Sony Computer Entertainment Europe said that backwards compatibility with PlayStations 2 games of the PlayStation 3 console, slated to be released in PAL regions in about a month, will not be as good as that of the Japanese and the U.S. versions of the console (which play 98% of old games). The backwards compatibility is not going to be as good as the U.S. and Japan models, a Sony spokesperson was quoted as saying by Reuters news-agency. It is unclear exactly how many games will be playable on the next generation console. Sony emphasized that the company expects end-users to jump on the PS3 bandwagon in anticipation of improved game titles made exclusively for the new console: Rather than concentrate on PS2 backwards compatibility, in the future, company resources will be increasingly focused on developing new games and entertainment features exclusively for PS3.
To make matters worse for European gamers, in PAL regions the machines will retail for up to $240 more than in the U.S. and up to $345 higher compared to the recommended price (₯59 980 or $495) in Japan. Initially Sony will only sell the higher-end PlayStation 3 version of the console (60GB HDD), for 599 ($777) in the most of the markets and for pricing close to that in variety of countries: UK £425 ($837), Ireland 629 ($816), Australia AUD 999.95 ($777), New Zealand NZ 1199.95 ($840).
Link: Forum Discussion (Thanks fingers.t.beaver)
News source: Xbit Laboratories
To make matters worse for European gamers, in PAL regions the machines will retail for up to $240 more than in the U.S. and up to $345 higher compared to the recommended price (₯59 980 or $495) in Japan. Initially Sony will only sell the higher-end PlayStation 3 version of the console (60GB HDD), for 599 ($777) in the most of the markets and for pricing close to that in variety of countries: UK £425 ($837), Ireland 629 ($816), Australia AUD 999.95 ($777), New Zealand NZ 1199.95 ($840).
Link: Forum Discussion (Thanks fingers.t.beaver) News source: Xbit Laboratories
Yea sure...
I thought about buying one before this new "feature" (which they've sugar-coated with marketing speak), but my arse hurts too much from all the shafting, so I can't sit at my computer long enough to place an order.
I'll get one from the US now, once a mod-chip comes out to enable PAL support for BC games. Double the price, 3 months late and a crippled system....
I can't wait to see how they'll market this crippled 600 game console in Germany.
Sounds like a bargain to me, now all i need is £308 :-S
Hope this helps
Daniel
Also it's not only PAL, NTSC consoles will follow suite after a while with manufacturing changes.
Last edited by Digix on 26 Feb 2007 - 05:47
Also it's not only PAL, NTSC consoles will follow suite after a while with manufacturing changes.
I think what people are kicking up a fuss about is that PAL regions get screwed over even more than NTSC regions. The price hike was bad enough, but reduced functionality as well? And what has Sony got to say for it? Not even an apology.
I've just discovered that the UK PS3 won't play my GameCube or Megadrive games!
Well thanks alot Sony .... shaft the EU market again.
I for one will be cancelling my pre-order.
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