No. There is not now nor will there ever be a software upgrade that will allow for backwards compatibility. The new 80gb versions (just like the 40) has had all the hardware to make this possible stripped before being shipped. There have been talks about making something (hardware) that would allow this to be possible but the last time I heard they scrapped the idea because of high cost and low profit margin. Couple this with the fact that Sony has lost 3.3 billion dollars on the Playstation 3 since it’s launch year of 2006 you will see they have become a bit shy when it comes to releasing new hardware that is aimed for a limited market.

No, but you should buy a 40gb and a ps2, it’ll work out cheaper, thats what i did

no, there is no downloadable stuff to play ps2 games on a no- backwards compatible ps3,its on the motherboard.. not even updates are possible.. nope, sorry,..