The PlayStation 3 (PS3) video game console has seen various models throughout its lifecycle. At launch, the PS3 was available with either a 20 or 60 GB hard disk drive in the US and Japan, respectively. Since then, Sony has released redesigned models, including the "Slim" and "Super Slim" versions.
Understanding the backward compatibility of these models, especially with PlayStation 2 (PS2) and PlayStation (PS1) games, is crucial for gamers looking to enjoy their classic titles on newer hardware.
Playstation 3 - Backwards Compatibility | MR RATCHET
Original Fat PS3 Models
The original fat PS3 models came with various hard disk drive sizes: 20, 40, 60, 80, or 160 GB. The capabilities of these consoles varied by region and release date. The original 60GB fat PS3 includes features that were removed in later revisions to cut costs, most notably full hardware-level PS2 backward compatibility.
Some of the PS3 fat models are backwards compatible with PlayStation 2 games. These models include more features that were removed in later revisions to cut costs. Some fat PS3s also have more USB ports; some models include 4, while most PS3s have only 2.
The fat PS3 also has other storage ports, like SDIO/MMC, Compact Flash, Memory Stick, and SD cards that were later removed in the newer models of the PS3. The original fat PS3 includes a lot of features that were removed in later revisions to cut costs, most notably full hardware-level PS2 backward compatibility.
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Additionally, the fat PS3 can be jailbroken to include more features, like install packages and debug tools.
Drawbacks of the Fat PS3
One drawback of the Fat PS3 is that the HDMI transceiver is only specced to HDMI 1.3, which means no 3D. The fat models can't stream Dolby Digital TrueHD or DTS-HD Master audio straight into the receiver, but it can decode them internally.
The Fat PS3 is more vulnerable to overheating and getting a Yellow Light of Death.
PS3 Slim Models
The redesigned version of the PlayStation 3, commonly referred to as the "PS3 Slim", features an upgradeable 120 GB, 160 GB, 250 GB or 320 GB hard drive. It 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 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.
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Some PS3 slims have backwards compatibility for PS2 games, but only some.
PS3 Super Slim Models
The super slim, I believe doesn't have any compatibility with PS2, although, ALL ps3s, including the fat support PS1 games.
The newer models, which are the slim and super slim boot much faster and are much quieter.
The super slim cannot be jailbroken, only the slim and fat.
PS1 and PS2 Game Compatibility
Some PS3s support PS2, but ALL PS3s support PS1 games.
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- PS1 Games: All PS3 models (Fat, Slim, and Super Slim) are compatible with PS1 games.
- PS2 Games: Only some of the original "Fat" PS3 models are compatible with PS2 games, either through hardware or software emulation. The Slim and Super Slim models do not have PS2 backward compatibility.
To determine if your PS3 console is backwards compatible with PS2:
- Check to see if the PS3 is a PlayStation 3 Slim model. If it’s a PS3 Slim, it’s not backward compatible with PS2, but you can still play PS3 and PS1 games on it.
- Check to see if the PS3 is a 20GB PlayStation 3. If your PS3 has four USB ports, and the panel you insert the disc in is black instead of silver, and it doesn’t have a place on the front for an SD card, then you have a 20GB PS3, and it’s backwards compatible with PS2 games. The model number is usually CECHBxx.
- Check to see if the PS3 is a 60GB PlayStation 3. If you have an 80GB PlayStation 3 or Metal Gear PS3, it may still be backward compatible via software emulation. If you use any PS3 online services, then your console may have lost backwards compatibility with PS2 software emulation.
Jailbreaking
The Fat PS3 can also be jailbroken, to include much more features, like install packages, have debug tools, and more. The super slim cannot be jailbroken, only the slim and fat.
Storage Capacity
The hard drive could be upgraded, although it's a bit difficult. You're better off with the slim, it has more storage. It goes up to 500GB.
The HDD is nothing more than a 2.5 inch SATA drive.
PS2 Game Configuration Fixes
Many PS2 games require specific configurations to run smoothly on the PS3. Here are some examples:
| Game | Configuration Fixes |
|---|---|
| .hack//G.U. vol. 1//Rebirth | Config fixes the freeze at first location with Orca after few dialogs. Must use GX Config to avoid graphical issues. |
| .hack//Mutation Part 2 | Config fixes the freeze when you enter "The World". Must use GX Config to avoid graphical issues. |
| Ape Escape 2 | Config fixes texture flickering (mipmapping issue) and slowdown (depth of field effect). |
| Destroy All Humans! | Config fixes texture flickering caused by mipmapping. NTSC config fixes the white tires. |