Is there any software difference between a 60 GB PS3 and the 80 GB variety?

Question

I heard a rumor that the 80 GB model couldn't play as many PS2 games as the 60 GB model because of something about making space for the bigger hard drive. This sounds completely bogus to me, but I just wanted to make sure before spending $500

Answer 1

1). 20GB has no chrome trim, no memory card reader and no wi-fi. Not manufactured anymore. Has the best backwards compatibility with PS2 games due to Emotion Engine (PS2's CPU) and Graphics Synthesizer (PS2's GPU) installed.
2). NTSC 60GB has the same backwards compatibility as 20GB versio, also has memory card reader and wi-fi. Has a chrome trim.
3). 80GB - extended memory, but reduced backwards compatibility with PS2 games, it has only Graphics Synthesizer (PS2's GPU). Around 80% of PS2 games can be played. Available only in NTSC regions.
4). 40GB - can't play PS2 games at all (all PS2 chips were removed), has 2 USBs instead of 4, no memory card reader, has wi-fi. Avalable in black and white colors. White is on sale only in Japan. Uses 65nm technology (lower power consumption). Improved cooling system.
5). PAL 60GB - reduced backwards compatibility with PS2 games. it has only Graphics Synthesizer (PS2's GPU). Around 80% of PS2 games can be played.
Backwards compatibilty check:
Europe - http://faq.eu.playstation.com/bc/
US - http://www.us.playstation.com/Support/Co...

Answer 2

This is actually true. The 60GB model (as well as the now unavailable 20GB model that was also available at launch) supports backward compatilibilty through hardware emulation, whereas the newer 80GB model does it through software emulation. This means that while the 60GB model supports practically all (something like 99.5%) of the old PS1 and PS2 games out there, the 80GB model only supports about 95% of old games. The just-released 40GB doesn't have backward compatibility at all.

It was a cost-cutting move; it doesn't have anything to do with physical hard drive space (all supported hard drives are the same physical size).

Answer 3

The 60GB played PS2 games by using the Emotion engine chip from the PS2. The 80GB uses software and that's why it can't play as many PS2 games. It's nothing to do with making space for the hard drive.

Answer 4

its not a rumor.... the 80gb ps3 has limited backwards compatibility there are a list of ps2 games that when played on ps3 have certain visual glitches like one of the MGS games on the ps2 and a few others....

if you really care about backwards compatibility get a 60gb ps3 cuz thats the only real difference....

Answer 5

The hardware emulation chip that was in the 60GB model does not come in the 80GB model. It wasn't removed for space savings, but manufacturing savings. The compatibility is handled by software in the 80GB version.