Home >> Internet Games >> PlayStation 3

How Do I Tell if My PlayStation 3 is Backwards Compatible?

When the PlayStation 3 was first introduced, it had the ability to play most PlayStation 2 games and some PlayStation 1 games. This was a big deal for many people, as the PlayStation 2 game library was the largest in the history of gaming consoles at the time (it remains the largest in 2010). However, certain models lacked backwards compatibility, and this ability was dropped from PlayStation 3s produced after August 2008. Checking the bar code sticker will tell you if your PlayStation 3 is backwards compatible.

Instructions

- 1
  Disconnect all of the cables and wires from the PlayStation 3 system.
- 2
  Lift the PlayStation 3 and find the bar code sticker on the rear of the system. Beneath the bar code is a series of characters labeled "Serial." This is the unit's 11-digit serial number, which is followed by a dash and a model number that begins with the letters "CECH."
- 3
  Use the model number to determine your system's backwards compatibility. Models CECHE01, CECHA01 and CECHB01 are backwards compatible with PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 1 games. All other PlayStation 3 models are not backwards compatible.

PlayStation 3