PS3 Backwards Compatibility - Is the emulation ok or should I look for PS2 guts?

[outkastx]

Long story short, picked up a 60gb refurb today at Gamestop!  The problem is that I brought it home and realized it's a CECHE and not a CECHA.  I was hoping to grab a CECHA, so now I'm researching trying to figure out if I should return and try to find a different PS3 or if I'm ok with just PS2 emulation.

Was hoping that someone more knowledgeable could come in here an educate me and give me reasons to keep or return this fatty PS3.

 

[Vinny]

I can't keep track of all the models but the CECHE is the 80GB model from the MGSIV bundle, right? 

I have that one and while it plays most popular PS2 games without issue, there are some games that don't run perfectly. Some of these issues are minor, others are more annoying. Grandia III had a few graphical issues/artifacts. Yakuza would lock up in after some cut-scenes (this would only happen sometimes). Tales of the Abyss had like one single door you couldn't enter. For these issues, the only way to continue is to either move to a full BC system or PS2 and get past the part.

I played a good dozen PS2 games without issue though. Not sure what the price differences are, but I would definitely take it back and ask them for a full BC system if that's what you paid for. 

 

[bonesawisready]

I'd say just buy a PS2 itself, they're like $40-$60 if you go to game stores. I got one for $17, using a 50% off coupon, at Half Price Books that was originally $35. White PS2 Slim from 2008 with everything and in good condition. I was lucky and the gamestop I went to today put a 120GB PS3 Slim into a 160GB PS3 fat box and still sold it to me for $129

 

[trclamp]

well, if you have a good enough PC, then you should prolly just use ps2 emulators.

The emulators have several advantages:

1. Better graphics. I have to say some of the ps2 titles I played using emulators, are like PS3 HD versions, if not better.

2. Quick save and load.

3. Modification. You can run undub versions of ps2 games(English Texts/Japanese Voice), and there are also widescreen patches for a lot of games.

4. Import your PS2 memory card saves.

However, emulators can be a pain when

1. The games you want to play are not fully supported. For example, Ace Combat. That's when you need to take your PS2 out.

2. Some games have minor/major glitches, while you can still finish those games, the glitches are annoying sometimes.

3. It can be a pain to find the right version of the emulator and configure the settings for your PC.

If I were you, I'll get a BC one just in case since PS2 emulation is far from perfect.

 

[outkastx]

Thanks for the replies everyone, it reinforced my understanding.  I don't have too many PS2 games and this is just really for ease of use (be able to play PS3 games downstairs and play/test PS2 games as well without having 2 machines hooked up).  However, I don't want to run into an issue 6 months from now.

I think I'm going to try and get an original!