The original PS3 systems (First Generations, 20GB and 60GB) can because they have an 'emotion engine' in them. These PS3's are all black, with no silver strip, and they're the large versions. They have 4 USB ports, and the 20GB model has no wireless.
These two types are the only models that are backwards compatible with both PS1 and PS2 games!
Other models play PS1 games, but not PS2.
Oh, and although the PS3 is region free, They'll only play PS1 & PS2 games from their origin country... I.E. I got my NTSC PS3 imported from America in 2006, and although it plays all region PS3 games, it only plays NTSC PS1 & PS2.
And for the future PS 3 games work on PS 4:
http://www.theps4forums.com/ps4-news/games-inception-for-playstation-4/
No PlayStation 3 games do NOT work on the PlayStation 2 system.
no
No they do not work in a PS2
NO ... but PS2 games work on PS3 consoles ...
Unfortunatily, no! Sorry!
No. The PS2 does not have the programming for PS3 games.
only some models
No, PS2 can't run PS3 Games
no
Yes, PS3 games are zone free
Yes, a Region 3 PlayStation 3 game will work on a Region 1 PlayStation 3 system. The PlayStation 3 does not have regional lockouts for PlayStation 3 games. It does however have regional lockout for PlayStation games, PlayStation 2 games, DVD movies, and Blu-ray movies.
No the PS2 can not read the PS3 games because the are on Blu-Ray discs