PS2 Emulation Already Up And Running?
Interesting information arises on the PS3 patent...Published 30/06/2009 at 12:30 by nofi
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Is your PlayStation 3 running firmware greater than 2.10? Chances are it is, but did you know that apparently it’s then already capable of running PS2 games then? “PS3 is capable of running PS2 games with 100 % software emulation but the performance and compatibility is really poor,” suggests a poster on GAF*, who alleges that the emulator is present in every PS3 on the market but is currently deactivated. The thread then goes on to suggest that the current PS3 firmware has some “interesting” files on it, which are presumably linked to his statement above.
This follows our news this morning that Sony have applied for a patent for a purely software-based solution to the PS2 emulation issue and ties in nicely with the job advert from last January for a software engineer at Sony Japan to work on exactly this. TheSixthAxis has also learnt this lunchtime that the bottleneck isn’t the Emotion Engine, which is already up and running, it’s the Graphics Synthesizer that’s causing the headaches. If Sony can crack this, then surely that would open the gates to downloadable PS2 games over the Store, as we suggested this morning.
* Quote amended for grammar.
Please note that this is rumoured information only and does not constitute official Sony information.
Comments
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jimmy-google | 30/06/2009 14:41
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See Mike Kebby’s comment about ps2 games on the ps store on the ue blog last thursday
http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2009/06/25/playstation-store-update-25-june-2009/comment-page-3/#comments
“There are no plans in motion as far as I’m aware, but it wouldn’t be my place to make announcements about this anyway”
So it could be happening but looks doubtful at the moment and if it was coming you’d imagine it would be saved for something to be announced at e3 next year
elpabl79 | 30/06/2009 14:48
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52 TSA Points | Member since: May 2009
If they do get this sorted out, it would be a great addition which should be open to everyone. Although I do still wish we could go as far as the 360 and WII and get some titles which weren’t on Sony consoles.
Or, Sony just fork out a load of money to tie up all the licences for Goldeneye and do a Hi Def remake for just us PS3 people. (Never gonna happen, but it would be awesome)
Br0ken | 30/06/2009 14:53
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Why Goldeneye?
elpabl79 | 30/06/2009 15:09
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Happy memories of a mis-spent sixth form. Nostalgie bedamned
elpabl79 | 30/06/2009 15:19
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52 TSA Points | Member since: May 2009
I do also believe the potential of the store is still nowhere near to being reached, I just feel there are some quality games not accessible to ourselves that are released on other systems. I firmly believe the PS3 is the best system and anyway in which we can improve it (even with old games) should be looked into.
colmshan1990 | 30/06/2009 16:08
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1107 TSA Points | Member since: Apr 2009
I don’t play my PS1 downloads on PS3 as it looks really bad on my tv, but I really enjoy them on PSP. Is it possible to update the PSP’s firmware to play downloaded PS2 games? When the PSP first came out I heard that it had the same power as the PS2 but I think the graphics have never come close to matching the PS2. It would be cool if it could work though. Any idea of the pricing of the PS2 downloads, and would it be possible to play PS2 discs in the PS3? I know it’s a lot of questions but does anyone know the answers to some of them?
Watchful | 30/06/2009 17:15
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No you won’t see PS2 games on the PSP. It’s not powerful enough to run an emulator. Neither is the PS3 at the moment.
Pricing or discs, no idea. Sony would be stupid to deliberately exclude the playing of PS2 discs though, they want to capture as many people upgrading from PS2 as possible and BC is a key selling point. That’s why the early PS3s could do it.
But everyone wanted cheaper PS3s and to do that costs had to be cut and the PS2’s Emotion Engine was the first to go. Followed shortly after by the PS2’s Graphics Synthesizer, memory card reader and a couple of USB ports (plus other internal changes).
I believe if Sony could get this working we’d have it already and I don’t think they’d charge for it. Emulating custom silicon in software is extremely difficult when you need to emulate the performance not just the operation.
chilimacncheese | 30/06/2009 16:31
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118 TSA Points | Member since: May 2009
I dont think Sony is just going to give this away for free via a firm ware update. I expect we will be paying something to download this app. I would wager its going to cost at least $49.99
Timesh1993 | 30/06/2009 17:00
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I can now play some of my old favourites before i go and sell them all to Game because i need to money
vouzamo | 30/06/2009 17:09
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59 TSA Points | Member since: Jun 2009
They have probably already succeeded in this and are just looking for the most profitable way to manage the distribution of PS2 titles.
ANTS101 | 30/06/2009 17:19
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458 TSA Points | Member since: Jun 2009
I am surprised this has come to the surface so quickly since this may be the main feature for firmware update 3.0 which is due around christmas.
What would be interesting is if hackers managed to activate it. The emulator may be more ready than what has been said. SONY may be waiting on for testers to give the go ahead that may involve testing hundreds of games to make sure it is 100% bug free! And the launch around christmas time would persuade more people to buy a PS3.
I guess only time will tell.
colmshan1990 | 30/06/2009 18:17
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Maybe the ’secret feature’ in 2.80?
ANTS101 | 30/06/2009 22:43
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It’s quite possible.
If it is the case, SONY may just be waiting until they have enough PS2 games ready for the PS store.
Withnail | 30/06/2009 19:01
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“I am surprised this has come to the surface so quickly since this may be the main feature for firmware update 3.0 which is due around christmas.”
/facepalm
What are you basing this on exactly?
Lambo_1989 | 30/06/2009 19:31
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117 TSA Points | Member since: Jun 2009
So will people like me with 60GB be affected or not because I would really like to play Ratchet and clank series (ps2) without slow motion graphics. (the only games I have that are effected)
name | 01/07/2009 08:58
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116 TSA Points | Member since: Jun 2009
mine runs ps2 games with no problem, ratchet and clank 3 runs perfectly as does gladiator.
mayb the rumors of GOW3 LE coming with 1 and 2 packed in will happen after all fingers crosses, i havent played the first one and its impossible to find without the use of a CC.
what i would love sony to do in firmeware 3.0.
make psp games playable on the ps3.
i know its probably never going to hapen because then theres barely any reason to own a psp then.
but it would be pritty cool, theres a few psp games i want to play but not enough to warrent 400 AUD for them.
tyrant161 | 01/07/2009 09:33
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422 TSA Points | Member since: May 2009
Yes, Ridge Racer on psp is loads better than Ridge Racer7…also psp Loco Roco is a fantastic game and the PSN loco Roco Corecho (or what ever its called) download for Ps3 is a pants in comparison, A Loco Roco striaght port from psp to Ps3 with full screen graphics would have been so much better.
tyrant161 | 01/07/2009 09:28
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I have the launch Ps3 which already plays Ps2 games but i can see this full software emulation happening.
1…As a rule of thumb-the computer/console that is doing the emulation, needs to be at least 3 times more powerfull than the machine it’s emulating.
2…I have Ps1,Megadrive,SNES,N64,Dreamcast and Sega model 1&2 arcade Emulators for my PC and all the games i play on them work and play fine plus look loads better too….these emulators are home made by enthusiasts but Sony know the Ps2/Ps3 hardware inside and out, they also own the BIOS codes which makes the emulation a lot easier, coupled together with Sony’s top programers….I believe it will happen.
I already own Shadow of the colossus,ICO,Amplitude and Resident evil4 on disc but i would still buy and download these games from PSN just because they are great games and there’s no disc to damage.
BalramRules | 01/07/2009 19:44
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Sony! Please activate the chip!
If you do, did you know that everyone I know would buy it just because of that!
S1nghSat1onal | 06/07/2009 11:55
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Does this mean we might be able to play PS2 discs on the PS3 eventually? Im sorry I dont quite understand.