If you want a PS3 that plays PS2 discs, look for these models:
Model PS2 support CECHA (60GB) Yes, hardware CECHB (20GB) Yes, hardware CECHC (60GB PAL) Yes, hardware/software CECHE (80GB) Yes, hardware/software Everything else (Later Fat, Slim, & Super Slim) No For us in the UK, the one you're most likely to find is the CECHC03 (60GB). It plays most PS2 games, although compatibility isn't quite as good as the earlier CECHA and CECHB models.
One other useful thing to know: every PS3 can play original PS1 discs. It's PS2 compatibility where things get complicated.
CECHA (60GB): The Original 60GB PS3
The CECHA, commonly referred to simply as the 60GB PS3, was one of the original launch models.
This is the model everyone wants for PS2 backwards compatibility.
Sony essentially put a large chunk of a PS2 inside it. The CECHA contains both the PS2's Emotion Engine CPU and Graphics Synthesizer GPU, giving it excellent compatibility with PS2 games.
It also has four USB ports, Wi-Fi and memory card readers.
Unfortunately for us in the UK, the CECHA wasn't officially released here.
CECHB (20GB): The Original 20GB PS3
The CECHB, or 20GB PS3, launched alongside the CECHA as the cheaper option.
It has the same PS2 hardware inside, so its backwards compatibility is similarly excellent.
The main differences are elsewhere. The 20GB model doesn't have Wi-Fi or the memory card readers found on the 60GB CECHA.
Again, it wasn't officially released in the UK.
CECHC (60GB PAL): The UK Backwards Compatible PS3
This is the important one for UK buyers.
The CECHC03, usually just called the 60GB PS3 here in the UK, was the backwards compatible model released across Europe.
It's slightly different from the American and Japanese 60GB CECHA.
Sony removed the PS2's Emotion Engine CPU but kept its Graphics Synthesizer GPU. The missing CPU was instead emulated by the PS3.
In normal English, it's partly a PS2 and partly pretending to be one.
Compatibility isn't quite as good as the CECHA and CECHB, but it still plays a huge number of PS2 games.
If you're looking for a backwards compatible PS3 in the UK, the CECHC03 is generally the one we'd look for here at RetroQuest.
CECHE (80GB): The 80GB Backwards Compatible PS3
The CECHE, usually known as the 80GB PS3, uses a similar approach to the European CECHC.
It retains the PS2's Graphics Synthesizer but emulates the Emotion Engine, so PS2 compatibility isn't quite as comprehensive as the earlier CECHA and CECHB.
The CECHE wasn't a normal UK model, so you're much less likely to come across one here.
How Can You Tell if a PS3 Is Backwards Compatible?
The easiest way is to check the model number.
You'll find it on the label on the back of the console.
For a UK console, you're looking for:
CECHC03
Don't rely purely on somebody describing it as a "60GB PS3". Hard drives can be replaced, and different PS3 models were sold with various storage capacities over the years.
Another useful clue is the USB ports. The backwards compatible Fat models have four USB ports on the front, while later Fat models generally have two.
Still, always check the model number. It's the easiest way to know exactly what you're buying.
Can the PS3 Slim or Super Slim Play PS2 Games?
No. No PS3 Slim or Super Slim can play original PS2 discs.
Sony had already removed PS2 backwards compatibility before either of these designs arrived.
There were downloadable PS2 Classics which used software emulation, and modded consoles can do considerably more with Sony's PS2 emulators, but that's different from simply putting your original PS2 disc into the console.
If that's what you want to do, you need one of the early Fat models above.
Can Every PS3 Play PS1 Games?
Yes!
Unlike PS2 compatibility, original PS1 disc support remained across the entire PS3 range.
That includes the:
- PS3 Fat
- PS3 Slim
- PS3 Super Slim
So even the latest Super Slim can still play your original PS1 discs.
Which Backwards Compatible PS3 Should You Buy?
If you want the best possible PS2 compatibility, the CECHA (60GB) or CECHB (20GB) are technically the ones to have. They contain more actual PS2 hardware, so compatibility is better.
For UK buyers though, we'd generally look for a CECHC03 (60GB). It was actually released here, plays most PS2 games and doesn't require importing a console.
There is one big downside to all of them: they're some of the oldest PS3s ever made.
Early Fat PS3s have a reputation for hardware failure, so condition is particularly important when buying one today.
They're awesome machines when they're working though. A backwards compatible PS3 gives you PS1, PS2 and PS3 games from a single console, which is pretty hard to beat.
