While the first generation of hardware for the PS3 had backwards compatibility with the PS2, via hardware and later by software, that feature is no longer available in current retail models. According to a patent from Sony Computer Entertainment America, however, backwards compatibility may be returning to the PS3.
Siliconera says that the patent helps "translate instructions from an Emotion Engine chip into chunks that can be referenced" (the Emotion Engine is the main processor for the PS2). The patent specifically mentions the Cell Processor, which of course is the CPU core for the PS3.
There are multiple possibilities for this patent, the first one leaping to mind is that this backwards compatibility will be added to the rumored PS3 Slim in Fall 2009, or perhaps become a downloadable feature on all PS3 units that don't already have backwards compatibility. Another possibility is that this patent will be applied to downloadable PS2 titles for the PS3, rather than disc-based games. Of course, as with many technology patents, it also could never materialize in a retail product.
