is the ps3's backwards compatibility with ps2 games part of its hardware or software?

Darnell Cutliff: It's sorta through both but mainly through Hardware, PS2 compatibility controlled through (Emotion Engine)

Kellie Waycott: i'd say its hardware, coz the 40gb ps3 does not read ps2 games, and i doubt that there is a way of getting it to do so

Emery Blando: the 60GB one used HARDWARE (emotion chip)the 80GB one uses SOFTWARE (software emulation)the 40GB one isn't backwards compatible at all.

Kellie Waycott: All compatible versions require a hardware equivalent of the PS2's GPU (GS).The PS2 CPU (EE) can be emulated, though it results in a lower backward compatibility. Thus:20GB, NTSC 60GB (hardware GS + EE) = 95% emulationPAL 60GB, NTSC 80GB (Hardware GS, Software EE) = 80% emulation40GB (no hardware) = 0 % emulation...Show more