The 20GB and 60GB PS3 models are the only ones with built-in backwards compatibility for PS2 games

If you want to play your PS2 disc collection on a PlayStation 3, you need either the 20GB model (released in Japan and some other regions) or the 60GB model (the original North American and European launch version). These two models contain the actual PS2 processor hardware inside them, which lets them read and run PS2 discs without any software workaround. Every other PS3 model — the 40GB, 80GB, and all later versions — cannot play PS2 games at all, even with updates.

The reason is cost. Sony removed the PS2 processor from later models to bring the price down. By the time the 40GB model shipped in late 2006, the company had already stopped including it. This means if you buy a used PS3 today, the odds are high it will not play your PS2 games unless you specifically find a 20GB or 60GB unit.

Key Takeaways

  • Only the 20GB PS3 (Japan region) and 60GB PS3 (North America and Europe launch models) have PS2 backwards compatibility built into the hardware.
  • The 40GB, 80GB, and all later PS3 models cannot play PS2 discs under any circumstances, even with system software updates.
  • The 60GB model is the easiest to find used in North America and Europe, but it is now over 15 years old and may have hardware failures.
  • PS2 games will not work on any PS3 model if the disc is scratched or damaged, and the console does not upscale PS2 graphics to HD resolution.

How to identify a backwards-compatible PS3 by the model number

The model number is printed on a sticker on the bottom of the console. Look for CECH-A01 (20GB, Japan only) or CECH-B01 (60GB, North America) or CECH-E01 (60GB, Europe). If your sticker shows any other number — CECH-C, CECH-D, CECH-G, CECH-H, or anything with a higher letter — that model does not have PS2 backwards compatibility.

The 60GB model is the one you are most likely to encounter in the used market outside Japan. It was the standard PS3 at launch in 2006 and remained available until late 2006, when the 20GB was discontinued in North America and the 40GB took its place. If you are shopping for a used PS3 specifically to play PS2 games, checking the model number before you buy is the only way to know for certain.

Why the 60GB model is harder to find now

The 60GB PS3 is now 18 years old. Many units have developed hardware problems — the most common being the yellow light of death (YLOD), a thermal failure that makes the console shut down during play. The power supply and cooling system in that generation were not designed to last this long, so even a well-maintained unit may fail without warning.

Because of these age-related failures, the used market for working 60GB models has shrunk. Prices for functioning units have risen, sometimes reaching $200 to $400 depending on condition and whether the seller has tested it. If you find one listed as untested or "for parts," assume it does not work. A tested, working 60GB PS3 is a real find, but you should ask the seller how long they have owned it and whether it has shown any signs of overheating.

What PS2 games will and will not work

Most PS2 games will play on a backwards-compatible PS3, but not all. Sony's official list of incompatible titles includes around 10 percent of the PS2 library — mostly games that relied on specific hardware features or copy protection that the PS3 could not replicate. Games like Guitar Hero, Rock Band, and some sports titles with online features may not work or may work only partially.

The PS3 does not upscale PS2 graphics to HD resolution. Games will display at their original 480p output, which looks soft and blurry on modern televisions. If you are expecting PS2 games to look like PS3 games, you will be disappointed. The backwards compatibility is functional, not enhanced.

You can check Sony's official backwards compatibility list online to see whether a specific game is known to have problems. If a game is not on the list, it usually works fine, but there is no may provide — some titles may have minor glitches or audio issues that only show up during play.

Alternatives if you cannot find a backwards-compatible PS3

If a 60GB PS3 is too expensive or too risky to buy used, you have other options. The cheapest is to keep your PS2 console and games separate — a used PS2 Slim or original model can be found for $30 to $60 and will play your entire library without any compatibility questions. You lose the convenience of one console, but you avoid the risk of buying a 18-year-old machine that might fail.

Another option is to buy PS2 games digitally through the PlayStation Store on a PS3 (any model). Sony has released a selection of PS2 titles as downloadable versions that run natively on PS3 hardware. The selection is limited — only a few hundred titles are available — and you have to repurchase games you already own on disc. This works only if your game is in the digital catalog.

Some players also use emulation on a PC or other device, though this requires technical knowledge and raises questions about owning the games you are playing. For most people, keeping a PS2 is the simplest and most reliable path.

What to check before buying a used 60GB PS3

If you decide to hunt for a backwards-compatible PS3, test it in person if possible. Ask the seller to boot it up, load a PS2 game, and let it run for at least 10 minutes. Listen for loud fan noise — a 60GB that sounds like a jet engine is likely to fail soon. Check that the disc drive opens and closes smoothly and that the game actually plays, not just loads.

Ask how long the console has been in storage. A unit that sat unused for years may have capacitor problems or dried-out thermal paste, which can cause failure within weeks of being powered back on. A console that has been used regularly and stored in a cool, dry place is a better bet than one that was packed away in an attic.

Expect to pay a premium for a working 60GB model. The backwards compatibility feature is now rare enough that sellers know what they have. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is — the console may not work, or the seller may not have tested it thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The PS3 Slim (released in 2009) and PS3 Super Slim (released in 2012) do not have PS2 backwards compatibility. Only the 20GB and 60GB models from 2006 can play PS2 discs. If you own one of the later models, you cannot add this feature through any update or accessory.

Will a PS2 game work if the disc is scratched?

A lightly scratched PS2 disc may still play on a backwards-compatible PS3, but heavy scratches will cause the game to freeze, skip, or fail to load. The PS3 is not more forgiving of damaged discs than a PS2 console is. If a game does not work, try cleaning the disc with a soft cloth, but do not expect miracles.

Do I need a special controller to play PS2 games on PS3?

No. A PS3 controller works fine for PS2 games on a backwards-compatible console. You can also use a PS2 controller if you prefer, though the PS3 controller is more reliable. Some games with special controllers (like Guitar Hero) may not work at all, regardless of which controller you use.

Is the 20GB PS3 worth buying if I find one?

The 20GB model is extremely rare outside Japan and is usually more expensive than a 60GB. Unless you specifically want a 20GB for collecting reasons, a 60GB is the better choice — it is more common, easier to find, and has the same backwards compatibility. Both are equally old and equally prone to hardware failure.

Can I upgrade a 40GB PS3 to play PS2 games?

No. There is no hardware upgrade, software patch, or accessory that adds PS2 backwards compatibility to a 40GB or later PS3 model. The PS2 processor was physically removed from those consoles to reduce manufacturing cost. If you want to play PS2 games, you need a 20GB or 60GB model.