Playstation 3 Backwards Compatibility Demystified

Where noted, some systems that were discontinued are still available (at the time of this writing) in limited supply. When they are gone, so is your chance to get a PS3 with backward compatibility for PS2 games. All SKU’s going forward will only be backward compatible with PSOne titles.

Early systems featured physical Playstation 2 hardware on board which was more reliable and had a higher rate of compatibility with legacy titles. Since August 2007 all models of PS3 achieve backwards compatibility with PS2 titles through software emulation, which has a lower compatibility rate.

ALL models of PS3’s have hardware compatibility for PSOne games, including current SKU’s.

20GB Launch System - November 2006 (DISCONTINUED)

* PSOne and PS2 Backward Compatible (Hardware)
* NO SD/Memory Stick Slots
* NO Wireless Networking
* 4 USB Ports

60GB Launch System - November 2006 (DISCONTINUED)

* PSOne and PS2 Backward Compatible (Hardware)
* SD/Memory Stick Slots
* 802.11b/g Wireless Network Adapter
* 4 USB Ports

40GB - October 2007 (DISCONTINUED)

* PSOne Backward Compatible ONLY (Hardware)
* NO SD/Memory Stick Slots
* 802.11b/g Wireless Network Adapter
* 2 USB Ports

Although discontinued, at the time of this writing, I’ve still seen them on store shelves.

80GB Motorstorm/MGS Bundle - August 2007 (DISCONTINUED)

* PSOne Backward Compatible (Hardware)
* PS2 Backward Compatible (Software)
* SD/Memory Stick Slots
* 802.11b/g Wireless Network Adapter
* 4 USB Ports

Although discontinued, at the time of this writing, I’ve still seen them on store shelves.

80GB ‘CORE Pack’ - August 2008

* PSOne Backward Compatible ONLY (Hardware)
* NO SD/Memory Stick Slots
* 802.11b/g Wireless Network Adapter
* 2 USB Ports

160GB Uncharted Bundle - November 2008

* PSOne Backward Compatible ONLY (Hardware)
* NO SD/Memory Stick Slots
* 802.11b/g Wireless Network Adapter
* 2 USB Ports