While all PlayStation 3 consoles can play original PlayStation discs, not all models are PlayStation 2 compatible. If you want to play PS2 games of your PS3, then you need to make sure you buy the right model.
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 (not shiny), 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.
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.
Look to see if the PS3 is a 60GB PlayStation 3. These were also only available at launch. They have Wi-Fi, a flash card reader, and four USB ports. Like the 20GB model, the 60GB model is shiny and has the word "PlayStation 3" on top. The face where you insert the disc is also silver.
If you have an 80GB PlayStation 3, or a Metal Gear Solid PS3, that hasn't been updated since it came out of the box, it may still be backward compatible through software emulation. If you use any PS3 online services, then your console has likely lost the PS2 software emulation backward compatibility.
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.
How to Fix It When Your PS3 Controller Won't Connect
If your PS3 controller won't connect with your PlayStation 3 console, it could be due to a few different issues. How to troubleshoot connection problems with PS3 wireless controllers.
Why Won't My PS3 Controller Connect?
There are two official variations of the wireless PS3 controller: the Dualshock 3 and the older, discontinued Sixaxis.
Both versions can be connected directly to the console via a micro USB cable, and both include Bluetooth capabilities that enable wireless play. Each controller also has an internal battery that charges when connected to the PS3. The only major difference between them is the Dualshock 3 features vibration capability.
Additionally, there are dozens of PS3 compatible controllers made by third-party manufacturers. Some unofficial PS3 controllers only work when plugged directly into the console, and some come with a Bluetooth adapter you must plug into the console to play wirelessly. Nonetheless, they all rely on the same underlying technology, so they are prone to the same problems. PS3 controller connection issues can be caused by:
Syncing errors between the controller and the PS3 console.
Problems with the controller's battery.
Issues with the controller's internal hardware.
What to Do When Your PS3 Controller Won't Connect
DO SOME BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING
Before you start disassembling your PS3 controller, here are some steps you can take to identify the source of your connection problems:
Turn off your PS3 console, then turn it back on to see if that fixes the issue.
If possible, try connecting your controller to another PS3, or connect a different PS3 controller to your PS3 to make sure the problem isn't with the console itself.
Make sure the USB cable connecting your controller to the console works.
Remove any other USB devices you have plugged into your PS3 while trying to sync your controller.
If using a wireless controller, make sure the controller's battery is charged and is within 30 feet of the console.
When trying to sync a wireless controller, make sure you don't have more than six other Bluetooth peripherals already paired with your console.
REPLACE THE BATTERY
If the controller won't turn on at all, the problem likely lies with the battery or the internal hardware. First, try removing the battery and re-inserting it:
Use an eyeglass repair kit to unscrew the back of the PS3 controller.
Look for a single small watch battery. In official Sony PS3 controllers, it's located near the upper-left side of the motherboard.
Gently remove the battery and set it aside for 30 seconds.
Re-insert the battery and try turning on the controller again.
If that didn't work, try replacing the old battery with a fresh one. Any standard watch battery will do.
RESET YOUR PS3 CONTROLLER
If your controller works while plugged in, yet you can't play wirelessly, you can try resetting the controller:
Turn off your PS3 console.
Plug the controller into the USB port on the console.
Turn on your PS3.
Look for a small hole on the back on the controller near the L2 shoulder button. Use an unfolded paper clip to push down the tiny reset button inside the hole.
Press the PS button on the controller to re-pair it with the PS3.
CLEAN THE MOTHERBOARD
If your controller still won't connect, the issue likely lies with the device's motherboard or other internal hardware. You can attempt to clean the motherboard using compressed air, but be very careful not to cause further damage to the device.
CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER
If you have an official Sony controller that's still under warranty, you can contact PlayStation support for additional help. If you're unsure which type of controller you have, check the model number located on the back. If your controller was made by a different manufacturer, contact them for further assistance.
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