Home >> Internet Games >> PlayStation 3

What Is the Compatibility of PS2 Games in the PS3?

Sony's PlayStation 3 (PS3) is the predecessor to the PlayStation 2 video game console. The PlayStation 2 consoles, accessories, and video games, have been limited in production by Sony due to heightened demand for the next generation system. There has been some confusion for owner's of the PS3, as to whether or not their old PlayStation 2 games will play on the newer model.

Backwards Compatibility
- A trend in modern video game development has been to make old video games from previous systems backwards compatible with the next generation system. Backwards compatibility provides consumers with comfort that the money they spent on older games doesn't go to waste when they decide to trade up for the latest model. The PlayStation 3 has done this for customers who still want to play their PlayStation 2 games, but not all PS3 models are compatible. Before you purchase a PS3 system, check the back of the box under the "Compatible Software/Media" headline for any information about this model's compatibility for PS2 and PS1 games.
Compatible PS3 Models
- Certain PS3 models do allow compatibility with PS2 video games, but full compatibility is not guaranteed, and some software will play differently on the PS3 than on the PS2. The PS3 models CECHA01 (60 GB hard drive) and CECHB01 (20 GB hard drive), both released in November 2006, allow some PS2 titles to play, but there may be performance issues, such as longer loading times, and picture clarity. The 80 GB PS3 model CECHE01, released in August of 2007, allows certain PS2 titles to play. All of these models have four USB ports.
Resident Evil
- Capcom's "Resident Evil" series has horrified fans for decades (in a good way), and several titles were released for the PS2. The critically acclaimed and best-selling "Resident Evil 4," released on the PS2 in October 2005, is compatible for the PS3, but has been known for having longer load times compared to being played on the PS2.
Grand Theft Auto
- Rockstar Games' "Grand Theft Auto" series has left a bloody path of destruction in its wake, and since the the third installment, which was released in October of 2001 for the PS2, the series has been redefined with open world environments, and vast variety of cars and weapons. All the "Grand Theft Auto" titles that were released for the PS2 are compatible for the PS3, but suffer from minor frame-rate issues.
Figuring Compatibility
- To see if your favorite PS2 title is compatible with the four port PS3 models go to the compatible status search engine found at: us.playstation.com/support/compatiblestatus/.

PlayStation 3