Can You Play PS2 Games on a PlayStation 3?

Only specific "Fat" PS3 models play PS2 discs natively. Most PS3s cannot play PS2 games.

Backward Compatibility by Model

PS2 Classics on PS3 Store (Delisted): ~50 titles were sold as digital downloads (e.g., God of War 1/2, Ratchet & Clank trilogy). If purchased before delisting, they appear in Download List.
PS Now Streaming (Defunct): Merged into PlayStation Plus Premium — streams PS2/PS3/PS4 titles to PS4/PS5/PC. Requires subscription + stable 15+ Mbps.
PS2 on PS4/PS5: Select titles re-released as "PS2 Classics" with trophies (e.g., GTA San Andreas, Dark Cloud, Rogue Galaxy). Not the full library.
PC Emulation (PCSX2): Best compatibility, 4K, widescreen, save states. Requires legal BIOS + own discs.

Check the model number on the back barcode sticker: CECH-XXXX. First letter after CECH determines generation.

Bottom line: If you don't have a launch-era Fat PS3, you cannot play PS2 discs on a PS3.

PlayStation 3

PS3 Model	PS2 Disc Support	Notes
CECHA (20/60 GB, 4 USB, Card Readers)	✅ Full Hardware	Emotion Engine + GS chip onboard. Best compatibility.
CECHB (20 GB, no Wi-Fi)	✅ Full Hardware	Same as CECHA.
CECHC / CECHE (60/80 GB, 2 USB)	⚠️ Partial Software	GS chip only; EE emulated. ~70% compatibility, some glitches.
CECHG / CECHH / CECHJ / CECHK / CECHL / CECHM / CECHP / CECHQ (40/80/160 GB, Slim, Super Slim)	❌ None	No PS2 hardware; no software emulator included.