A recent report in Japanese tech magazine Ultra One has suggested that the first PlayStation 3 units to arrive in stores will permit total backwards compatibility with PS1 and PS2 titles, simply by having a version of the PS2 core chipset built in.
According to Ultra One, Sony won't be releasing any versions of the PS3 with the emulation software on board until Sony is fully satisfied with its ability to completely support the back catalogue. Hence the inclusion of PS2 hardware, a tactic used by Sony with the PS2 itself, which included a version of the PS1 chipset. And whilst the inclusion of the chipset will not be the cheapest option available to Sony, the emulation software is apparently already on schedule to appear early on in the PlayStation 3's lifespan.
Source: Palgn
08/06/2006
Nsw, Australia