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60GB PS3 Backward Compatibility: Not All Models Are Equal

Only specific launch "fat" 60GB models have full hardware PlayStation 2 backward compatibility. Later 60GB revisions removed it. Here's how to identify yours:

The Two 60GB Variants

Feature	Launch 60GB (CECHA/CECHB)	Later 60GB (CECHC/CECHE)
PS2 BC	✅ Hardware (EE+GS chips)	❌ Removed (cost reduction)
Card Readers	4x (SD, CF, MS, xD)	None
USB Ports	4	2
Chrome Trim	Yes	No (matte)
"BC" Sticker	On front flap	Absent

Critical Nuances

PS1 Games: All PS3s play PS1 discs via software emulation (good compatibility, occasional graphical glitches).
PS2 Compatibility List: Even on hardware BC models, ~10% of PS2 titles have issues (graphical corruption, crashes, speed). Check Sony's official list (archived).
Region Locking: PS2/PS1 BC respects region. NTSC PS3 plays NTSC PS2 games; PAL plays PAL.

Verification Steps

Check model number on back sticker (CECH-XXXX).
Look for 4 USB ports + card reader slots on front.
Insert a PS2 disc—if "PlayStation 2" appears on XMB, it works.

If you lack a hardware BC model, a modded PS3 Slim/Super Slim with PS2 Classics Placeholder (software emulation) offers broader compatibility, HD upscaling, and save states—often a better experience than a dying 2006 console.

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