Well, the Wii and DS ARE good examples of breaking away from the old model, but they're bad examples in a discussion of backwards compatibility, as they both run their prior system's games to near perfection. The Wii even has Gamecube controller ports built in.
The reason why it's an issue with the PS3 is that Sony has been all over the map with the backwards compatibility thing. While it may not be a big deal ultimately - and I agree that it isn't when it comes right down to it - Sony themselves made the first revision systems backwards compatible through hardware, creating near perfect compatibility with the PS2 and PS1. Then, Sony decided to save costs and offer a software emulation solution a la Microsoft and their 360 (which Sony of course used to criticize). Now, in a move I don't quite understand, Sony has decided to remove the ability to be backwards compatible even through software with the PS2 on this new "budget" model, yet you can still play PS1 games. So in this case, it's hard NOT to see Mark's point. Sony should have one plan in this case and stick to it. It's like Sony is doing everything possible this generation to mess up and make people not want their system, with lack of software and underwhelming previously hyped releases (Warhawk being multiplayer only, Lair having poor control, etc.).
Ironically, as the PS3 continues to have growing pains, the PSP has sprung to life again, with the newly styled slim model selling like half price squid balls in Japan (and yes, that's a good thing).
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Bill Loguidice, Managing Director
Armchair Arcade, Inc.
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*************************** Bill Loguidice, Managing Director
Armchair Arcade, Inc.
Well, the Wii and DS ARE good examples of breaking away from the old model, but they're bad examples in a discussion of backwards compatibility, as they both run their prior system's games to near perfection. The Wii even has Gamecube controller ports built in.
The reason why it's an issue with the PS3 is that Sony has been all over the map with the backwards compatibility thing. While it may not be a big deal ultimately - and I agree that it isn't when it comes right down to it - Sony themselves made the first revision systems backwards compatible through hardware, creating near perfect compatibility with the PS2 and PS1. Then, Sony decided to save costs and offer a software emulation solution a la Microsoft and their 360 (which Sony of course used to criticize). Now, in a move I don't quite understand, Sony has decided to remove the ability to be backwards compatible even through software with the PS2 on this new "budget" model, yet you can still play PS1 games. So in this case, it's hard NOT to see Mark's point. Sony should have one plan in this case and stick to it. It's like Sony is doing everything possible this generation to mess up and make people not want their system, with lack of software and underwhelming previously hyped releases (Warhawk being multiplayer only, Lair having poor control, etc.).
Ironically, as the PS3 continues to have growing pains, the PSP has sprung to life again, with the newly styled slim model selling like half price squid balls in Japan (and yes, that's a good thing).
======================================
Bill Loguidice, Managing Director
Armchair Arcade, Inc.
======================================
***************************
Bill Loguidice, Managing Director
Armchair Arcade, Inc.