Sony Finally Answers to the Backwards Compatibility Issue

After getting a healthy dose of criticism for their backwards compatibility issue, Sony finally stepped forward and shed a little light on the matter: "We have been assessing the extent of backward compatibility, and will continue to do so right up until launch. It is therefore not possible to provide a specific number of backwards compatible titles at this stage, but close to launch consumers will be able to check whether their titles are compatible with PS3 by looking at the list of compatible titles [...]. This site will be available on 23rd March to meet launch day."

It is known for a few days now that there will be a list of games compatible with the PAL PS3, launching in Europe, Africa and Australia on March 23. What I personally find a little strange is why is that list of games going to be available exactly on the launch day and not a moment earlier. If those at Sony were to release that list of compatible titles earlier, people would have had a better chance of making up their minds on what they could get and what they couldn't get, in terms of games that is.

Anyway, Sony also tries to enlighten us by thoughtfully giving hints, to make the difference between the PAL and the NTSC games: "On the external packaging of the PS3 there will be a small 'PAL' logo to denote that the PS3 is built for the European market. The model number will also appear on the label stuck to the top flap of the PS3 packaging." Wow, that's good stuff to know! I'd better write this down so I don't forget it when I buy my first PS3 game. Well, at least we'll know for sure what games we are exactly talking about. They're not just "some" games anymore, there will be a list with the specific titles on March 23.