For those who don't know, the 20/60 GB versions have both the processor and the graphics card from the PS2. The 80 GB loses the processor and emulates the processor in software, which is why it has partial compatibility. The 40 GB model drops the graphics card as well. This means that emulation is a much more difficult task, because the graphics chipset must now also be emulated. Therefore, it is not possible to add 80 GB style emulation to the 40 GB unit, there must be a new emulation engine to replace the other lost chipset (the graphics card). Basically, if the 80 GB goes away, then some of the PS2 games will eventually be difficult to play. I consider video games to be high art. I really do. My collections contains treasures, things that not everyone has or appreciates. If all you care about is a better looking Madden or the next Halo, then you don't care about BC. If you want your children to be able to play Katamari Damacy, or DDR Disney (PS1) you'll want it available on a console you can get parts and service for.
Go ahead, just try to play Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath. You'll need an original Xbox in working condition. I just bought a brand new XBOX yesterday. I lament that the 360's BC is incomplete, and I resent Sony's strategy with BC on the PS3. I got a 60 GB, but the attitude towards BC means Indigo Prophecy may never be fixed. (It still doesn't work on the 60GB).
Sony took the chips out to force you to buy PS3 games so they can make some profit. The chips cost nothing. I heard an analyst put the savings at under $10 for BOTH chips. But me scaring up an old copy of ICO and enjoying it with my new DualShock 3 with rumble (be here next month) on my PS3 in high def is not going to make Sony any royalties. Same with Gran Turismo 4.
The problem of having on old console is that it's an old console. Eventually you can't get parts or controllers for them.
I also just bought brand new N64 controllers from Nintendo. When I play Zelda, I want the rumble when I go past a magic point. These things are treasures whose greatness is only appreciated later.
A friend of mine recently sought out a copy of Final Fantasy VII and played it with his brother who he hadn't seen in years. He enjoyed it immensely, on his PS2. What happens five years from now when I want to fire up Rayman Revolution and can't find a PS2 memory card when I need one?
For me, BC is a huge thing, worth every penny. My time on the gaming time is rare, and I deserve to be able to enjoy it to the fullest. I actually hope Sony brings back BC because they realize how important it is. I agree it may have been a trick to get me to buy a 60 GB, it worked. I wouldn't own one yet if they were still all BC.
Anyway, those of you who only care about what's new should get the 40 GB version and pay full price for all the new games. Me, I'm too much of a cheap ass, I like to play the older stuff again.
Nate