What is the Difference Between Sony PS2 and PS3?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2) and PlayStation 3 (PS3) are both gaming consoles from Sony, but they have some key differences in terms of hardware, graphics, and features:

  1. Graphics: The PS3 has superior graphics capabilities compared to the PS2, delivering high-definition graphics with more detail and vibrant colors. It also features advanced shading and lighting effects for increased realism.
  2. Processor: The PS3 is equipped with a 3.2GHz Cell Broadband Engine, while the PS2 has an Emotion Engine CPU.
  3. RAM: The PS3 comes with 256MB of RAM, while the PS2 has only 32MB.
  4. Storage: The PS3 has a hard disk capacity ranging from 12GB to 500GB, while the PS2 does not have a hard disk.
  5. USB Ports: The PS3 has 4 USB 2.0 ports, while the PS2 has 2 USB 1.1 ports.
  6. HDMI: The PS3 supports HDMI output, while the PS2 does not.
  7. Wi-Fi: The PS3 has on-board Wi-Fi, allowing it to connect to a wireless access point, while the PS2 requires a separate network card for online play.
  8. Backwards Compatibility: The PS3 is backwards compatible with PlayStation games via software emulation, but its compatibility with PS2 games varies depending on the model. The first models of the PS3 could play some PS2 games, but Sony gradually removed PS2 parts from the PS3. The PS2, on the other hand, has full backwards compatibility with PlayStation games.

In summary, the PS3 offers better graphics, processing power, and additional features compared to the PS2. However, the choice between the two consoles depends on personal preferences and the desire for classic PS2 games.

Comparative Table: Sony PS2 vs PS3

Here is a table comparing the differences between the Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2) and PlayStation 3 (PS3):

Feature PS2 PS3
Release Date March 4, 2000 (Original), November 3, 2004 (Slim) July 29, 2010 (Slim)
Price $200 $349.99
Processor 294.99 MHz Emotion Engine (Original), 299 MHz Emotion Engine (Slim) 3.2 GHz Cell Broadband Engine with 1 PPE & 7 SPEs
Graphics Card 150 MHz Graphics Synthesizer 550 MHz RSX Reality Synthesizer
Storage 8 MB removable/40 GB HDD (add on) 320 GB
RAM 32 MB RDRAM 256 MB
Video Memory 4 MB eDRAM 500 MB
Disc Drive DVD/CD Blu-ray
Connectivity Ethernet port (no Wi-Fi) Wi-Fi, Ethernet (Gigabit)
HDMI Port No Yes, HDMI 1.3a
TOSLINK Yes Yes
Backwards Compatibility Yes (PlayStation games) No (PS2 games), Yes (PS1 games)
Subscription Service PS2 Online PlayStation Plus
Live Streaming No Yes
Controller Assuming DualShock 2 DualShock 3, Sixaxis, PlayStation Move -
USB Ports 2 2 x USB 2.0

Please note that this comparison is between the PS2 Slim and PS3 Slim models. The PS3 Slim model was released on September 1, 2009, and has a smaller form factor compared to the original PS3 model.