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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallThe PS3 is a major generational upgrade over the PS2 for its own games, HD output and Blu-ray playback—but it is not a guaranteed replacement for playing PS2 discs. Its backward compatibility depends on the exact model, and Sony warns that some compatible systems may handle individual games differently or not run them properly.
How much more powerful is the PS3?
There is no reliable single “times faster” figure established for the PS3 versus PS2. Sony’s 2005 announcement described the PS2’s Emotion Engine as a 128-bit processor and the PS3 as using a Cell processor and RSX graphics processor. Those specifications describe different systems in different ways; they do not provide a like-for-like performance benchmark. Sony’s description of Cell as having “super computer like performance” was promotional language, not an independent measurement. Sony’s 2005 announcement
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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| 1 |
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Sony Playstation 3 160GB System (Renewed) | $184.24 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Sony PlayStation 3 Slim 320 GB Charcoal Black Console (Renewed) | $216.06 | 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 |
The practical difference is the generation of games each console was built to run. PS3 games were designed for PS3 hardware and can make use of its more capable graphics and HD-output features. Sony’s later PS3 manual lists a Cell processor, RSX graphics processor, 256 MB of main memory and 256 MB of graphics memory. These are PS3 specifications, not a promise that every game renders at the console’s highest supported resolution. PS3 CECH-43xxC manual
What does the PS3 improve for games and movies?
Newer games and HD output
The PS3 supports HD video output, with documented models and materials listing resolutions up to 1080p. Output capability is not the same as a guarantee that each game renders internally at 1080p; a game’s resolution and presentation depend on the title. The 2007 announcement for the 40 GB PS3 model listed output through 1080p. Sony’s 2007 40 GB model announcement
#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
Blu-ray and HDMI
PS3 adds a Blu-ray Disc platform for games and movie playback, alongside HDMI connectivity on the documented models. Exact features and storage vary by PS3 model, so treat “PS3” as a console family rather than one uniform specification. Sony’s later manual lists Blu-ray Disc support and HDMI output. PS3 CECH-43xxC manual
Storage is another model-level difference. Sony announced a 40 GB model in 2007; its 2012 announcement described 12 GB flash, 250 GB and 500 GB configurations. These are examples of historical configurations, not a complete list of every regional model. Sony’s 2012 PS3 announcement
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.
Do PS2 games look better on a PS3?
A PS3 can upscale PS and PS2 software, but upscaling changes how standard-definition source material is output; it does not turn the original game into a native-HD version or remaster. Sony’s guide says these games are recorded in SD resolutions and can be upscaled to HD output. It also warns that full-screen scaling can stretch proportions and recommends turning upscaling off if the picture looks worse. PlayStation game-settings guide
Image quality therefore depends on the game, the PS3’s scaling settings and the display. Upscaling may make an image fit an HD screen, but it cannot add detail that was not in the original game’s image.
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).
Can a PS3 play PS2 games?
Some PS3 models can play many PS2 discs, but compatibility is not universal. Sony’s disc guide identifies specific regional CECHA, CECHB, CECHC and CECHE models as compatible with most PS2 discs; Sony also cautions that some titles may behave differently or may not work properly. The CECH-43xx manual, by contrast, explicitly says PS2 software titles do not run on that system. PlayStation disc compatibility guide PS3 CECH-43xxC manual
If you are considering a PS3 specifically for a PS2 disc, check the full model number printed on the console and verify the individual game against Sony’s compatibility information before buying. A seller’s general description of it as an “old” or “backward-compatible” PS3 is not enough to establish that your particular disc will run.
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
Which console should you choose?
- Choose a PS3 if you want to play PS3-generation games, use Blu-ray discs or connect a documented model to an HD display.
- Choose a PS2 if reliable playback of an existing PS2 disc collection is the priority and you do not want to verify compatibility title by title.
- Consider a PS3 for both generations only after confirming that the exact console model supports PS2 discs and that the games you care about work on it.
For a used PS3, check the model number, console condition and included accessories. If you are connecting it by HDMI, use a separately sold HDMI cable or one carrying the HDMI logo, as Sony’s CECH-43xx manual specifies. PS3 CECH-43xxC manual
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
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.
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