Kimberly Otzman, a SCEA Corporate Communications rep has confirmed that the 80GB version of the NTSC PS3 will utilize a software solution for backwards compatibility in contrast to the 60GB version which utilizes the hardware based Emotion Engine chip for all its backwards compatibility needs.

We weren't sure if the footer meant that the PS3's Emotion Engine and Graphics Synthesizer hardware was removed from both 60 GB and 80 GB PS3 models, so we contacted SCEA for clarification.

"The current 60 GB model utilizes a hardware and solution for backwards compatibility, namely the Emotion Engine chip. The new 80 GB PS3 will use a software solution for backwards compatibility, similar to that currently found in the PAL model," said Kimberly Otzman, SCEA Corporate Communications Representative.