Backwards-compatibility is often a sensitive issue in the gaming community. Or, to be specific, lack thereof. Sony was practically crucified when they removed PS2 support from later models of their PlayStation 3 system. Admittedly, I was among the angry masses at one point. Backwards-compatibility was something to be expected; the PS2 fully supported PS1 software, and during the entirety of the PS3’s development cycle, we were promised full compatibility with PS1 and PS2 software. Meanwhile, nobody really gave a damn about the 360’s spotty BC, as long as Sony delivered on their promise.
Understandable, perhaps, since the PS1/PS2’s combined library is far more robust than that of the original Xbox. But looking back on the gaming community’s initial reaction to Sony’s abandonment of backwards-compatibility is almost humorous at this point. Let’s be frank: at the end of the day, how important is backwards-compatibility, really?
...frightening
Think about it. The gaming community went just fine without console BC for what, over 10 years? We had one, ONE console – the PS2 – that fully supported its predecessor’s software lineup, and since then we’ve come to expect it, at least from Sony. Why? Is it really that much trouble to keep old consoles around? If you really feel the need to play Final Fantasy X again, it can’t be too much of a hassle to break out the ‘ol PS2 again. Sure, it’s not as convenient as popping the disc in your PS3, but come on… it’s not like we’re installing a new OS, here.
Hmm? What’s that? Something about the PS3’s ability to upscale PS1/PS2 titles to high-definition? Sure, it can be nice, but it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. I have (or had, until it broke) the 80 GB PS3 model with PS2 emulation. Upscaled PS2 games range from looking pleasantly sharp and colorful to blurry and washed-out. In short, it’s just not enough of a benefit to bitch about losing. Buy some component cables for your PS2 if you have and HDTV and be happy.
Oh, and don’t try to tell me you wanted to sell your old system for cash. If you’re that desperate for cash you likely didn’t have any business buying a PS3 in the first place.
To sum up, I think that BC has become one of the many Sony Hate Bandwagons that people so enjoy jumping on. It’s yet another opportunity for people to point and shout “LOOK, THEY SCREWED UP AGAIN!” It’s getting a little old, honestly. Let’s all just blow the dust off our trusty PS2s and move on with our lives.
What say you? Is there an important, incriminating detail that I’m missing here? I think not, but let me know if there is.
