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20GB and 60GB models skyrocket in price in Japan

Posted Mar 3rd 2008 11:45AM by Andrew Yoon
Filed under: News

How important is PS2 backwards compatibility to you? For many Japanese consumers, the ability to play last generation's games is a must-have feature on the system. So much so, that the discontinued 20GB and 60GB models are skyrocketing in value in the buyback market. Currently, Japan only has access to one system: the 40GB, and that is without any kind of backwards compatibility.

Amazon Japan is currently selling 20GB systems for ￥63,800 ($617), almost twice the current asking price of the the 40GB system. The 60GB model, which includes additional features, like wi-fi and memory card readers, currently sells for ￥74,800 ($723). Hobby shops are the worst offenders, according to this blog (NSFW ads).

In America, the backwards compatibility situation is less dire. 80GB models are readily available, and although they offer less-than-perfect support for PS2 games, it's certainly far better than the 40GB model's inability to play any PS2 titles. The upcoming Metal Gear Solid 4 bundle, for example, includes backwards compatibility with PS2 titles. However, one quick look at Amazon US shows that demand for the 60GB model, which is the most compatible with PS2 software, has done a good job of making it a valuable commodity.

Edit:

I didn't mean Amazon, but it's happening there too.

We need an "edit title" option.

Playing the commodity game with their SKUs was a pretty despicable move on Sony's part as it by necessity lowers the overall quality standard of the product line.  It's unfortunate to see it paying off.

Hmm yeah. I didn't even realize that Japan didn't have a BC SKU anymore.

I wonder if Sony will revive (or bring back?)the 80gig, since I recall reading that the 40gigs can't do PS2 BC because of lacking some graphics chip, so even software emulation might not be possible. I wonder if developing the software that allows PS2 games to run on the PS3 is cheaper than including it in the hardware?

LOL, I remember all these idiots bashing and accusing 360 back in 2005 for its limited BC. And now Europe (Sonys Stronghold) is left without BC officialy. I kinow a lot of people here in Greece that still waiting for a descent combination Price AND BC.

Yes we do!

And people say it's not important. n

I plan to due the same when i get a PS3. Hopefully for not exagerated prices though.

The 40gb PS3 still has BC for more games then the wii/360 put together. I don't see a problem, if you want to play PS2 games play them on your PS2.

Good Gosh Griffin where have you been. Here is a brief, but hopefully accurate (it is confusing) run-down:

Original 20GB and 60GB in Japan and America - fully Backward compatible (i think there were some issues with odd games though)

60GB in Europe - EE chip taken out, but GS? chip still in so therefore uses part software BC, not 100% compatible, but I think it was something like 90%, which is a still a lot of games.

80GB in America - same as 60GB in Europe I believe.

40GB in Europe and America (and now Japan) - No Backward Compatability with PS2 games at all. It is unknown yet whether it will be possible to make a firmware update that enables emulation (I would assume yes)

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If any of the above is incorrect please correct me.