Most PlayStation 3 models cannot play PS2 games, but the earliest versions have backward compatibility built in

The original PlayStation 3 released in 2006 came with hardware inside it that let it run PS2 discs. Sony removed this feature in later models to cut manufacturing costs. If you own a PS3 from 2006 or 2007, you likely have a machine that plays both PS3 and PS2 games. If you bought one after 2008, it probably does not.

The difference comes down to whether your PS3 has the Emotion Engine — the processor that powered the PS2. The earliest PS3s included this chip. Newer models stripped it out, which is why you cannot straightforward pop a PS2 disc into a 2009 PS3 and expect it to work.

Key Takeaways

  • The 20GB and 60GB PS3 models from 2006–2007 play PS2 games; the 80GB model plays them only if manufactured before mid-2007.
  • The 40GB model released in late 2006 cannot play PS2 games at all, even though it came out before the 80GB.
  • PS3 models released from 2008 onward (120GB, 160GB, 250GB, 320GB, 500GB) have no PS2 backward compatibility.
  • You can check your PS3's model number on the bottom of the console or in the system settings under System Information.
  • If your PS3 cannot play PS2 discs, you can still play PS2 games through the PlayStation Store if they have been released as digital downloads.

How to identify which PS3 model you own

The easiest way to find out is to look at the bottom of your console. The model number is printed there — it will say either 20GB, 40GB, 60GB, 80GB, 120GB, 160GB, 250GB, 320GB, or 500GB. Write down that number.

You can also find this information without opening the console. Turn on your PS3, go to Settings, then System Information. The model number appears on that screen. Write it down or take a photo so you have it for the next step.

PS3 models that play PS2 games

The 20GB model (released November 2006) plays PS2 games. The 60GB model (released November 2006 in some regions, March 2007 in others) also plays PS2 games. Both of these have the Emotion Engine chip inside.

The 80GB model is more complicated. Early versions made before mid-2007 include the Emotion Engine and play PS2 games. Later 80GB models made from mid-2007 onward do not. If you own an 80GB, check the manufacturing date printed on the bottom of the console. If it says it was made before July 2007, it likely plays PS2 games. If it was made after that, it does not.

The 40GB model released in late 2006 cannot play PS2 games, even though it came out around the same time as the 20GB and 60GB. Sony removed the Emotion Engine from this version to lower the price.

PS3 models that do not play PS2 games

Every PS3 released from 2008 onward cannot play PS2 discs. This includes the 120GB, 160GB, 250GB, 320GB, and 500GB models. These consoles have no backward compatibility hardware.

If you own one of these newer models and want to play PS2 games, your only option through the console itself is to purchase digital versions from the PlayStation Store — but not every PS2 game has been released as a read. Your other choice is to keep a PS2 console alongside your PS3.

Why Sony removed PS2 backward compatibility

The Emotion Engine chip took up physical space and cost money to manufacture. By removing it, Sony could make the PS3 smaller and cheaper to produce. The company also wanted to encourage people to buy PS3 games rather than replay their PS2 library.

At the time, many people already owned PS2 consoles and had large collections of PS2 games. Sony's decision to drop backward compatibility in later models meant that people who wanted to play both generations of games had to either keep their PS2 or buy one of the early PS3 models.

Playing PS2 games on newer PS3 models

If you own a PS3 from 2008 or later, you have limited options. The PlayStation Store sells some PS2 games as digital downloads that run on any PS3. Search the store for the title you want to play. Not every PS2 game is available this way — the selection is smaller than the full PS2 library, and availability varies by region.

The most reliable way to play PS2 games on a newer PS3 is to own a separate PS2 console. Used PS2 consoles are widely available and inexpensive. If you have a large PS2 game collection, keeping the original console is often simpler than hunting for digital versions that may not exist.

Checking if a PS2 game will work on your PS3

If you own a PS3 with backward compatibility, most PS2 games will work, but not all. Sony maintains a list of PS2 games that have compatibility issues on the PlayStation website. Before you buy a used PS2 game, you can search that list to see if it has known problems on PS3.

Some games may have minor glitches — audio that cuts out, graphics that display incorrectly, or controller input that does not respond properly. A few games do not work at all. The list tells you which category each game falls into, so you know what to expect before you play.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play PS2 games on a PS3 Slim or PS3 Super Slim?

No. The Slim (released 2009) and Super Slim (released 2012) models cannot play PS2 discs. Both are newer models that have the Emotion Engine removed. Your only option is to purchase PS2 games through the PlayStation Store if they are available in your region.

If I buy a used 60GB PS3, will it definitely play PS2 games?

Almost certainly yes. The 60GB model from 2006–2007 was built with the Emotion Engine. However, the console is now over 15 years old, and the hardware may have degraded. Before you buy, ask the seller if they have tested PS2 games on it recently.

Do PS3 games work on a PS2?

No. PS2 consoles cannot play PS3 games. Backward compatibility only goes one direction — from older to newer. A PS2 can only play PS1 and PS2 games.

What if my PS3 says it plays PS2 games but a disc does not work?

Check the PlayStation website's compatibility list for that specific game. Some PS2 titles have known issues on PS3 even on compatible models. The disc itself may also be damaged or dirty — try cleaning it gently with a soft cloth. If the console has not been used in years, the disc drive may need cleaning as well.

Is it worth buying an old PS3 just to play PS2 games?

That depends on how many PS2 games you own and how much a used 20GB or 60GB PS3 costs in your area. Prices vary widely. If you find one in good condition for under $100, it may be worth it. If the price is higher, a used PS2 console is usually cheaper and more reliable for PS2 games specifically.