Which PS3 Consoles Are Backwards Compatible and Do all PS2 Games Play

Which PS3 Consoles Are Backwards Compatible and Do all PS2 Games Play on Them?

The Sony PlayStation 3 is well known for its powerful hardware and impressive library, but one of its biggest questions among gamers is backward compatibility—specifically, which models can play PS2 and PS1 games. Sony released multiple versions of the PS3 over the years, and not all of them retained the ability to play older PlayStation titles. If you're looking to revisit some classics, here's what you need to know about which PS3 consoles support backward compatibility and which PS2 games don’t work properly, even on compatible models.

Which PS3 Models Are Backwards Compatible?

Not all PS3 consoles can play PS2 games, but all PS3 models are compatible with PS1 discs. When it comes to PS2 support, only the original "fat" models had true hardware-based backward compatibility:

Launch 20GB (CECHCxx) & 60GB (CECHAxx) Models – These models are the holy grail of backward compatibility. They contain actual PS2 hardware inside, meaning they can play most PS2 games natively, just like a PS2 console.
Early 80GB Model (CECHExx) – This model uses software emulation instead of actual PS2 hardware, making it partially compatible with PS2 games. Many titles work fine, but some may have glitches or performance issues.
Later PS3 Models (40GB, Slim, and Super Slim) – No PS2 backward compatibility. Sony removed PS2 support completely in these models, so they only play PS1 and PS3 games.

So in a nutshell, if it has 4 plug in ports on the front of the original console, then it is. If the console has 2, it is not. This is the easiest way to spot one of these jewels. You will find the CECH- model number on the back of the console.

What PS2 Games Don’t Work Properly?

For a full list of PS2 games and their compatibility on PS3, Sony did have an official website during the PS3’s early years, though it has since been taken down. However, gaming communities and forums still maintain compatibility lists if you're looking for specifics.

After some rabbit hole digging, I gathered a list of PS2 games that I verified from at least 3 different sources (mostly reddit) that either will not boot, crash immediately, or are completely unplayable on backward-compatible PS3 models:

Def Jam: Fight for NY – This one, I am the verified source and I was sad that it would not play on my Backwards compatible PS3!
Final Fantasy XI – Many users are saying that this game requires PS2 HDD, which is not supported on PS3.
EverQuest Online Adventures – Online-only game that relied on PS2 network setup.
Socom U.S. Navy SEALs Combined Assault – Multiplayer issues, crashes often.
Hitman: Blood Money – Crashes frequently, rendering it basically unplayable, so it made the list.
FIFA Street 2 – Crashes before gameplay even begins.
NHL 2K6 – Freezes at the loading screen, unless everyone’s copy is a dud! 😊
Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht – Fails to load properly.
Growlanser: Generations – Crashes after the opening sequence.
MLB 2K5 – Unplayable due to graphical corruption and freezing.
MLB 2K6 – Game simply does not load.
Major League Baseball 2K7 – Constant freezing issues. Brrrr!!!
ESPN NBA 2Night 2002 – Severe graphical issues make it unplayable.
Gran Turismo 4 – Graphical glitches and frame rate drops.
Tekken 5 – Occasional freezing issues.
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater – Audio desync and minor visual bugs.

I know I missed some titles, so leave a comment for games not in the list that you know are not compatible!

Browse some authentic, tested, and clean PS3 games here!

While later PS3 models ditched PS2 support, Sony eventually brought some PS2 classics to the PlayStation Store (but I prefer physical), but this does allow players to experience them without having to purchase them if they aren’t a collector at all - just a gamer. So, while backward compatibility on the PS3 isn’t perfect, there are still plenty of ways to revisit your favorite classic PlayStation titles. Suggested option - buy a PS1 or PS2. Physical Forever!

In conclusion of this article on the Sony backwards compatible PS3, Sony tried! The original ‘fat’ PS3 is mostly wanted now for collectability, not reliability. However, if you really want to get into playing your original (Fat) PS3 system, keep in mind that these systems are prone to overheating and failure due to their age, so be cautious when buying one or even using one. I highly recommend getting it disassembled and properly cleaned by knowledgeable professionals or if you are fix it savvy, take a whack at it yourself! I have a good friend who owns a local retro video game store and he says that approximately 70 percent of their “fat” PS3 consoles simply do not work or get hot very fast. If you just want to play PS1 games, you're in luck—all of the Sony PS3s can handle those puppies!

“The day you know everything, is the day you know nothing at all”