Yes, the PS2 can play almost all PS1 games, and both Fat and Slimline models support them.
You'll need a PS1 Memory Card to save your games, but a DualShock 2 controller will work with most titles.
Just remember that region locking still applies. A standard UK PAL PS2 will normally only play PAL PS1 games.
Yes! The PlayStation 2 can play almost all original PlayStation games.
You can simply put a PS1 disc into your PS2 and play it, with no adapters or extra hardware required. There are a handful of incompatible games, but for the vast majority of the PS1 library, it really is that simple.
Do All PS2 Models Play PS1 Games?
Yes. PS2 Fat and Slimline consoles both support PS1 games, so you don't need to hunt down a particular model just for backwards compatibility.
There are some small compatibility differences between PS2 revisions, particularly with later Slimline models, but these only affect a relatively small number of games.
For most people, any PS2 will make a great way to play PS1 games.
Do You Need a PS1 Memory Card?
Yes, if you want to save your game.
Although the PS2 can play PS1 games, PS1 games can't save to a PS2 Memory Card. You'll need an original PlayStation Memory Card inserted into the PS2.
Thankfully, the PS2 has the same Memory Card slots, so you can just plug one straight in.
You can use a PS2 Memory Card to back up PS1 saves by copying them through the PS2's Browser, but you can't load those saves directly from it while playing.
Can You Use a PS2 Controller With PS1 Games?
Generally, yes.
A DualShock 2 works with the vast majority of PS1 games, so you don't normally need to keep a separate PS1 controller around.
There are some exceptions and quirks with particular games and peripherals, but for normal PS1 gaming, a DualShock 2 will do the job nicely.
Do PS1 Games Look Better on PS2?
Sometimes, slightly.
The PS2 includes a couple of optional features specifically for PS1 games. From the console's settings you can enable Texture Mapping and Disc Speed enhancements.
Faster disc speed can reduce loading times in some games, while texture smoothing can make certain 3D graphics look a little less pixelated.
Results vary massively between games, though. Some look better, some barely change, and the texture smoothing can actually make certain games look worse.
We'd recommend experimenting rather than assuming they should always be turned on.
Are PS1 Games Region Locked on PS2?
Yes.
The PS2's backwards compatibility doesn't bypass the PS1's region locking.
A standard UK PAL PS2 will play PAL PS1 games, but it won't normally play Japanese NTSC-J or North American NTSC-U/C PS1 games.
So if you're buying imported PS1 games, you'll still need an appropriate console or another way around the region lock.
Which PS1 Games Have Problems on PS2?
The PS2's backwards compatibility is excellent, but it isn't perfect. There are a handful of PS1 games known to have issues across PS2 models, and the exact list depends on which PS2 you own.
Some notable games with reported issues include:
- Arcade Party Pak
- Arcade's Greatest Hits: The Atari Collection 2
- Armored Core: Master of Arena
- Fighter Maker
- Final Fantasy Anthology
- Judge Dredd
- Monkey Hero
- Mortal Kombat Trilogy
- Tomba!
- Wing Commander III: Heart of the Tiger
The later 7500X, 7700X, 7900X and 9000X Slimline models have compatibility issues with a larger selection of PS1 games. Some of the more recognisable ones include:
- 007: Tomorrow Never Dies
- Akuji the Heartless
- Ape Escape
- Bubsy 3D
- Crash Bash
- Croc 2
- Driver
- Heart of Darkness
- In Cold Blood
- Jackie Chan Stuntmaster
- Resident Evil 2
- Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
- Speed Freaks / Speed Punks
- Spider-Man 2: Enter Electro
- Spyro 3: Year of the Dragon
- Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
- Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo
- Syphon Filter 2
- Syphon Filter 3
- Twisted Metal 2
"Compatibility issue" doesn't necessarily mean the game is completely unplayable. Depending on the game and PS2 model, it can mean anything from minor sound or graphical glitches to freezing or the game not booting at all.
The list also varies between PAL, American and Japanese versions of games, so we'd recommend checking your particular game if you're worried about compatibility.
For the vast majority of the PS1 library though, you can simply put the disc into your PS2 and play it.
Is a PS2 a Good Way to Play PS1 Games?
Absolutely.
If you're interested in collecting games from both generations, a PS2 is arguably one of the most useful PlayStation consoles you can own.
You get access to the enormous PS2 library while also being able to play almost the entire PS1 library on the same machine. Add a PS1 Memory Card and you're pretty much ready to go.
Here at RetroQuest, we wouldn't recommend choosing one PS2 model over another purely for PS1 backwards compatibility. Buy the PS2 that suits you best and treat PS1 support as a very nice bonus.
