Highlights
- The discovery of a working backward compatible PS3 console outside a dumpster is a lucky find for a gamer, as these consoles are sought-after by PlayStation fans.
- Later models of the PS3 do not feature backward compatibility with PS2 games.
A gamer's dad discovered a working backward compatible PlayStation 3 console sitting outside a dumpster at their apartment building. Sony first released the PlayStation 3 in 2006. The first wave of PS3 consoles were notable for a number of reasons, including their backward compatibility with the previous two generations of PlayStation systems.
The backward compatible PS3 systems made it possible for PlayStation gamers to play their PS1 and PS2 games on the new console, a tremendous quality of life feature that was unfortunately phased out in later models. While PS1 backward compatibility remained for all PS3 consoles, PS2 BC was abandoned. This has made the backward compatible PS3 consoles sought-after by PlayStation fans.
Anyone wanting to get a backward compatible PS3 can expect to spend a few hundred bucks online, but one lucky gamer got their hands on one for free. Reddit user kushmaster805 said that their dad found a backward compatible PS3 sitting outside a dumpster at their apartment building. The console turned out to be in working condition, and not only that, but fully capable of playing PS2 games, with the Reddit user playing PS2 game Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex to test it. There appears to be some cosmetic damage to the PS3 like scratches, but since it otherwise works, it's unclear why someone would throw it away.
Later PS3 models ditching backward compatibility is something that unfortunately carried on with the PlayStation 4. The PS4 is not backward compatible with PS3, though PS3 games are playable on the console through PS Plus Premium's cloud streaming service. The PS4 can also play some digital PS1 and PS2 games, some of which have received enhancements like improved visuals and trophy support.
Services like PS Plus Premium make it easier for PlayStation gamers to enjoy classic games, and Sony should be credited for making sure the PS5 was backward compatible with PS4. While there are some PS4 games that don't work on the system, the vast majority of PS4 games are fully playable on PS5.
Sony's next console is many years away, though official court documents suggest that the PlayStation 6 could launch in 2028. If that's true, one has to wonder if it too will be backward compatible, or otherwise provide some kind of way for PlayStation gamers to play older games on it. Fans will have to wait a long time find out more info on that front.
