According to Sony’s Japanese support pages, only two PS3 series play PS2 game discs: CECH-A00 (60GB) and CECH-B00 (20GB). Every other PS3 series Sony lists, including later models, does not play PS2-format software. Even on the two supported series, Sony warns that some titles may not run properly.
Which PS3 models play PS2 discs
PlayStation Support Japan’s model comparison page says that only the CECH-B00 and CECH-A00 series can play disc-based PS2 games. Sony’s disc-format guide says the same: PS2 software does not run on series other than A00 and B00.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Sony Playstation 3 160GB System (Renewed) | $184.22 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Sony PlayStation 3 Slim 320 GB Charcoal Black Console (Renewed) | $210.81 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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PlayStation 3 Slim Console 120GB (Old Model) (Renewed) | $160.33 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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PlayStation 3 500 GB Super Slim System (Renewed) | $228.22 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Sony PlayStation 3 - 80GB System (Renewed) | $217.22 | Buy on Amazon |
| PS3 series (Sony support) | PS2 disc support | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| CECH-A00 | Yes, with title caveat | 60GB. Sony lists media slots and four USB ports. |
| CECH-B00 | Yes, with title caveat | 20GB. Sony lists no media slots and four USB ports. |
| CECH-H00, CECH-L00, CECH-2000/2100 | No | Sony marks disc-based PS2 play as unsupported. |
| CECH-2101A/2101B | No | The model’s manual says PS2-format software cannot be played. |
| CECH-43XXC | No | The model’s manual says PS2-format software does not perform on the system. |
“Fat,” “Slim” and “Super Slim” are not reliable guides
Sony’s tables distinguish consoles by CECH model code, not by nickname, shape or storage size. A listing that says only “fat PS3” or “backward compatible” does not show that the console is an A00 or B00. Check the full code on the console’s label.
One limit: the Sony pages behind this article establish the Japanese A00 and B00 model names. They do not give a complete mapping of regional suffixes worldwide, so don’t infer compatibility from a similar-looking code in another region. Look for the series Sony names, or for model-specific documentation.
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Supported does not mean every game works
Sony’s own wording is: “Only the CECH-B00 / CECH-A00 series can play disc-based PS2 games. However, some titles may not operate properly.” (PlayStation Support Japan, model comparison; translated from the Japanese.) Treat A00 and B00 as PS2-disc-compatible, not as guaranteed to run every PS2 title. Test the specific games you care about.
PS2 saves on a supported console
On compatible systems, PS2 saves go to a virtual memory card. Sony’s save-data instructions have you create a virtual memory card in the PS3’s system storage and assign it to a virtual slot. This only manages saves. The same page says PS3 systems other than CECH-A00 and CECH-B00 cannot play PS2 games, and no memory card setup changes that.
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Buying a used PS3 for PS2 games
These checks are practical advice, not Sony-verified compatibility facts:
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Built-in Wi-Fi access for easy connection to gaming services and the Internet
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- 80 GB of hard disk storage for all your games, music, videos, and photos
- This product is NOT backwards compatible
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- 500GB HDD for storing games, music, videos, and photos
- Internet ready with built-in Wi-Fi
- Blu-ray player
Rank #3
- HDMI + Bravia Sync functionality that provides both 1080p output resolution.
- A new 33% slimmer, 36% lighter PlayStation 3 entertainment system that is also more energy efficient.
- Includes a Dualshock 3 wireless controller and a built-in 120GB HDD for storing games, music, videos, and photos.
- Built-in Wi-Fi for connectivity anywhere and multiple media format compatibility.
- Free membership and access to all the events, as well as game, movie, TV and other media content available on the PlayStation Network (PSN).
- Ask for a clear photo of the model label and confirm the full CECH code.
- Confirm the disc drive reads discs.
- Check the seller’s return terms, since Sony’s pages note that PS3 after-service support has ended.
- Test a PS2 disc on arrival, given Sony’s title-level warning.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
