Is The Ps3 Backwards Compatible
Many philosophical questions have been put to the Retro Dodo team over the years, but perhaps none as important as is the PS3 backwards compatible?
With so many epic games released for the PS1 and the PS2 over the years, theres no surprise that readers and gamers are questioning whether they can play them up on a HDTV without messing around with converters.
Who has time to mess around searching for a scart cable or an RGB converter when so many great games are calling!
Heres a definitive guide to what the PS3 can do, which games it can play, and why its still one of our favourite consoles of all time.
How To Tell If You Can Play Ps2 Games On Your Ps3
The original 60GB and 20GB launch models are backward compatible with PS2 games because they have PS2 chips in them. Other models, most notably the 80GB Metal Gear Solid PS3, used to be backward compatible using emulation software, but they no longer support PS2 games. To tell if your console is PS2 backward compatible:
Look to see if the PS3 is a PlayStation 3 Slim Model. You can tell if a PS3 is a slim model if it has a lower profile, a matte black finish , and the PS3 logo on the top instead of the word “PlayStation 3.” If it’s a PS3 Slim, then it isn’t PS2 backward compatible, though you can still enjoy PS3 and PSone games on it.
Evan-Amos / Wikimedia Commons
Look to see if the PS3 is a 20GB PlayStation 3. These were available at launch only. They do not have Wi-Fi nor a flash card reader, but they do have four USB ports and are backward compatible. The model number is usually “CECHBxx.” These are also bigger than the PS3 Slim, have a shiny finish, and the word “PlayStation 3” written on top. If your PS3 has four USB ports, and the panel where you insert the disc is black and not silver, and it doesn’t have a spot on the front for SD cards, then you have a 20GB PS3, and it is backward compatible with PS2 games.
Evan Amos / Wikimedia Commons
Classic Games Catalog Remasters
- Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds | Clap Hanz/Japan Studio, PS3
- Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational | ForwardWorks Corporations/SIE, PS3
- Lost Planet 2 | Capcom, PS3
- MotorStorm Apocalypse | Evolution Studios, PS3
- MotorStorm RC | Evolution Studios, PS3
- Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 | Team Ninja, PS3
- Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare | Rockstar Games, PS3
- When Vikings Attack! | Clever Beans, PS3
Recommended Reading: How Much Will Gamestop Buy My Ps4 For
Sekiro Shadows Die Twice
Play if you enjoy: Refining your skills of stealth and swordplay to such precision that you’ll swear you’re actually ninja.
Developer: FromSoftwareGenre: Action adventure
From the creators of Dark Souls and Bloodborne comes an expansive ninja saga which feels both dazzlingly fresh and yet oddly familiar. Drawing from a wide pool of inspiration, Sekiro carves its own path with a greater emphasis on movement and stealth than FromSoft’s previous games, combined with a tough new combat approach. It’s undoubtedly punishing, but the sense of accomplishment is unmatched.
Is The Ps5 Backwards Compatible
Technically speaking, the PlayStation 5 is backward compatible. The PS5 has compatibility features for the vast majority of PS4 titles. When it was developing the PS5, Sony went through nearly every PS4 title to make sure each game could be played on the new console without a hiccup.
As of now, more than 4,000 PS4 titles are compatible with Sonys newest console. Additionally, some PS4 games will have higher resolutions and smoother frame rates when theyre run on the PS5.
Don’t Miss: Sign In Sony Entertainment Network Ps4
Nier Automata: Game Of The Yorha Edition
Play if you enjoy: Gratifying combat, inventive narrative and having your heart broken by robots.
Developer: SQUARE ENIX CO. LTDGenre: First-person shooter
Action gaming geniuses PlatinumGames bring the inimitable vision of director Yoko Taro to life in a glorious action RPG quite unlike anything you’ve seen before. Set in the far-flung future, NieR Automata is both explosive and philosophical, thrilling and heartbreaking. With 26 possible endings, it’s a game that demands and rewards multiple playthroughs.
Most Ps4 Games Will Work On Ps5
Sony has promised that 99% of PlayStation 4 titles will work on the PlayStation 5, including the top 100 games. This means almost every game you probably want to play will work out-of-the-box on the new console.
However, a small number of games wont work on the PS5, and Sonys storefront indicates these are PS4 only titles. Additionally, around 130 games may exhibit errors according to Sony. These will still work, but might have graphical glitches and bugs. Some PS4-era features, like online services, also might no longer work.
Push Square has put together a list of games that might have problems. Its comprised mostly of older titles, with a few notable inclusions, like Assassins Creed Syndicate, Hellblade: Senuas Sacrifice,Mafia III, and the original Project CARS.
Also Check: When Did The Ps4 Release
Which Ps3 Is Backwards Compatible With Ps2
Unfortunately, PS2 games simply arent guaranteed to work on every PS3 console. This is because shortly after the launch of the PS3, Sony began to phase out the functionality across the numerous variants of the console that would follow.
So with that in mind, heres how PS2 backwards compatibility shapes up across the various iterations of Sonys PS3 console.
What About The Original Playstation
Keep in mind that the original PlayStation is now over twenty years old as it was released in 1994. It takes a lot of times and effort to bring those titles to the 2010s. However, for those of you wishing to play the classics, we have hope that they too will be available on an emulator or via PlayStation Now in the future.
Don’t Miss: How To Set Ps4 As Primary
Which Ps3 Models Are Backward Compatible With Ps2 Games
The original fat 20GB and 60GB PS3 models are backward compatible with PS2 and PS1 games. You can tell these models from later releases by the four USB ports on the front of the console.
Sony distributed other fat PS3 models before eventually moving on to the trimmed down redesign that was the PS3 Slim. The later models of the fat PS3 will only have two USB ports at the front of the console, and they arent backward compatible with PS2 games, just PS1 games.
The exception to this rule is the 80GB PS3. The only way these are backward compatible, though, is if the console hasnt been updated since it was taken out of the box.
Uncharted : A Thief’s End
Play if you enjoy: Coming out of retirement for one last, incredibly dangerous and unbelievably thrilling job.
Developer: Naughty DogGenre: Action adventure
Nathan Drake is pulled out of retirement when his older brother Sam – long thought dead – reemerges with a chilling dilemma and an irresistible offer. This cinematic, globetrotting action-adventure represents the best of Naughty Dog, providing one stunning set piece after another. If you’re in need of more, don’t miss out on the captivating spin-off Uncharted: The Lost Legacy.
Play if you enjoy: The idea that everyone really is out to get you.
Developer: Respawn EntertainmentGenre: First-person shooter
This free-to-play battle royale set in the Titanfall universe comes from first-person shooter maestros Respawn. Participate in the Apex Games with your squad of Legends and combine your complementary skills and abilities and be the last team standing. Apex Legends is always evolving, with each new season bringing new Legends, environments, features and cosmetics.
You May Like: When Will The Ps4 Come Out
Ps5 Backwards Compatibility Differences Improvements And Limitations Explained
Sony has said the following performance differences can apply when the PS5 plays PS4 games:
- “Select” games may be enhanced by Game Boost, which will provide higher or smoother framerates.
- Some PS4 games “may exhibit errors or unexpected behaviour” when played on PS5. Sony provided the caveat of recommending players try a PS4 game before purchasing DLC “to see if you are happy with the play experience”.
- Some features and functions won’t be supported – what these are, exactly, are unknown.
- Additionally, the Share menu no longer will appear on PS4 games, and is replaced with the PS5’s own Create menu, which can also take screenshots or record movies.
- Finally, PS4’s In-Game Live, PS4 Tournaments or game companion apps won’t be supported on PS5.
As for specifics on those Game Boost improvements, it’s something the likes of Digital Foundry will test around the system’s launch.
It should be noted there are a number of PS4 games, such as Fortnite, which will have specific PS5 versions, technically making them PS5 games, which take better advantage of the system’s new features.
Finding A Backward Compatible Ps3
Because the newer PS3 models can’t play PS2 games, used 20GB and 60GB PS3 consoles often cost more than a brand new PS3 Slim. Now that Sony has closed the PlayStation 3 store, you can’t even download old PS2 games on the PS3. Therefore, your best bet for playing old PS2 games is to buy a used PlayStation 2 if you don’t already have one.
Read Also: How To Get Ps4 Controller To Work On Dolphin Emulator
Ratchet & Clank: A Crack In Time
What originally started on the PlayStation 2 has become a staple for multiple generations. Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time delivers polished action-adventure gameplay filled with lighthearted moments.
Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Times graphics are still visually appealing and hold up quite well considering its age.
Sony’s Stance On Playstation Backwards Compatibility
Backwards compatibility on PlayStation consoles is a mixed bag. The PS2 is fully able to play PS1 games and the PS5 plays PS4 games just fine, but that’s about it. The very first PS3 was backwards compatible, but that version of the console was prone to malfunction and the feature was dropped altogether in future hardware revisions. While not backwards compatible in the sense of inserting an old disc into a new console, the PS3 and Vita also had large selections of older games to re-purchase and download.
This means that one would need at least a first-gen PS3 and a PS5 in order to fully access PlayStation’s console library. This is why PlayStation Plus Premium is so important it finally reunites a large library of PlayStation games on one home console. That being said, PlayStation Plus can learn a bit from its competitor, Xbox Game Pass, in this regard.
RELATED: PS Plus Collection Will Still Be a Great Value After Revamp
Recommended Reading: When Ps4 Comes Out
Which Ps3 Is Backwards Compatible With Ps2 Ps3 Original 60gb
Only available at launch, these George Foreman grill-looking beasts are only compatible with PS2 games that are downloaded from the PlayStation Store. They will not recognise any physical PS2 discs.
This is how to tell if your PS3 is a 60GB original and PS2 non-compatible variant:
The PS3 original 60GB variant is a massive console that looks like a George Foreman grill, with a curved uppermost section of the chassis. Its also super heavy
The PS3 original 60GB variant should have no less than four USB ports
A flash card reader should be present
Full Wi-Fi support should be present
The word PlayStation 3 should be emblazoned on the top of the chassis
The chassis of the PS3 original 60GB variant should be shiny
Top Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S Backward Compatibility?
The digital titles that you own and are part of the Back Compat game catalog will automatically show up in the Ready to Install section on your Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S. For disc-based games that are a part of the Back Compat game catalog, insert the disc and the console will begin downloading the game to your hard drive. After the game has downloaded to your hard drive, users will still need to keep the game disc in the drive to play. Xbox Series S: Use with digital games only*
Does backward compatibility cost extra?
Xbox One Backward Compatibility is free and allows you to play select Xbox 360 and Original Xbox games you already own on Xbox One.
Xbox Series X|S Backward Compatibility is free and allows you to play select Xbox 360, Original Xbox games, and Xbox One games you already own on Xbox Series X|S.
Is Xbox Live Gold required for backward compatibility?
Xbox Live Gold is not required for Xbox Backward Compatibility. However, it is required for any standard Xbox Live Gold feature like online multiplayer.
Will functionality for the Original Xbox games via Xbox Backward Compatibility change from the Xbox 360 games in any way?
Functionality will be very similar. You can play the digital or disc-based game you own, taking advantage of Xbox features like Game DVR and broadcasting.
Recommended Reading: Gta 5 Mod Menu Ps4 Usb Download
Is Ps3 Ps2 And Ps1 Backward Compatibility Finally Happening
A new PlayStation patent suggests the PS5, and possibly the PS4, are finally getting PS3, PS2, and PS1 backward compatibility. Unlike the Xbox Series X — which plays many Xbox 360 and original Xbox games — the PS5 only plays PS4 games, and of course PS5 games as well. It isn’t backward compatible with PS3, PS2, or PS1 games. The unique architecture of the PS3 gives Sony an excuse when it comes to the third-generation PlayStation console, but it’s unclear why the PS2 and PS1 are excluded. That said, it sounds like much of this, if not all of this, may finally remedy itself.
A new patent from Sony Interactive Entertainment has surfaced online. And who’s behind the patent? Mark Cerny, the mastermind behind PlayStation hardware. And what is the patent for? Well, it’s titled “Backward Compatibility Through Use of Spoof Clock and Fine Grain Frequency.” In short, PlayStation is working on backward compatibility tech, presumably to unlock legacy PlayStation consoles on the PS5, and maybe the PS4.
There’s nothing about the patent that suggests it has anything to do with enabling backward compatibility support for PS3 games or PS2 games or PS1 games, but that’s of course where everyone’s mind immediately goes to.
New patent sure@sounds like hes nailed BC for older #PlayStation consoles
Shaun
Is The Ps5 Backwards Compatible With Ps2 Ps3 And Ps4 Games
Understandably, one of the biggest questions about the PlayStation 5 console is whether or not it is compatible with previous-generation games. New consoles are always a big investment, and the PS5 is still not cheap . It makes sense that gamers want to know whether the PS5 will provide extra value by being backwards compatible with PS4 games.
Our thoughts:Sony PlayStation 5 review
Plus, there are a lot of fantastic games for the PS4. Even for someone whos never owned a PlayStation console, backwards compatibility with the PS4 is a huge factor to consider before buying a PS5. You need to know whether youll be able to play those PS4 classics.
Read on for everything there is to know!
Don’t Miss: How To Get Out Of Safe Mode On Ps4
Ps5 Backward Compatibility With Ps4 Games
If youre planning on getting rid of your old PS4 console, youll be pleased to know that PS5 fully supports backward compatibility with PS4 games. The vast majority of games on Sonys last-gen hardware will run on PS5, and can be bought from the PlayStation Store or played from the disc if you have it.
For cross-generation games like Horizon Forbidden West and Death Stranding, buying the game on PS5 will also get you the PS4 version at no extra cost. On the flipside, if you buy a cross-generation game on PS4, Sonys first-party titles usually come with a small upgrade fee in order to get the PS5 version. Its certainly controversial, but an option worth looking into if youre making the jump to PS5.
However, some PS4 games did receive free PS5 performance patches, with no need for you to pay extra to experience these older games with current-gen flourishes. Such games include God of War, The Last of Us 2, Days Gone, Ghost of Tsushima, and Horizon Zero Dawn.
Additionally, many PS4 games received PS4 Pro patches to improve the games frame rate and offer 4K resolution. These options also work on PS5, and run better than ever thanks to the improved hardware, and load much faster when installed on the PS5s blazing fast SSD.
Do keep in mind, though, that these are strictly the PS4 versions of those games, and barring any PS4 Pro enhancements, havent been optimized for play on PS5 in most cases. That means games like Bloodborne and Persona 5 are still locked to 30fps.
Ps3 Backwards Compatible Model Numbers
Another sure-fire way to tell if your PS3 is backwards compatible with PS2 games is to check the model numbers.
Original 60GB PS3s with a model number that starts with CECH-Axx are completely backward compatible with both PS2 and PS1 games.
Original 20GB PS3s with model number CECH-Bxx, 60GB PS3s with model number CECH-Cxx, and 80GB PS3s with model number CECH-Exx are backward compatible through software emulation.
Any other original PS3 models that contain other letters, including G, J, K, L, M, P, and Q, in the model number arent backwards compatible with PS2 games. No matter the model number, PS3 Slims and PS3 Super Slims arent backwards compatible with PS2 games, though every PS3 model is always compatible with PS1.
Read Also: How To Take Off Parental Controls On Ps4