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PS2 Games on PS3: Compatibility Guide by Model

Most PS3 models cannot play PS2 discs. Only specific early "Fat" models have hardware or partial software backward compatibility.

PS3 Models & PS2 Compatibility

Model SeriesModel NumbersPS2 BC MethodCompatibility
Launch Fat (NTSC-J/US)CECHA00 (20GB), CECHB00 (60GB)Hardware: Emotion Engine (EE) + Graphics Synthesizer (GS) chips on board.~98% (Best)
Launch Fat (PAL/KR)CECHC00 (60GB), CECHE00 (80GB)Partial Hardware: GS chip only. EE emulated via software.~72% (Good, some bugs)
MGS4 Bundle FatCECHG00 (40GB), CECHH00 (80GB)Software Only: Full EE+GS emulation (different emulator than C/E).~65% (List specific)
All Slim (CECH-20xx/21xx/25xx)120GB / 160GB / 250GB / 320GBNone. GS/EE chips removed.0% (Discs show "Incompatible")
All Super Slim (CECH-30xx/40xx/42xx/43xx)250GB / 500GBNone.0%

How to Check Your Model

Look at the back barcode sticker: CECH-XXXX.

  • CECHA/B/C/E/G/H = Fat (Possible BC).
  • CECH-2xxx/3xxx/4xxx = Slim/Super Slim (No BC).

Alternatives for Non-BC PS3s

  1. PS2 Classics (PS Store): ~50 titles officially ported (emulated) for PS3. Purchasable on PS3 store (closed 2021, but accessible via web store on PC if owned). Run at 720p/1080p with smoothing.
  2. Custom Firmware (CFW/HEN) + PS2 Classics Placeholder / netemu / ps2_netemu: On CFW Slim/Super Slim, you can convert PS2 ISOs to .pkg "PS2 Classics" and play via software emulation. Compatibility ~80% (better on Slim CECH-20xx/21xx with C0/C1 RSX).
  3. PCSX2 (PC): Best way to play PS2 today (4K, widescreen, texture filtering, save states).
  4. Original PS2 (Fat + FreeMCBoot / Slim + FMCB) + HDD/ETH/OPL: Authentic hardware, best compat, cheap.
PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3

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