Which PS3 Models Can Play PS2 Games? Australian Buyer’s Guide
One of the most confusing parts of buying a used PlayStation 3 is working out whether it can play PlayStation 2 games.
You may have heard that every original Fat PS3 is backwards compatible, that all 60GB consoles can play PS2 games or that four USB ports are all you need to look for. Unfortunately, none of those shortcuts tells the complete story.
Only a small number of early PS3 models can play physical PS2 discs. For Australian buyers, the most important model is the 60GB CECHC02, which was the backwards-compatible PS3 officially released in Australia and New Zealand.
This guide explains which models work, how to identify them and what to check before buying one.
The Short Answer
The Australian PS3 model that can play physical PS2 games is:
CECHC02 – Original Fat PS3 with a 60GB hard drive
Other compatible regional versions include certain CECHA, CECHB, CECHC and CECHE consoles. However, imported systems may be designed for different disc regions and should not automatically be expected to play Australian PAL PS2 games.
These PS3 models cannot play physical PS2 discs:
- Later two-USB-port Fat PS3 consoles
- Every PS3 Slim
- Every PS3 Super Slim
Sony’s official PS3 user guide lists the models capable of playing most PS2-format discs. For Europe, Australia and New Zealand, that list contains the CECHC02, CECHC03, CECHC04 and CECHC08 regional variants.
Australian PS3 Backwards Compatibility at a Glance
| PS3 model | Originally sold in Australia? | Plays PAL PS2 discs? |
|---|---|---|
| CECHC02 60GB Fat | Yes | Yes, with some compatibility limitations |
| CECHG02 and later Fat models | Yes | No |
| CECH-2002 Slim models | Yes | No |
| CECH-2102, 2502 and 3002 Slim models | Yes | No |
| CECH-4002, 4202 and 4302 Super Slim models | Yes | No |
| Imported CECHA, CECHB or CECHE models | No | Depends on the console and disc region |
The original hard-drive capacity should never be used as the only identification method. PS3 hard drives can be replaced, meaning a console advertised as a “500GB Fat PS3” could still have started life as a 60GB model, or it could be a later incompatible model with an upgraded drive.
Always check the CECH model number.
The Australian Backwards-Compatible PS3: CECHC02
The CECHC02 was the launch-model PS3 released in Australia and New Zealand on 23 March 2007.
It included:
- A 60GB internal hard drive
- Four front USB ports
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Memory Stick, SD and CompactFlash card readers
- Chrome-coloured trim
- Support for PlayStation, PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3 discs
- Super Audio CD playback
Sony described the Australian launch console as using a combination of hardware and software emulation. This allowed it to play a broad range of original PlayStation games and a more limited selection of PS2 games.
That last point is important: the CECHC02 is backwards compatible, but it does not guarantee perfect compatibility with every PS2 title.
Some games may experience:
- Graphical problems
- Audio issues
- Performance differences
- Missing effects
- Freezing or crashes
- Complete incompatibility
Sony’s current documentation still warns that compatible PS3 models may play PlayStation and PS2 games differently from the original hardware, and that some discs may not work at all.
Why Australian PS3 Compatibility Is Different
The first PS3 models released in Japan and North America included more original PlayStation 2 hardware inside the console.
When Sony prepared the PS3 for Europe and Australasia, it changed the design. The Australian CECHC02 used a mixture of retained PS2 hardware and software emulation instead of including the complete PS2 chipset.
This reduced manufacturing costs but also reduced compatibility with some games.
Sony’s original announcement described the Australian and European system as supporting a “limited range” of PS2 titles. Firmware updates improved compatibility with additional games during the console’s early life, but the system never supported every PS2 release.
For an Australian collector, the CECHC02 remains the most practical PS3 for playing PAL PS2 discs. However, an original PAL PS2 will still offer broader compatibility with the PS2 library.
Which Overseas PS3 Models Play PS2 Games?
Sony’s official compatibility list includes the following models:
Japan
- CECHA00
- CECHB00
United States and Canada
- CECHA01
- CECHB01
- CECHE01
Europe, Australia and New Zealand
- CECHC02
- CECHC03
- CECHC04
- CECHC08
Other Regions
Several early models were also released across Latin America, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Southeast Asia.
These overseas systems may be backwards compatible with PS2 discs from their original region, but importing one is not always a simple solution for an Australian collection.
Before buying an imported PS3, check:
- The complete CECH model number
- The console’s original sales region
- The region of the PS2 games you intend to play
- Australian power compatibility
- Whether the console has been modified
- Whether it has been properly tested
A Japanese or North American console should not be purchased on the assumption that it will play Australian PAL PS2 discs.
How to Identify a CECHC02 PS3
The safest method is to check the label on the back of the console.
Look for:
Model No. CECHC02
Do not rely entirely on the hard-drive capacity or the seller’s description.
A CECHC02 normally also has several visible features that help distinguish it from later Fat models.
Four Front USB Ports
The CECHC02 has four USB ports beneath the front disc slot.
Most later Australian Fat consoles have only two USB ports. A two-port Fat PS3 is not the Australian backwards-compatible model.
Memory Card Reader Door
The CECHC02 has a small hinged door on the front of the console. Behind it are slots for:
- Memory Stick
- SD cards
- CompactFlash cards
Later Australian Fat models generally removed these card readers.
Chrome-Coloured Trim
The launch-model console has shiny chrome-coloured trim around the disc slot. Later Fat models frequently use a flatter silver finish.
However, lighting, replacement shells and poor listing photos can make trim difficult to judge. Treat it as a supporting clue, not final proof.
Original 60GB Hard Drive
The CECHC02 originally shipped with a 60GB hard drive.
Because PS3 hard drives are replaceable, the current storage capacity does not confirm the model. A CECHC02 may now have a much larger drive, while a different Fat model may be incorrectly advertised as a backwards-compatible 60GB console.
Are All Four-USB-Port PS3 Consoles Backwards Compatible?
Four USB ports are a strong sign that you are looking at an early PS3, but you should still check the model number.
For Australian buyers, a console with four USB ports, card readers and a CECHC02 label is the correct locally released model.
The number of USB ports is useful when quickly examining listing photos, but the CECH number remains the most reliable confirmation.
Are All 60GB PS3 Consoles Backwards Compatible?
The original Australian CECHC02 was sold with a 60GB hard drive, but storage capacity alone is not reliable.
A seller may describe a console according to its current hard drive rather than its original specification. Drives can be replaced, upgraded or moved between systems.
When buying a PS3 for PS2 compatibility, ask the seller for a clear photograph of the rear model label.
If the seller cannot provide the model number, do not pay a backwards-compatible premium based only on the words “Fat PS3” or “60GB PS3.”
Can the PS3 Slim Play PS2 Games?
No PS3 Slim can play physical PS2 discs through official backwards compatibility.
This includes Australian models beginning with numbers such as:
- CECH-2002
- CECH-2102
- CECH-2502
- CECH-3002
A Slim may be able to play certain digitally released PS2 Classics associated with the PlayStation Store, but that is different from inserting an original PS2 disc.
If your goal is to use a physical PAL PS2 collection, a standard PS3 Slim is not suitable.
Can the PS3 Super Slim Play PS2 Games?
No PS3 Super Slim can play physical PS2 discs.
This includes the CECH-4002, CECH-4202 and CECH-4302 families commonly found in Australia.
Like the Slim, it may support selected digital PS2 releases where legally available, but it cannot read and run an ordinary PS2 game disc.
Can Later Fat PS3 Consoles Play PS2 Games?
Most Fat PS3 consoles found in Australia are not backwards compatible with PS2 discs.
Later Australian Fat families include model numbers such as:
- CECHG02
- CECHH02
- CECHJ02
- CECHK02
- CECHL02
- CECHP02
These consoles can play PS3 games and original PlayStation discs, but they do not provide official PS2-disc compatibility.
This is why the statement “all Fat PS3s play PS2 games” is incorrect.
Can All PS3 Consoles Play PS1 Games?
PS1 compatibility is much more widely supported across the PS3 family than PS2 compatibility.
Fat, Slim and Super Slim PS3 consoles can play compatible original PlayStation-format discs. However, disc-region restrictions still matter, so an Australian console should generally be paired with PAL PlayStation games.
The PS3 creates virtual memory cards on its internal storage for PS1 and supported PS2 games. You do not insert a physical PS1 or PS2 memory card directly into the console.
How Do PS2 Saves Work on a Backwards-Compatible PS3?
When playing a PS2 game, the PS3 uses an internal virtual memory card.
You can create one by going to:
Game > Memory Card Utility > Create New Internal Memory Card
Select Internal Memory Card (PS2) and assign it to a virtual slot.
Your PS2 game will then treat that virtual card like an ordinary PlayStation 2 memory card.
Transferring saves from an original physical PS2 memory card requires a compatible PlayStation 3 Memory Card Adaptor, which was sold separately.
What Should You Test Before Buying?
Backwards-compatible PS3 consoles are now ageing hardware. Their additional features make them desirable, but condition is more important than appearance alone.
Before purchasing one, confirm that it can:
- Power on reliably
- Produce stable video through HDMI
- Read a PS3 Blu-ray game
- Read a DVD-based PS2 game
- Read a blue CD-based PS2 game
- Read an original PlayStation disc
- Connect a controller through each USB port
- Create and load a virtual PS2 memory card
- Run for an extended period without shutting down
- Connect through Wi-Fi or Ethernet
- Accept and eject discs smoothly
If possible, test more than one PS2 game. A console reading a single disc does not confirm that the laser is equally healthy across CD, DVD and Blu-ray formats.
Questions to Ask the Seller
Before paying a premium, ask:
1. What is the complete CECH model number?
2. Can you provide a photograph of the rear label?
3. Has it been tested with a physical PS2 disc?
4. Was it tested with both a CD-based and DVD-based PS2 game?
5. Does it read PS3 Blu-ray games correctly?
6. Has the console ever shut down or displayed a flashing warning light?
7. Has it been opened, repaired or modified?
8. Does it include an original controller and cables?
9. Is the hard drive original or upgraded?
10. Can you show the PS2 game running in a photograph or video?
A listing that simply says “backwards-compatible Fat PS3” is not enough evidence.
Is a Backwards-Compatible PS3 Worth Buying?
A working CECHC02 can be an excellent collector’s console.
It allows one system to play games from the first three PlayStation generations, outputs through HDMI and represents the premium version of the Australian PS3 launch hardware.
However, it is not necessarily the best option for everyone.
Choose a backwards-compatible PS3 if:
- You want one console for PS1, PS2 and PS3 discs
- You collect unusual or premium PlayStation hardware
- You want an original Australian launch PS3
- You understand that some PS2 games may not work perfectly
- You are prepared to care for ageing hardware
Consider a PS2 and later PS3 instead if:
- You want the broadest PS2 compatibility
- Reliability and easy replacement are your priorities
- You have space for two consoles
- You do not need a rare launch-model PS3
- You want a less expensive setup
For many players, a tested PS2 Slim or Fat combined with a reliable PS3 Slim provides the most practical overall experience.
For a collector, the CECHC02 offers something much more distinctive.
Final Verdict
The PS3 most Australian buyers should look for is the CECHC02 60GB Fat model.
It was the official Australian and New Zealand launch console and can play many PAL PS2 discs using a mixture of hardware and software compatibility.
Remember:
- Check the CECHC02 model label
- Look for four USB ports and the front card-reader door
- Do not rely only on the Fat body or 60GB description
- Later Australian Fat models cannot play PS2 discs
- No Slim or Super Slim plays physical PS2 discs
- Not every PS2 game works perfectly on the CECHC02
- Imported consoles may not suit Australian PAL discs
Most importantly, buy based on the exact model number and the console’s tested condition, not the seller’s assumptions.
Browse tested PlayStation 3 consoles, PlayStation 2 consoles and PAL games at PS Collectables.