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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Some PS3 consoles play PlayStation 2 game discs, but most do not. Sony identifies the CECH-A00 and CECH-B00 series as compatible; it also warns that some PS2 titles may not operate properly. Check the console’s exact model number before buying or inserting a disc.
Which PS3 models play PS2 discs?
Sony’s Japanese PS3 series comparison identifies the CECH-A00 and CECH-B00 series as supporting disc-based PS2 games. Sony’s related support page says PS3 systems outside those series cannot play PS2 games. These identifiers come from Sony’s Japanese materials, so they should not be treated as a complete list of every regional model code or suffix.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Sony Playstation 3 160GB System (Renewed) | $184.22 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Sony PlayStation 3 Slim 320 GB Charcoal Black Console (Renewed) | $210.81 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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PlayStation 3 Slim Console 120GB (Old Model) (Renewed) | $160.33 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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PlayStation 3 500 GB Super Slim System (Renewed) | $228.22 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Sony PlayStation 3 - 80GB System (Renewed) | $217.22 | Buy on Amazon |
Compatibility also does not guarantee that every game will work correctly. Sony cautions that some titles may not operate properly. Its comparison page gives the warning in Japanese: “ただし、タイトルによって適切に動作しないものもあります。” (“However, depending on the title, some may not operate properly.”) Sony’s PS3 series comparison has the model details and caveat.
How to check your PS3 model number
- Look for the model number on the console’s rear serial label.
- Compare the code with Sony’s compatibility information. The supported series named in the Japanese comparison are CECH-A00 and CECH-B00; Sony’s model-number help page shows the format with CECH-4000 as an example.
- If the code does not clearly match, do not assume compatibility from the console’s appearance or age. Check with Sony’s model information for the relevant region before relying on it.
Sony’s model-number help page explains where to find the code. A useful counterexample to assumptions based on an older-looking console is the CECH-3001A/CECH-3001B: Sony’s manual explicitly says those systems are not compatible with and will not play PlayStation 2 format software. See the CECH-3001A/CECH-3001B manual.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
What about PS2 save data?
On a PS3 that supports PS2 games, you can create a virtual memory card in PS3 storage and assign it to a virtual slot for PlayStation or PS2 games. Sony also lists the CECHZM1J memory card adapter for copying or moving memory-card data to the PS3 hard disk. The adapter is for save-data management; it does not enable PS2 disc playback on a PS3 that is otherwise incompatible.
See Sony’s virtual memory card instructions and accessory compatibility information.
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
- Your Favorite Franchises Live Here: Dig into a huge catalog of exclusive games, including generation defining titles like The Last of Us and entries in popular franchises like LittleBigPlanet, God of War, Gran Turismo, and UNCHARTED.
- High-Definition Blu-ray player for the best movie experience. Plays DVDs and CDs
- 500GB HDD for storing games, music, videos, and photos
- Internet ready with built-in Wi-Fi
- Blu-ray player
Rank #3
- 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).
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.
