest recommendation is, buy an 80GB PS3 at Best Buy (or some store with a good warranty) with a replacement warranty. I really doubt the PS3 is going to lose any more features in the future (Hard to work around what they have now), and by having an in-store warranty you can get it replaced right away, and it will be covered for a while (in-case anything goes wrong). But an 80GB PS3 core with no extra warranty is still better than getting a used 60GB that MIGHT not last IMO.
