You are correct about PS3s I have a first run model, but I have in the last few months rarely played any of my ps2 games. The PS2 is rather small (smaller than Wii) and can be played on its side so space is not really an issue if you are really jonesing for a PS2 game. Sony's own marketing shows that its cleints have lost interest in BC as more PS3 games hit the market.

You can buy aftermarket kits to change color on your system. Not my thing but they do sell them.