PS3 The PS3 White Whale - “Frankenstein”

[TamagotchiTamaHero24's iconTamagotchiTamaHero24]

As discussed in this video, the PS3 launch models are sought after for their versatility. PS3 is hot hot hot right now thanks to its nostalgia wave hitting among people my age: folks who are in late high school or college who want to play the games they grew up with again. Very common in retro gaming. The “college wave” is what usually drives most systems to become iconic in the pantheon of nostalgic systems.
BUT… PS3 is special. Because the launch models had native PS1 and PS2 backwards compatibility. Combine that with PSP compatibility as well, remote play with Vita, and you have what could be considered the ultimate PlayStation. Problem is, these consoles tend to die. The launch PS3’s, of which there are not many since the system had such poor reception upon launch, are what I would call “fools gold”. People want them, but retro game shop owners and hobbyists know the truth.

The CPU of the PlayStation 3: the RSX. It’s terrible. It’s known for failure. On these early consoles, it dies. But, the siren song of having the ultimate PlayStation still calls to people, so the thought has long existed about being able to replace the RSX with a later revision which has far better longevity.

As Ryan discusses here: we found one. A real one. Examples of the PlayStation 3 that can finally fulfill the dream. It’s called the “Frankenstein mod” by the community. Make no mistake: this is a risky process. It’s not for amateurs who haven’t taken apart and serviced a PS3 before. And if it fails, you’re essentially down a PS3. Specifically: down the ultimate revision of the console, of which not many exist or were sold. But… it’s possible. We can finally future proof a PS3, keeping it with stock software, and only modifying one component of the hardware. This does not guarantee it will live forever. It does, however, guarantee that the white whale of PS3 collecting can finally live as long as the others.

“It’s alive! IT’S ALIVEEEE!!!!”

 

[ArkenDev]

Anything to keep a PS3 alive for as long as possible is worth it in my book. Especially the one's that are on the verge of dying soon.
After all that's why people did all those crazy weird shit to keep their dead ringed Xbox's alive.

 

[FTLOTG]

Since word of this has gotten around at PSX-Place the scene for PS3 has been cracked wide open. At my job I have a handful of dedicated PS3 guys that play their consoles every day. I keep an eye on what RIP Felix does, he's so deeply invested in the scene and has tons of insight on PS3 repair, modding and much much more. Highly recommend checking out his Youtube Channel.

Personally I don't have a need for a Backwards Compatible PS3. I understand the appeal but I play my PS2 on PS2, and my PS3 on PS3.