UPDATE: "We have no announcements regarding any changes in PS3 hardware specifications for the North American market at this time," an SCEA spokesperson told Game|Life. I was hoping for more of a firm denial that this might affect us. - CK
Sony has decided to change the specs for the PS3 in Europe, probably in an effort to lower the production costs of the console, but the end result is that the Euros can say buh-bye to PS2 backwards compatibility. Well, most of it, anyway. Welcome to Pissed Off Consumerville, Sony, population: you. David Reeves, president of SCEE had this to say on the move:
Concentrating on new games and features? Good. Not giving your customer base something you've not only promised, but also already given to other parts of the world? Bad. Doing this a few weeks before your product launches? Yeeeeeesh.
According to Sony, a combination of hardware and software emulation will allow the PS3 to run a load of PS1 games and a smattering of PS2 titles. A full backwards compatibility list is expected to be published on launch day, March 23.
Backwards compatibility of 'new spec' Euro PS3 in doubt [GamesIndustry.biz]
