Only specific early PS3 model families play PS2 games from disc: Sony identifies CECH-A00 and CECH-B00. Later model families in Sony’s comparison do not. For PS1-format games, compatibility is limited rather than guaranteed. Check the CECH model code printed on the console; appearance and storage capacity are not reliable indicators.
Which PS3 models play PS2 games?
Sony’s Japan-region model comparison marks CECH-A00 and CECH-B00 as able to play PS2 games from disc. The later families listed in that comparison are marked as unable to play PS2 discs. Sony’s separate support guidance likewise names A00 and B00 as the exception families.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Sony Playstation 3 160GB System (Renewed) | $184.24 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
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 |
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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 |
| PS3 model family | PS2 games from disc |
|---|---|
| CECH-A00 | Supported by Sony’s Japan-region model comparison |
| CECH-B00 | Supported by Sony’s Japan-region model comparison |
| CECH-H00 and CECH-L00 | Not supported in Sony’s comparison |
| CECH-2000, CECH-2500, CECH-3000, and CECH-4000 | Not supported in Sony’s comparison |
The model comparison uses Japanese regional model codes. North American manuals also confirm that later models including CECHH01, CECH-2501B, and CECH-3001A/B do not play PS2 software, but Sony’s cited materials do not provide a complete mapping for every regional suffix. See Sony’s PS3 model-family comparison and Sony’s PS2 and PS game save guidance.
How to check your PS3 model
- Find the model number printed on the console’s label.
- Read the CECH code and compare its family with the list above. Do not rely on the console’s shell style, color, or hard-drive capacity.
- If the label or suffix does not clearly match a listed family, verify the exact model with Sony support before buying a console specifically for PS2 discs.
Can PS3 play PS1 games?
Some PS3 models can play some PlayStation-format software, but Sony does not guarantee operation of every title on systems without PS2 compatibility. The CECH-2501B and CECHH01 manuals both state that some PlayStation-format software may play, while warning that PS2-format software will not. The CECH-2501B manual explicitly says operation of all PlayStation-format titles is not guaranteed.
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That is general model guidance, not a current, region-complete database of game-by-game compatibility. Do not treat a PS3’s ability to run one PS1 game as proof that another will work. Sony’s wording is in the CECH-2501B manual and the CECHH01 manual.
Do memory cards or adapters add PS2 compatibility?
No. A PS2 memory-card adapter is for transferring or copying saved data to PS3 storage; it does not make an incompatible PS3 play PS2 games. Sony’s accessory information lists the CECHZM1J adapter for save-data handling. See Sony’s PS3 accessory compatibility table.
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What to check before buying a PS3 for PS2 discs
- Ask for a clear photo of the model label and confirm that the code belongs to the CECH-A00 or CECH-B00 family.
- Do not accept “backwards compatible” based only on the console’s appearance, storage size, or a vague listing description.
- Confirm the seller’s exact regional model and that the console reads discs; model-family support does not establish the condition of a used unit.
Sony’s manuals for later North American models reinforce the distinction: the CECH-3001A/CECH-3001B manual says those systems do not play PS2-format software.
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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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