Which PS3 Is Backwards Compatible With PS2 - Guide

Which PS3 Is Backwards Compatible With PS2? It’s a fair question to ask for sure, not least because shortly after the release of the PS3 console in 2006-2007, Sony didn’t really make a big deal over the fact that the earliest iterations of the console could play PS2 games.

Which PS3 Is Backwards Compatible With PS2?

Unfortunately, PS2 games simply aren’t guaranteed to work on every PS3 console. This is because shortly after the launch of the PS3, Sony began to phase out the functionality across the numerous variants of the console that would follow.

So with that in mind, here’s how PS2 backwards compatibility shapes up across the various iterations of Sony’s PS3 console.

Which PS3 Is Backwards Compatible With PS2 – PS3 Slim

So straight off the bat, the newer slim-line and super-slim range of PS3 consoles is not compatible with PS2 games – regardless of the model number.

This is how to tell if your PS3 is a slim-line and PS2 non-compatible variant:

– The PS3 slim console is a skinner, smaller console (trust us there is a massive difference in size between this version of the console and the original PS3 console)

– The PS3 slim console has a matte black finish which isn’t as shiny as the original PS3

– Instead of the full console title of ‘PlayStation 3′ written on the top of the chassis, the slim PS3 console has the PS3 logo

Which PS3 Is Backwards Compatible With PS2 – PS3 Original 60GB

Only available at launch, these George Foreman grill-looking beasts are only compatible with PS2 games that are downloaded from the PlayStation Store. They will not recognise any physical PS2 discs.

This is how to tell if your PS3 is a 60GB original and PS2 non-compatible variant:

– The PS3 original 60GB variant is a massive console that looks like a George Foreman grill, with a curved uppermost section of the chassis. It’s also super heavy

– The PS3 original 60GB variant should have no less than four USB ports

– A flash card reader should be present

– Full Wi-Fi support should be present

– The word ‘PlayStation 3′ should be emblazoned on the top of the chassis

– The chassis of the PS3 original 60GB variant should be shiny (and not matte like the slim version)

Which PS3 Is Backwards Compatible With PS2 – PS3 Original 80GB

Often included with special edition variants such as the Metal Gear Solid 4 bundled PS3, these hulking PS3s will be able to run physical PS2 games on the condition that you haven’t taken it online and downloaded the latest system update. The latest software update for the PS3 will ensure that the console will not recognise any physical PS2 discs.

This is how to tell if your PS3 is an 80GB original:

– The PS3 original 80GB variant is a massive console that looks like a George Foreman grill, with a curved uppermost section of the chassis. It’s also super heavy

– The PS3 original 80GB variant should have no less than four USB ports

– A flash card reader should be present

– Full Wi-Fi support should be present

– The word ‘PlayStation 3′ should be emblazoned on the top of the chassis

– The chassis of the PS3 original 80GB variant should be shiny (and not matte like the slim version)

Which PS3 Is Backwards Compatible With PS2 – PS3 Original 20GB

Now this is the one you want. Only available at launch, the original 20GB PS3 console is able to play physical PS2 games right out of the box.

This is how to tell if your PS3 is an original 20 GB PS2 compatible variant:

– The PS3 original 20GB variant is a massive console that looks like a George Foreman grill, with a curved uppermost section of the chassis. It’s also super heavy.

– The PS3 original 20GB variant should have no less than four USB ports.

– There is no flash card reader on the machine

– Wi-Fi is not supported

– The word ‘PlayStation 3′ should be emblazoned on the top of the chassis.

– The chassis of the PS3 original 20GB variant should be shiny (and not matte like the slim version)

– The model number should ALWAYS begin with ‘CECHB’. To locate the model and serial number of the PS3, look on the back of the system and a barcode sticker containing the ‘CECHB’ string should be present

Where To Buy A PS3 Console That Will Play PS2 Games

Now this is the especially tricky part. Given that the PS3 launched the better part of 14 years ago, getting hold of one of those prized 20 GB PS3 originals won’t be easy.

As a result, your only sensible option is to check out second-hand outlets everywhere such as eBay and others.

At the time of writing, PS3 20GB consoles that can play PS2 games are selling for $280.00 (including shipping) on eBay.

Additionally, local markets and sellers are also worth checking out too – not least because some sellers of the 20 GB PS3 original console might be unaware that the machine plays PS2 games right out of the box, meaning that they’ll likely charge less for it because of that reason.