I'm really considering buying a 20gb Japanese PS3 so I can finally play FFX International, FFX-2 International, KH:FM, and KH2:FM+. From what I understand I'll still be able to watch American Blu-Ray movies and play a PS3 game from any region. I won't be able to watch American DVDs (which is fine since my 360 does a fine job upconverting DVDs) and play American PS1/2 games (also fine since I own a PS2).

Am I missing something? Is there some gaping flaw in my plan?

um....why not just buy a japanese ps2?

Yep, that's pretty much the situation with a 20GB Japanese PS3.

um....why not just buy a japanese ps2?

Because it's cheaper to buy a Japanese PS3 than to buy an American PS3+A Japanese PS2. Plus I'd rather not put another system in my setup if I don't need to.

well, region coding, you're fine, as japan and us have the same code.

i don't know, besides maybe having to have a converter plug, for which i would get a hefty one, since the ps3 draws some good power. i think you'd be ok.

You wouldn't get the 5 "free" blu-rays. Or warranty support.

I would guess the PS3 has an power adapter like the laptops that can be used internationally, just swapping the cord. But I'd run that detail down.

Sounds like a plan though.

I have a Japanese PS3 and they are dual voltage (although Japan is 110v like the US). Just buy a local IEC mains lead and youll be fine.

I won't be able to watch American DVDs (which is fine since my 360 does a fine job upconverting DVDs)

totally off topic but - you must have pretty low standards for upconverting quality. the 360 plays dvd's - that about all you can say.

totally off topic but - you must have pretty low standards for upconverting quality. the 360 plays dvd's - that about all you can say.

It may not be an Oppo but it does it's job pretty well. And yes that is off topic and pointless, all you were really doing there is trying to be confrontational so um, yea moving on.

I have located a Japanese 20GB online FS supposedly brand new! But I have a few concerns!

1. Does it have BLURAY DRIVE built into? and if I would be able to play REGION A and 1 BLURAY and REG DVDS?

2. Would it compatible to US PS3 and PS2 games..all of them.

3. Does it have SACD support?

4. besides some cosmetics, smaller hard drive, less inputs and no wireless compared to 60GB, are there any other differences that I should know off?
Thanks

I have located a Japanese 20GB online FS supposedly brand new! But I have a few concerns!

1. Does it have BLURAY DRIVE built into? and if I would be able to play REGION A and 1 BLURAY and REG DVDS?

2. Would it compatible to US PS3 and PS2 games..all of them.

3. Does it have SACD support?

4. besides some cosmetics, smaller hard drive, less inputs and no wireless compared to 60GB, are there any other differences that I should know off?
Thanks

1. Yes it has a blu-ray drive. I don't mean to be harsh, but duh. For Blu-ray, Japan and the US are considered the same region. Regular dvds they are not the same region IIRC though, so no US dvds.

2. Japan uses NTSC, (and the ps3 is "region free") so playing PS3 games won't be an issue, but no US ps2 games afaik.

3. You could look at wikipedia for some of these answers, but all the NTSC 20 GB PS3s (the only ones made) have SACD playback.

4. Not sure where you get less inputs, because the 20GB should have 4 USB. Again, look at wikipedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ps3

Another thing to be aware of is you may be separated online by region. I don't know if that's based on hardware production location or just physical.

The 20 gig doesn't have the card reader, I think that's what he means by "less inputs".

I had a "Japan Launch" (one week before US) 60 gig PS3 and I couldn't play online with people in the US. Not sure if that's been fixed with a FW update, but that was a big issue for me.

I sold it and bought a US one from Best Buy.

Thanks all for your help! much appreciated! My main reason was ps2 compatibility and that seems a no go here! I think we will look for Us version, 20 or 60 gb then.:D