Is The PS2 Backwards Compatible?

If you're getting the itch for some nostalgia towards your old PlayStation One games, look no further to the PlayStation 2. You've often wondered if the PS2 is backwards compatible with the PSX.

The PlayStation 2 had a fantastic run, selling over 158 million units to date. This has made it the best selling console of all time. Everyone went nuts for the PS2 since it had a DVD player built in. Even your grandmother owns a PS2 for this very reason!

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Ever since seeing the original commercials for the PS2 with it's sleek look with the black and blue styling and movable PlayStation logo on the front of the console. The PS2 was designed to be oriented to be mounted vertically and horizontally.

The PlayStation One offered almost 8000 games in it's library over it's lifespan. With cumulative sales numbers almost reaching 962 million units. With so many great RPGs, Platformers, Fighters or Adventure games, you'll often ponder whether or not the PS2 is backwards compatible?

In case you're PSX is broken or can no longer enjoy your favorite games, you'll find out if the PS2 is something you can rely on.

Is the PS2 Compatible with PSX Games?

The PS2 does work with most PSX of the PSX game library. Unfortunately all of the wonderful PSX games will not work with the PS2. This will vary between the model of PS2 that you own.

There were two PS2 models that were available to the public, the PS2 which is often referred to as the PS2 fat model that was originally released in the year 2000. Sony also released the PS2 Slimline in 2004 as a cost cutting measure and gave gamers a built in network adapter. Having a thinner profile also took away from the 3.5" expansion port that allowed you to plug in an IDE hard drive.

Which PSX Games Are Incompatible with PS2?

For all models of the PS2, you'll face challenges with the following PSX games:

• Digimon Rumble Arena - There will be massive slowdown here.
• Final Fantasy Anthology
• Gradius Deluxe Pack
• Harvest Moon - Back to Nature
• Street Fighter Alpha 2
• Destruction Derby
• Destruction Derby 2
• Final Fantasy Tactics
• Krazy Ivan
• Metal Gear Solid: Special Missions

The PS2 Slim Model decreased the size of the original model significantly. Unfortunately the PS2 Slim has more incompatibility when it comes to playing your original PSX games.

All of the following games have major issues with the PS2 Slim console hardware:

• Worms
• Tomorrow Never Dies
• Ultimate Fighting Championship
• Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo
• Soviet Strike
• 102 Dalmations: Puppies To The Rescue
• Akuji The Heartless
• The Hive
• Gundam Battle Assault
• Broken Helix
• Barbie Race and Ride
• NFL Xtreme
• Looney Tunes: Sheep Raider
• Land Before Time: Great Valley Racing Adventure
• Jampack Vol. 2
• In Cold Blood
• Hooters Road Trip
• NHL 2000
• NHL 2001
• NHL Blades Of Steel 2000
• Nuclear Strike
• One
• PO'ed
• Powerboat Racing
• Poy Poy 2
• Rascal
• Rushdown
• Sentient
• Speed Punks
• Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace

Can PSX Memory Cards Work On PS2?

You must have a PSX memory card inserted in the PS2 in order to save and read from your PSX save files. You can also have both a PS2 and PSX memory card inserted in the PS2 at the same time.

If you have a multitap, you can also use the multitap on PSX games and load your save files from the multitap.

Can I Play PSX Games On Any Other Console?

If you have a PS3, all PSX games are backwards compatible so you can put in a PSX game into the PS3 and use the DualShock 3 controller to play the best PSX games.

The PS4 and PS5 have dropped compatibility with PSX games, which is rather unfortunate that Sony does not want to continue the support for the retro consoles. You are able to download your favorite PSX games from time to time thanks to PS Plus and PS Now subscriptions.

The PS2 is backwards compatible with PSX games, it will just depend on the game you're playing as well as the console revision you have access to.

What Does A PS2 Cost?

If you're on the hunt for a used fat PS2, it can cost from $50 - $200 online. With prices consistently rising due to inflation and gamers wanting to spend more time at home.

The Slimline PS2 will be slightly more than the original fat model, ranging between $60 and $250 online.

If you're feeling adventurous, check out your local thrift stores or garage sales. You never know what you might find there for unbelievable prices!

If I had to choose, I would personally go for a PS2 fat. They're more radially available and also cheaper. If you have the 3.5" expansion bay, you can also soft mod the PS2 and load up PS2 games directly onto a HDD!

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