Only the 80gb model (of the models currently at retail).

40 gb models only play PS1 and PS3 games while the 20, 60 and 80 models all play ps1,ps2 and ps3 games. Although keep in mind that not all ps2 and ps1 games work and work smoothly. (ps1 games generally work fine more than ps2 games).But the libary of BC in expanded with almost every PS3 game OS firmware updates with ocurres every couple of months to download straight from the Sony servers. - That is what the "upgrades" you refered to are, and they really aren't hard to do, almost fool proof as long as you don't turn off the system.

I see. Thanks.

So far it seems that the PS3 would be a waste of my money as I am only interested in playing games on it, not using Broadband..and I really resent the implication that I'd have to use it just to upgrade the bloody thing.

A real rip off. My idea is to get it out of the box, plug it in to the television and start playing...not mess with broadband stuff and pay its fee just because I have to regularily upgrade it.

Sorry..I am ranting. Thanks for the help.

"So far it seems that the PS3 would be a waste of my money as I am only interested in playing games on it, not using Broadband..and I really resent the implication that I'd have to use it just to upgrade the bloody thing."

All the current systems have firmware updates though. 360 and even the Wii. It's the way this gen is going, global connection is becoming a bigger thing all the time. In about ten years time, i'd expect you can (or must) download full games.

Yeah...I'm pretty sure come 2018-2020, they won't be selling games on physical media anymore.

I'm actually fairly certain that Sony's next handheld won't have any form of physical media - it'll all be download games onto memory cards.