SACD-compatible PS3s are pricey

[The Seventh Taylor]

That, at least, is my take on this.

Wired (and Kotaku) reports that "Backwards compatible PS3s are pricey", noting that the 60 and 20GB models in Japan command relatively high second-hand prices.

With the obvious game focus of the author, the article concludes it's PS2 compatibility that justifies the higher prices but this being Japan (where SACD has caught on a lot better than in the US) I wouldn't be surprised of SACD compatibility actually plays a significant role.

Until we're going to see a PS3 with PS2 compatibility without SACD playback or the other way round there's no way we will know.

[mister_playboy]

The loss of PS2 support is still very foolish, I think. Many people who got an early model PS3 might have traded in their PS2 to save a bit of cash... now that's not an option.

I suppose they figure the broader library of titles now available will allow the PS3 to go without support from the old and expansive PS2 library... fair enough

On the other hand, the degradation in the features of the current models is what has prevented either of my brothers from buying one.

I'm rarely an early adopter for consoles or anything else, but in this case I was and I got more features, rather than fewer... exactly the opposite of the norm.

Nice to know my (NTSC) 60GB might appreciate a bit, like a fine work of art.

[The Seventh Taylor]

Looking at the positive side, the value of PS2 consoles now remains higher, protecting the interests of PS2 owners. If every PS3 console came with PS2 for free, their worth would plummet and anyone considering selling it off for some cash would get very little.

[zoran94043]