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Emotion Engine, that is.

Previously, the (now-defunct) 20GB and 60GB SKUs of the PS3 included a chip that helped with backwards compatibility. This chip was known as the Emotion Engine, not available in the new 80GB model.

Instead of using a separate hardware resource to play PS1 and PS2 games, the PS3 will use a software based emulator, much like the Xbox 360 and European PS3 already do. This, obviously, means that less titles will be supported as of now, and numerous software upgrades will combat this limited library.

The lack of this hardware piece seems to be a deciding factor in the PS3’s price drop, and may be a telling sign of what is to come for the 60GB PS3.

And so just like that, Sony has garnered quite a bit of attention for their last place console. The next few months will surely be decisive for the console race.

Read [Games Industry]

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