SONY PS-3 100% backwards compatibility and region free...

[retroborg]

So, it’s been some time since the PS-3 has been released in Europe, but I’ve read some nagging issues about the PAL PS-3 regarding backwards compatibility and region free capability.

1. Is the EURO PAL PS-3 fully backwards compatible and 100% region free with all PS-1/2 games?

2. For example can you play, Thunder Force V (JPN PS-1), Einhander (US PS-1), Mushihimesama (JPN PS-2) and R-Type Final (US PS-2) as well as X-2 (EU PS-1) & Gradius V (EU PS-2) on the EURO PAL PS-3 console?

It would be best to verify before one spends his/hers hard earned money on one these!

Thanks in advance.

[Barrichello]

The UK (Euro pal) PS3 will play any region PS3 games. It will only play UK PAL region PS1 or PS2 though as far as I know.

Compatibility with PAL PS1/PS2 games is growing with most titles covered. Each update seems to add even more games to the growing list - you can check at the Sony site that gives you a full list.

[retroborg]

Thanks!

Is it the same case with the US & JPN PS-3s as well?

I remember SONY stating ages ago that the PS-3 would be 100% backwards compatible & 100% region free with all PS-1 & 2 games.

[directhex]

Barrichello is pretty far off the mark IMHO.

http://faq.eu.playstation.com/bc/bcGames.htm is the list of games that work. take sony's ratings with a pinch of salt - i.e. anything less than 3/3 isn't worth playing (a game will still get a 3/3 even if the cut scenes are b0rked, consider what 1/3 involves)

Final Fantasy 7 and 8 are unplayable

Gran Turismo 4 is unplayable

GTA San Andreas and Vice City are unplayable

Metal Gear Solid 3 is unplayable

The PS2's Final Fantasy games (X-2, XII, X) may or may not be playable depending on the game's serial number

[retroborg]

With that said, PS1/2 games are supposed to look better running off of the PS3 thanks to "upscaling".
But what's upscaling?

Also is it true that US/JPN PS-3 incorporates Hardware Backwards compatibility where as EURO PS-3 relies on software emulation to cut down the cost?
Which would explain the 20% difference in compatibility between EURO & US/JPN PS-3s.

Supposedly the Euro software emulator will surpass the US hardware emulator using Bios updates, but can't the hardware emulator also be updated via the bios so that they'll be equal at some point?

[directhex]

With that said, PS1/2 games are supposed to look better running off of the PS3 thanks to "upscaling".
But what's upscaling?

Also is it true that US/JPN PS-3 incorporates Hardware Backwards compatibility where as EURO PS-3 relies on software emulation to cut down the cost?
Which would explain the 20% difference in compatibility between EURO & US/JPN PS-3s.

upscaling is where the resolution of the game is raised, and filters applied to avoid any pixelation artefacts from the process. the ps3's upscaling is post-rendering, i.e. games are rendered at the original low resolution then the image blown up to high res (rather than the game being rendered at high res), largely because it's easier to do

and the hardware/software emulation thing is historical - all currently manufactured machines have software emulation, only first-run NTSC systems have the ps2 chipset inside to do hardware emulation

[grizzla]

GTA San Andreas and Vice City are unplayable

Have played both games on my PS3 without any trouble, played San Andreas from start to finish and no noticeable compatability errors.

[Barrichello]

anything less than 3/3 isn't worth playing (a game will still get a 3/3 even if the cut scenes are b0rked, consider what 1/3 involves)

Your pretty far off the mark with that comment yourself.

How many PS2 games have you tried playing on your PS3?

Many games that are rated with 1/3 work fine for me. Eg God of War - no problems at all.