The ability to play games designed for the PlayStation 2 console on the PlayStation 3 console varied depending on the PS3 model. This capability, often referred to as backwards compatibility, was not universally implemented across all PS3 releases. Some models offered direct hardware support, while others relied on software emulation or lacked the functionality entirely.
Backwards compatibility provided a significant benefit to consumers who wished to continue enjoying their existing PS2 game libraries without needing to retain their original consoles. It allowed for cost savings and reduced clutter by consolidating gaming platforms. Historically, this feature was a selling point for early PS3 models, appealing to a broad range of gamers with established PS2 collections.