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My Broken PS3 Won't Play a PS3 Game But Plays PS2 Games

A PlayStation 3 is capable of playing both Blu-ray and standard DVD discs. The console comes with two sets of lasers to read and play each. When a PlayStation 3 stops reading PS3 discs but is capable of playing PS2 discs, this means there may be an issue with the Blu-ray laser inside. Follow the steps to see if the issue is a dirty lens inside the console, a dirty disc or a Blu-ray laser issue.

Things You'll Need

PlayStation 3 game discs
Blu-ray movie disc
Blu-ray lens cleaning disc
Microfiber cleaning cloth

Instructions

- 1
  Examine the PS3 game that won't play for any scratches or smudges. Hold the disc up at an angle to check for dust, fingerprints, hairs or scratches. Use the microfiber cleaning cloth to gently clean away from the disc hub. Insert into PlayStation 3 and check if it works.
- 2
  Try another PS3 game in the console. If the problem persists, check that game for damage like in Step 1 and clean with microfiber cleaning cloth. Try a third PS3 game to examine if the error reappears. If it does, the PS3 lens may be dirty.
- 3
  Insert the Blu-ray lens cleaning disc and follow instructions on the package. The process should take a few minutes. After it ejects, try the first problematic PS3 disc in the machine as well. Also try the other two PS3 games and a Blu-ray movie disc as well. If all work, the problem was a dirty Blu-ray laser lens that just wasn't receiving information. If some of them work, clean the affected discs with the microfiber cleaning cloth or seek a replacement. If none of them work, the Blu-ray laser in the PlayStation 3 has failed and requires replacement. Contact Sony Customer Support for further information and options.

PS3 Games