Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →You can play a PS2 game disc on a PS3 only if your exact regional model is one of the models Sony identifies as able to play most PlayStation 2 format discs. Find the console’s complete CECH model number and check it against Sony’s list before inserting a disc or buying a used PS3. Even on a listed model, Sony cautions that some discs may not work or may play differently from original PS2 hardware.
Check whether your PS3 model supports PS2 discs
- Find the full CECH model number. Check the packaging, if you have it, or the serial label on the rear of the console. Sony’s model-identification guidance explains where to look: Find the PS3 model and serial number.
- Match the whole number, including its suffix, to your console’s sales region. Sony’s guide lists the following models for playing most PS2 format discs:
| Sales region | Sony-listed PS3 models |
|---|---|
| Japan | CECHA00, CECHB00 |
| U.S. and Canada | CECHA01, CECHB01, CECHE01 |
| Latin America | CECHE11 |
| Europe, Australia, and New Zealand | CECHC02, CECHC03, CECHC04, CECHC08 |
| Korea | CECHE05 |
| Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia | CECHA12, CECHB12, CECHE12, CECHA07, CECHB07, CECHA06, CECHE06 |
These are Sony’s regional model identifiers for most PS2 format disc playback; check the exact number and region in Sony’s PS3 backward-compatibility guide. A model not listed should not be assumed to play PS2 discs.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
PlayStation 3 Slim Console 120GB (Old Model) (Renewed) | $160.33 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Sony PlayStation 3 Slim 320 GB Charcoal Black Console (Renewed) | $216.06 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Sony Playstation 3 160GB System (Renewed) | $184.24 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Sony Playstation 3 320GB PS3 Console Only (Renewed) [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31vLAVLBc+L._SL160_.jpg)
|
Sony Playstation 3 320GB PS3 Console Only (Renewed) [video game] | $199.39 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Sony PlayStation 3 - 80GB System (Renewed) | $217.22 | Buy on Amazon |
What to do once you’ve checked the model
If your exact model is listed
Try the PS2 game disc in the console, but treat compatibility as applying to most discs, not every title. Sony warns that some discs may not work and that compatible games can behave differently from how they did on original PS2 hardware. The guide does not confirm compatibility for every named game, so a listed console is not a guarantee for a particular disc.
If your model is not listed
Do not count on a PS2 disc running. For example, Sony’s CECH-2101A/CECH-2101B manual explicitly says those models are not compatible with PS2 format software: CECH-2101A/CECH-2101B User Manual. That is a concrete example, not a complete list of every incompatible PS3 model.
#1 Best Overall
- HDMI + Bravia Sync functionality that provides both 1080p output resolution.
- A new 33% slimmer, 36% lighter PlayStation 3 entertainment system that is also more energy efficient.
- Includes a Dualshock 3 wireless controller and a built-in 120GB HDD for storing games, music, videos, and photos.
- Built-in Wi-Fi for connectivity anywhere and multiple media format compatibility.
- Free membership and access to all the events, as well as game, movie, TV and other media content available on the PlayStation Network (PSN).
Don’t use the console’s appearance as a compatibility test
A “fat” case, an early-looking design, or the general label “backward compatible” is not enough to establish PS2-disc support. Sony’s compatibility information is model-specific and regional. When checking a used console, ask for a clear photo of the CECH label and match the complete model number to the region list before buying.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to interpret Sony’s compatibility warning
Sony describes support as “most” PS2 format discs and notes that, even when a PS3 can play PlayStation 2 and PlayStation discs, “you may notice they play differently than they did on their original hardware.” This is a qualitative statement, not a guarantee for every game or a published percentage. The model list establishes which systems are documented for most PS2 discs; it does not replace checking the specific title.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Built-in Wi-Fi access for easy connection to gaming services and the Internet
- Built-in Blu-ray player to give you the best high-definition viewing experience and pristine picture quality
- 80 GB of hard disk storage for all your games, music, videos, and photos
- This product is NOT backwards compatible
Rank #4
- New slimmer, lighter PS3 system
- HDD for storing games, music, videos, and photos
- Streams thousands of movies and TV shows instantly from Netflix
- Built-in Blu-ray player with 3D capabilities. HDMI output for 1080p resolution
Rank #3
- Internet Ready With Built-in Wi-Fi with a Cell Broadband Engine Advanced Microprocessor
- When starting up the system for the first time, hold the power button until a "screen display" message shows up on screen. Select the desired output, and the system will startup normally.
- 160GB system
- Blu-ray player to give you pristine picture quality
- The best high-definition viewing experience available
Rank #2
- New slimmer, lighter PS3 system, Wireless controller
- 320GB HDD for storing games, music, videos, and photos
- Streams thousands of movies and TV shows instantly from Netflix
- Built-in Blu-ray player with 3D capabilities. HDMI output for 1080p resolution.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
