What are my options finding a PS3 that is hardware backwards compatable with the PS2?

ifkz

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What are my options finding a PS3 that is hardware backwards compatable with the PS2?

I have always wanted one of the PS3 units that is backwards compatible with ps2 games using internal hardware (instead of the later software BC PS3s). Do I have any chance of finding a nice unit now? I have been looking at e-bay, and most of them seem to have gotten hot enough to burn their graphic chip off of the motherboard.

I have also read anything but a complete graphic chip re-ball is just on borrowed time. For example, there is an old 20GB PS3 in a local shop that has been re-flowed with some sort of professional station beyond the common heat gun approach. But I don't see it lasting long.

Should I just stick to a PS2 slim hooked up with a regular PS3? Nerdtendo's threads and others make me think I should keep any PS3 system that is working well and consider myself lucky.
 
just keep the slim ps2. miles better compatibility regardless of the ps3 using hardware or software emulation.

honestly no real reason to even own a ps3 these days
 
my old 60 is still running *knocks on wood* and hasn't died once. I guess you just gotta get lucky (unless you somehow wana give me back the $500 I think Sony owes me...kidding...no one would do that)
 
My original 60GB is also still going strong, not even a single hiccup. I was going to sell it a while back until I realized how rare these models are becoming.
And hey, I still love playing it! :D

I have never even heard of the GPU issues that you have mentioned -- and I'm inclined to believe that most of those are caused by their environment, such as people running their systems without proper airflow around the case, or having the system sit on carpeting (I have seen both scenarios).

In any case, Having PS2 games upscaled to 1080p by the PS3 looks quite good on my HDTV, and I don't think a PS2 could quite match that. Haven't had any compatibility issues yet.

However I think the biggest advantage to running PS1 and PS2 games on a PS3 is the lack of memory cards. Those horrid things were a major pain back in the day, and I wound up spending quite a bit of money on them. Words cannot really describe the feeling of spending a long session on a strategy game like Kessen or an RPG, only to be told that there was insufficient space on the card when you go to save. I made a lot of angry trips to the local Mart because of that.

As to the OP's original question of chances, they are out there but I doubt you'll find one new as Sony stopped manufacturing those models years ago. I would check second hand stores, or maybe even a garage sale. Know the model numbers and what to look for so you don't get burned.
 
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FMCB + OpenPS2Loader + a Network Adapter = Win

I play my games on my PS2 from ISOs on my server in the basement. No discs, no hard drive BS on the PS2. Just load up OpenPS2Loader and start a game.
 
I'm in trouble now...I bought a backwards compatable PS3 with known issues through ebay. Looking at completed listings, I paid the going rate for one with a burned out GPU, or bad Blu-Ray drive, etc. The good thing is it is complete, so worst case, I at least have a controller and video cable for my existing PS3.

I'll know a lot more when it gets here, but the seller says he was the original owner, it still has the warranty seal, and it looks take care of from the pictures. Most in this price range have had poorly attempted repairs, have been taken apart, things like that.

I've also been researching a good shop for either a reball/reflow of the GPU, so far I've found two that the Sony community recommends.

I'm excited right now. My first PS3 is a rescue from the local pawn, so having another one sounded like a good option. I feel kinda silly so close to the PS4 press release tomorrow...will see I guess. So far, the rumors have me not at all excited about systems from Sony and Microsoft....but that's another discussion for another time.
 
My stepdad's 80GB with 4 USB ports plays the PS2 games. As does my friend's 40GB.

All PS3's play PS1 games to my knowledge, too!
 
My stepdad's 80GB with 4 USB ports plays the PS2 games. As does my friend's 40GB.

All PS3's play PS1 games to my knowledge, too!

The HD size can't be used to fully determine PS2 backwards capability, as they are stupid easy to change out. You have to go off model numbers. Here are the models that play PS2 games:

20GB CECHBxx Hardware-based PS2 Backward Compatibility (my launch system, upgraded to a 320GB, still working 100%! *knock on wood*)
60GB CECHAxx Hardware-based PS2 Backward Compatibility
60GB CECHCxx Partially software-based PS2 emulation
80GB CECHExx Partially software-based PS2 emulation

Sony never released a 40GB PS3 that would play PS2 games.


Every PS3 plays PS1 games.
 
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