Sony takes away Emotion Engine chip from 80GB PS3 models

Posted Jul 9, 2007 at 1:24PM by QJ Staff Listed in: PS3 Tags: Emotion Engine, GameCube, SCEA, Sony, South Korea
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80GB PS3 models do awat with Emotion Engine chip - Image 1It has been confirmed that the 80GB PlayStation 3 models originally released in South Korea will soon be available to North American consumers. It'll have a price tag of US$ 599 and a copy of video game title MotorStorm will be bundled with it.

Aside from that, we also got word that the new model will do away with the Emotion Engine chip. Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) spokesperson Kimberly Otzman explained,


The current 60GB model utilizes a hardware and solution for backwards compatibility, namely the Emotion Engine chip. The new 80GB PS3 will use a software solution for backwards compatibility, similar to that currently found in the PAL model.


The spokesperson noted that the Emotion Engine chip will not be phased out as it will continue to ship with the 60GB models. However, those who will purchase the new model in August will "likely need to download system updates to ensure backwards compatibility".

For purposes of discussion, keep in mind that Nintendo has made the Wii hardware compatible with GameCube software while Microsoft has always offered updates to make the original Xbox titles run on the Xbox 360. This will be the first time PlayStation 3 owners in the U.S. will have to download updates for backwards compatibility.

Via GamesIndustry

 
 
 

Comments

by - 2007-07-09 13:50:53
Why...

Why would anyone want to purchase this model??? You get an extra 20gb and you LOSE proper backwards compatibility for an extra $100 US! I don't understand why Sony would want to do anything that would discourage the purchase of the more expensive model...
by - 2007-07-09 14:01:23
...

they'll probably be dropping from the other models aswell, they had to save money somewhere
by Mister Common Sense - 2007-07-09 14:11:37
?

Wow they're trying to make the 80gb model even less attractive than the 20gb model was. Why do they even bother with more than one PS3? PS3 fans don't like choice based on the comments I read, they like to take what they are given. They should at least include a HDMI cable or something for the extra $100. At least it seems sony is trying to be competitive finally. Maybe their sales will finally do better.
by - 2007-07-09 14:25:23
gamerdude

You obviously don't understand whats going on here. So I'd advise you to keep quite, unless you wanna risk sounding like an idiot. First of all they aren't removing backwards compatibility outright, what they are doing is bringing another solution to the table. A software solution, which is most likely the best way to go. The chip obviously had problems doing what it was suppose to do.
by - 2007-07-09 14:29:24
you lack......

you lack common sense my dear xbot. removing one chip doesn't make that 80 gb ps3 any different from the other ps3 out there. And I don't see how that makes it less attractive, if they are adding software that would enable me true backward compatibility. You sound very ignorant making that statement, seeing as how microsoft has how many versions of the 360 out right now? and OH! thats right, they are planning on bringing out another version just to try and 1 up sony. sigh....just sad, both you and microsoft.
by - 2007-07-09 14:30:29
Well

I don't mind sounding like an idiot if I believe I have a valid opinion. As far as I know, European users are less than satisfied with the "software solution" Sony imposed upon them in place of the Emotion Chip. We all know the XBOX 360 backwards compatibility has been less than perfect while Playstation has typically had a much better track record. Not to mention that people without access to internet will have a more difficult time constantly "updating" their console to have this compatibility.
by - 2007-07-09 14:36:48
I...

haven't heard anything bad from the Europeans concerning the software solution, sure they were bummed out about having a "different" ps3 from the ones with the chip, but thats normal, cause you might feel your buying it and theres something missing. And about the internet, I've seen alot of people with some form of internet connection or another. Even in third world countries. And if they have enough money to buy a console and buy games, then It's safe to say they very well have an internet connection.
by - 2007-07-09 14:42:47
oh dear...

Your all retards... I have a 60gb model in Europe with the 'software soulution' rather than the emotion engine chip and, to be honest, it's fine. before my first firmware update, hardly any of my games worked, now practically all of them do. it's still a bit of a rip-off for only and extra 20gb though...
by - 2007-07-09 14:47:12
One question

1) If the software solution is actually better, why not put it in ALL PS3s?
by - 2007-07-09 14:50:00
I love irony

"Your all retards..."
by BeerManMike - 2007-07-09 15:02:25
Common Sense and Theory

@Mister Common Sense They are giving us 20gb, a sixaxis rumble (rumor) and a game for 100$ more. I bet they don't want to include a HDMI because it will cause confusion and unwanted support, they don't want people calling them cause they don't know how HDMI works. Alot of people are having problems with HDMI (not with ps3, but problems with everything in general). I think its a pretty good deal. @Everyone Also, i will bet that they have a deal with the emotion chips and they will include them in the 60gb untill their deal runs out and/or their software is updated enough to where it's 90% backwards compatible. THEN they will drop the price on the 60gb model again. BUT this won't happen for a long time.
by - 2007-07-09 15:08:39
silly question

What do you think they're trying to do now? They are changing it gradually, it's a process.
by - 2007-07-09 15:11:34
sounds....

sounds good man...pretty smart.
by - 2007-07-09 15:24:36
EE chip

The emotion engine was not initially designed into the PS3 for launch date; but do to many delays was later retrofitted into the design to support PS2 games, until adequate time allowed for the initially planned software replacement. The extra chips adds more complexities in power, heat and layout space, not to mention additional costs in manufacturing and yield rates. Sony is now phasing out this extra burden, trying to lower costs and increase profit margins.
by - 2007-07-09 15:28:34
EE Chip

The emotion engine was not initially, designed into the PS3 for launch date; but do to many delays was later retrofitted into the design to support PS2 games, until adequate time allowed for the initially planned software replacement. The extra chip add more complexities in power, heat and layout space not to mention additional costs in manufacturing and yield rates. Sony is now phasing out this extra burden, trying to lower costs and increase profit margins.
by - 2007-07-09 16:27:53
Re;sigh

Thats Mister "Common Sense" for ya.
by - 2007-07-09 17:54:47
......................

Good job sony, lowering the cost of the 60GB model. I dont totally agree with the 80GB model though. But I dont really care, I own the 20GB PS3. But I have a 120GB hard drive in it anyway. Got it from Newegg for $100 6 months ago.
by - 2007-07-09 22:08:25
LOL

Yes. Sony is very competitive. That's probably why the 60GB model has gotten a price drop to $499, making it cheaper than the 360 Elite. And don't give me that "It's a bundle" sh*t. The PS3 comes with 5 blu-ray movies, which out-passes the extra controller/battery by a long shot.
by - 2007-07-09 22:11:52
Awesome

Wow, a non-proprietary, upgradeable hard drive. Hint hint, Microsoft. XP
by Darth Manson - 2007-07-10 08:23:27
Awesome

Wow, entertaining media to save on said hard drive. Hint hint, Sony. XP
by - 2007-07-10 11:00:32
Firmware upgrade

They are trying to force people to do firmware upgrades and save some money while there at it ! Open up the Damm RSX in Linux ! I bloddy paid money for the hardware, how dare you control how I choice to use it ! At least some 2D support and VRAM access Please everyone complain as well !!!
by - 2007-07-18 16:28:41
the hardware doesn't matter..my humble opinion

this console war will be decided by the software....end of story (obtaining exclusive games and content.....and the who has the better online component.) So, it doesn't really matter how many models come out for either console! I'm not a Microsoft fan, but I will say Xbox live is superior and they did what the Sega Dreamcast failed to do, which was come out early establish momentum and keep it. People keep citing the 360's early release as the reason they have a better library, but that was a HUGE gamble!! It paid off. (This gamble was even more of a feat when Oblivion, originally a launch title, was delayed!) Again, Sega did the same gamble with the Dreamcast, which was a good system, and well they only make software now. The PS@ killed it even though DC had some good games and in my opinion a better online component than Sony. (Sony still seems to have problems with the online side of console gaming.) I digress. The PS3 cost more and should of had more than one "killer app." They PS3 delays were a foreshadowing of all of this crap. They have an excellent console...but they have no vision...The Wii, which I own is the console for everyone...The Xbox 360 is for the Hardcore gamer yet, because of the online content it is a media center for everyone...similar to the Apple TV, which I own.. The PS3, which I own..I have no idea.. I'm actually a Sony fan, but to me it's about the games. I still own the Dreamcast..the console I helped kill when I bought a PS2 four months later...lol... I digress. Simply. Sony has not communicated their "Vision" of what the PS3 is to us....So, it's identity is incomplete... but most importantly, because of their previous success they have been prideful!! PRIDE, had stopped them from admitting mistakes and therefore fixing them.. There are 3rd party developers that are delaying or shelving products not because of development issues or financial woes, but because there aren't enough PS3 out there.....Microsoft has extended their warranty and are constantly updating Xbox live.. Hell, they gave me a free year of Gold, because of a minor complaint I had... Instead of defending Sony..true fans should demand more....demand answers!! demand solutions... I have one game for my PS3 the rest are crap or ports... Also, the HD format won't be a factor..eventually we will all be downloading HD movies not buying the discs... Oh and don't label me a "xbox fanboy" or whatever that crap is.. I have 2 Sony HD TV 1080p & 720p (one for sell, if you are interested 720p), DVD player, HD Camcorder, CD Alarmclock, Surround Sound and digital recorder..all SONY..I buy a lot from Sony...If anything I'd be a Apple Fanboy lol... Oh and this isn't a real price cut!! It's a clearance sale....there is a difference...
by - 2007-07-30 10:19:12
phew!!!

i got a PS3 before they released the 80GB model. i'm glad i did. mine was a 60GB model but i bought it refurbished for $500. and it works great. the only downside is that it won't work with GH controllers until they come out with a decent adapter. oh well. i'll just keep my PS2 for Guitar Hero and hope the adapter works. then i can use one of my GH guitars for Rock Band!
by - 2007-08-06 01:01:50
Different SCPH model number for 60GB PS3?

I hear eventually all PS3s will loose the Emotion Engine and PS1 chips for hardware backwards compatibility. My only fear is that this has happened already, as I haven't bought my PS3 yet and I'd prefer the one with the hardware backwards compatibility, as encouraging as it is to see the guy from Europe say the software emulation backwards compatibility works well with the latest firmware updates. Any hardware hackers or modders out there know if there is a different Sony SCPH model code for North American 60 GB PS3s with the Emotion Engine and PS1 chips vs. without? Call me crazy, but I don't mind 20 gigs less space and having to buy Motorstorm separately to have some peace of mind.

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