Please support Game Informer. Print magazine subscriptions are less than $2 per issue
Sony Looking At Backwards Compatibility?
The early models of the PlayStation 3 had backwards compatibility with PS2 games – a feature that was subsequently axed from newer versions of the PS3. But is Sony thinking of once again bestowing the console with backwards compatibility?
A patent found by sleuths Siliconera shows that Sony has patented an external device which would implement backwards compatibility for the PS3, for example. We use that as only an example because the schematic image above shows the device (part 200) being hooked up to a "new generation game machine," leaving us free to speculate that this backwards compatibility adapter could be used for the PS3, a future system, or possibly even both.
The device apparently has its own processor, DVD decoder/emulator, sound processor, and graphics processor.
Backwards compatibility seems to be one of those features that everyone says they want, but don't use that much. What do you think?
I’d like to ask you to support Game Informer’s continued coverage of games with a subscription. For less than two dollars per issue, we mail you a full year of 10 print magazines, each with cover stories and preview features filled with exclusive details about the most exciting upcoming games. We profile and interview game creators. We look back on the rich history of gaming, and we celebrate what’s next.
Here on the website, we offer much of our content for free, including game reviews, daily news, videos, event coverage, and more – all with minimal ads.
We do so with a small editorial team, alongside contributing paid writers from around the world – over 65 individuals from 9 countries around the world, just in the last couple of years.
It’s not possible without support.
In a time when game makers and games coverage have faced hard struggles and layoffs, the future of this 30+ year magazine and community is at risk. Our new standalone magazine subscription is the number one way you can keep us alive – and we believe you’ll get a pretty fantastic gaming magazine in your mailbox every few weeks for your trouble.
Thank you.
