The PlayStation 3 (PS3) video game console has been produced in various models during its life cycle. There are several original PlayStation 3 hardware models, which are commonly referred to by the size of their included hard disk drive: 20, 40, 60, 80, or 160 GB.
This is a list of PlayStation 2 games compatible with certain models of PlayStation 3. However, all PlayStation 3 models can play some PlayStation 1 games via physical discs. This is accomplished entirely via software emulation and does not differ between models.
Various PlayStation 3 Models
Hardware Models and Compatibility
Initial PlayStation 3 models released in North America, Japan, and Asia contained both the PlayStation 2's CPU and GPU, while subsequent models contained only the GPU, and the PlayStation 2 backwards compatibility with physical discs was removed entirely in later models.
At launch, the PlayStation 3 was available with either a 20 or 60 GB hard disk drive in the US and Japan, respectively- priced from US$499 to US$599; and with either a 40, 60, or 80 GB hard disk drive in Europe, priced from £299 to £425.
Read also: Playing Old Games on Xbox Series S
Since then, Sony has released two further redesigned models, the "Slim" and "Super Slim" models.
Original Models
Although referred to by their HDD size, the capabilities of the consoles vary by region and release date. The only difference in the appearance of the first five models was the color of the trim, number of USB ports, the presence or absence of a door (which covers the flash card readers on equipped models) and some minor changes to the air vents.
It was rumored that the Cell processors in the third-generation PS3s (40 GB, 2008 80 GB (CECHL, CECHM, CECHK) and 160 GB) would move from a 90 nm process to the newer 65 nm process, which SCEI CEO Kaz Hirai later confirmed, and later to 45 nm.
Slim Model
The redesigned version of the PlayStation 3 (commonly referred to as the "PS3 Slim" and officially branded "PS3") features an upgradeable 120 GB, 160 GB, 250 GB or 320 GB hard drive and is 33% smaller, 36% lighter and consumes 34% (CECH-20xx) or 45% (CECH-21xx) less power than the previous model, or one third of the original PS3 model.
The Cell microprocessor moved to a 45 nm manufacturing process, which lets it run cooler and quieter than previous models, and the cooling system has been redesigned. The RSX moved to a 40 nm process after the first revision.
Read also: System Upgrade Guide
The PS3 slim also includes support for CEC (more commonly referred to by its manufacturer brandings of BraviaSync, VIERA Link, EasyLink etc.) which allows control of the console over HDMI by using the TV's remote control. The PS3 Slim no longer has the "main power" switch like the previous PS3 models, similar to redesigned slimline PlayStation 2.
Sony Computer Entertainment Australia also announced later that day that it would be bringing the 250 GB PS3 slim to Australia which would be bundled with other games and will not feature the Final Fantasy XIII theme.
PS2 Games That Break PS3 Backwards Compatibility (Emotion Engine Emulation - CECHE/C Model)
Super Slim Model
CECH-4000B consoles (those with hard drives) weigh approximately 2.1 kg (4.6 lb), while the CECH-4000A weighs approximately 2.0 kg (4.4 lb). Both are roughly 25% smaller and about 20% lighter than the original PS3 Slim.
A CECH-4200 model with nearly identical hardware to that of the CECH-4000 model was introduced in 2013 to follow the AACS rule of inhibiting analog (component and composite) output of Blu-ray disc content effective since 2014.
PS2 Games Compatibility List
Below is a list of PlayStation 2 games and their compatibility status with the PlayStation 3. Note that compatibility can vary depending on the PS3 model.
Read also: Does PS3 Super Slim Play PS2 Games?
Here is a sample of games and their compatibility notes:
- .hack//G.U.: Yes (some input issues). GFX issues, Some levels fail to load. Game is unstable; some levels take several tries to load then freeze in a few minutes. Occasionally Virtual Memory Card is not recognized.
- Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001: Throughout gameplay, various characters move erratically and/or do not perform as intended.
- Destroy All Humans!: Throughout the title, a random character model shadow graphic appears in the center of the screen. Gameplay may randomly freeze when exiting into another area causing a black screen freeze before the download data initiates.
- Ford vs. Racing 2: During various FMV sequences throughout the title, the audio is overlapped by static audio distortion. Vertical scan line artifacts are considerably more noticeable than on the 60GB; as well as more pop-ins.
- WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006: Bugs: Virtual Memory card savefile(s)' random corruption or complete loss/inability to save progress either in-game or while booting. Corruption is generally a temporary problem and can easily be fixed with a reboot or a resave in a different save slot.
Please consult online forums and communities for more detailed compatibility reports for specific games and PS3 models.
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