PS3 Backwards Compatibility: How to Play PS2 Games on PS3

The PlayStation 3 was the successor to the astronomically-successful PlayStation 2, and the 5th overall release in Sony’s line of PlayStation consoles (counting the slim revisions). It had an impossible bar to top and, initially, it almost completely flatlined due to the hefty launch price and lack of developer support. However, the PS3 did eventually capture its footing and ended up selling very well.

The PS3 has a wide variety of fan-favorite games that laid down the foundation for future franchises. Especially towards the end of the console’s lifecycle, when developers unlocked the full potential of its notoriously complicated architecture, the PS3 came into its own.

The Last of Us, the first 3 Uncharted games, Demon’s Souls, Metal Gear Solid 4 (which apparently ran ‘flawlessly’ on Xbox 360 as well!) etc., are all native to the PS3. Another plus point of the PS3 was that it was backwards compatible with PS1 and PS2 titles. However, in the case of PS2, only specific models were compatible.

Which PS3 Models are Compatible with PS2 Games?

Of all the PS3 models to have been released, only the first-generation launch models are fully backwards compatible with PS2 games. You can just plop in a PS2 disc in these models and enjoy the game withou hassle. The differences between the launch model, known as the “fat” version of the PS3, and the other models have been highlighted in the table below.

Differences between various PlayStation 3 models

Sony themselves made a great (now-removed) guide on how to check if your PS3 model is backwards compatible, though it omits the CECHC model for some reason. A copy of the guide is still available through Archive.org ↗️ if you want to check it out.

Why Can Only First-Gen PS3s Play PS2 Games?

The 1st generation PS3 launch models included the Emotion Engine and the Graphics Synthesizer, which were the CPU and GPU respectively of the PS2, built directly into the console. Therefore, due to the inclusion of this specific hardware, the launch models were fully backwards compatible with PS2 games. This is part of the reason why the PS3 had a high price tag at launch.

To compete with Microsoft and Nintendo, and to reduce costs, Sony removed PS2 hardware from later PS3 models, essentially ending PS2 compatibility. They also removed built-in memory card readers, further limiting compatibility even more. However, all PS3 models maintained full backwards compatibility with PS1 games throughout the revisions.

The Case of Second-Gen PS3s

The situation becomes more complicated with second-gen PS3s since they can technically emulate all PS2 games, but not as well as their predecessor. The Cell processor inside the PS3 emulates the PS2’s CPU which results in a lot of issues with game compatibility. Sony even used to have a dedicated page to track issues and notify players of backwards compatibly statuses ↗️, but it’s not public anymore.

That being said, the Graphics Synthesizer is still present in these models which means no need for software emulation for the graphics. So, by excluding the PS2 CPU but keeping the GPU, Sony created PS3s that were ultimately no more than intermediaries to transition the company into slim models that fully removed all backwards compatibility for the PS2.

How To Play PS2 Games without A First Gen PS3?

First-generation PS3s are very rare, and the only way to get one is to check if someone is selling one on eBay or other similar sites. However, if you can’t find one and/or already have a non-first generation PS3, there is still hope.

You could get your hands on a second-gen PS3, which are much more common, but they will have subpar backwards compatibility and you will lose access to more than 10% of the PS2’s library (under 90% of PS2 games were compatible). The only other option to get the best of both worlds is:

Playing PS2 games on a jailbroken PS3

Since the PS3 is nearly obsolete now, some users have taken to jailbreaking their PS3s. Jailbreaking replaces the original firmware of the PS3 with a third-party custom firmware, which allows greater customizations and freedom than the original one. Jailbreaking also opens the door to many third-party emulation apps, including one for the PS2.

In order to play PS2 games on your jailbroken PS3, first, you’ll need to create an ISO of the game from its physical copy through a PC. Then, download the relevant tools that allow you to use the ISO on your PS3. Next, move these files to a USB drive and plug the drive in your PS3 and install the tools you downloaded.

Depending on the tools, you downloaded the further steps can vary but you can use YouTube or other resources for that.

Is the First-Generation PS3 Worth It?

The first-generation PS3 is the only console in the PlayStation lineup that has backwards compatibility for more than 2 consoles. Sure, it’s expensive and rare, but that doesn’t mean that its value won’t increase someday, especially with the recent rise of interest in collecting retro gaming memorabilia. Also, playing a classic on its own console, without an emulator, allows you to experience the game to its fullest.

It should also be noted that there is no official way to purchase PS3 or PS2 games anymore as the PlayStation Store services shut down for the PS3 back in 2018 (and way before for the PS2). Therefore, you’ll need to get a physical copy of the games you want. You can buy them off of eBay or other similar sites.

Jailbreaking is another way you can enjoy PS2 games on a PS3 but it’s not preferable as it tends to promote piracy, which can have serious legal consequences and void your warranty. Let’s be honest, jailbreaking pretty much walks hand in hand with pirated games.

That’s why a first-generation PlayStation 3 is well worth the cost in this day and age if you wish to avoid jail time and enjoy two generations of absolute classics in one package. After all, a pang for nostalgia never hurt anyone, except maybe our pockets.