PlayStation Knowledge Center
Play PlayStation/PlayStation 2 Games on PlayStation 3 System
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Only a limited number of PS3 systems have the ability to play disc based PlayStation and PlayStation 2 software titles (backwards compatible). However, all PS3 systems have the ability to play downloadable PS one and PlayStation 2 Classics available from the PlayStation Store.
The compatibility of disc based PlayStation and PlayStation 2 format software titles for use on the PlayStation 3 varies by model as follows:
PlayStation 3 models
|
Original Hard Drive Capacity |
USB Ports |
PlayStation 2 Software Compatible |
Release Date |
In Production |
|
500GB |
CECH-4001C |
2 |
No |
October 2012 |
Yes |
250GB |
CECH-4001B |
2 |
No |
September 2012 |
Yes |
320GB |
CECH-3001B |
2 |
No |
August 2011 |
No |
160GB |
CECH-3001A |
2 |
No |
August 2011 |
No |
320GB |
CECH-2501B |
2 |
No |
September 2010 |
No |
160GB |
CECH-2501A |
2 |
No |
August 2010 |
No |
250GB |
CECH-2101B |
2 |
No |
May 2010 |
No |
120GB |
CECH-2101A |
2 |
No |
May 2010 |
No |
250GB |
CECH-2001B |
2 |
No |
November 2009 |
No |
120GB |
CECH-2001A |
2 |
No |
September 2009 |
No |
160GB |
CECHP01 |
2 |
No |
November 2008 |
No |
80GB |
CECHL01 |
2 |
No |
October 2008 |
No |
80GB |
CECHK01 |
2 |
No |
August 2008 |
No |
80GB |
CECHE01 |
4 |
Yes |
August 2007 |
No |
60GB |
CECHA01 |
4 |
Yes |
November 2006 |
No |
40GB |
CECHH01 |
2 |
No |
March 2008 |
No |
40GB |
CECHG01 |
2 |
No |
November 2007 |
No |
20GB |
CECHB01 |
4 |
Yes |
November 2006 |
No |
Backward compatibility is dependent on the model number of the PlayStation 3. Click here to find the PlayStation 3 model number.
Location of Backward Compatibility notice on box
On the back of the box under the features, it will state whether the PlayStation 3 is backward compatible.
Checking Game Compatibility
Only PS3 models CECHA01, CECHB01, and CECHE01, will be able to play some PlayStation® and PlayStation®2 format software titles, but full compatibility is not guaranteed.
Click here to determine whether a specific title is backward compatible.
Notes:
- Click here to learn about using PlayStation and PlayStation 2 peripherals and controllers on the PlayStation 3.
- To save game progress for PlayStation or PlayStation 2 format software titles on the PlayStation 3, Internal Memory Cards must first be created.
- If a PlayStation 3 is not backward compatible, you will not be able to add this function through any hardware (i.e., changing the hard disk drive) or software (i.e., updates, homebrew) upgrades or modifications.
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