Sony: 40GB PS3 Back Compat Would Take Too Much Time and Money

When Sony revealed that the 40GB PS3 wouldn't have a hint of backwards compatibility, many heads were scratched in confusion. Every previous PS3 model had one form of BC or another, so what makes this one so different? Mostly just Sony's attitude.

Previous models of PS3 made backwards compatibility happen through a combination of hardware and software, with the specific blend depending on which version you got. The European 40GB PS3 has none of the necessary hardware, however, and therefore any backwards compatibility would have to be achieved entirely through emulation, and Sony honestly just can't be bothered.

Here's how SCEE explained it to the lovely folks at Kotaku:

The sheer numbers of PS2 titles available, together with the increased complexity of using a software only solution for each and every title means that to ensure accurate software emulation for the majority would be technically challenging, time consuming and costly. As we have mentioned on several occasions, our engineering resources are now focused on developing new and innovative features and services for the PS3 and, as a result the 40GB model does not have backwards compatibility with PS2 titles.

As answers go it's as refreshingly honest as 'We need the money.' Whether or not you find Sony's attitude to be a moral outrage depends largely on your own feelings about backwards compatibility. To some folks it's a necessity, while others simply couldn't care less. Figure out which camp you belong to and proceed accordingly.

Sony Could Run BC on 40GB PS3s [Kotaku]