In all, there have been six different hardware configurations for the PS3, with two of those currently in production, in addition to the slim which is now available. So, it's with this in mind that we present to you a handy guide for discerning the difference between the various PlayStation 3 versions (aka SKUs) out there.

Why do some systems have full backwards compatibility, some partial, and some no compatibility with PlayStation 2 titles?

You can find a more thorough explanation here, but the gist is internal hardware: the initial PlayStation 3 consoles (20GB and 60GB) shipped with the core PS2 components -- the CPU and GPU -- and as such functioned as a PS2 for emulation. Hence, full backwards compatibility.

The 80GB model (and 60GB model for PAL territories) did not include the PS2 CPU and instead had written software that relegated the Cell processor to handle CPU duties. (The GPU remained within the system.) The process isn't perfect and there are hiccups, but it does play most PS2 games.

The 40GB model eschews the PS2 hardware entirely and does not include software for emulating the GPU. Therefore, no PS2 compatibility whatsoever. Both models currently in production (160GB and 80GB models made after August 2008) lack PS2 compatibility entirely.

What about PlayStation (PS1) games?

PS1 games are backwards compatible on all versions.

How can I determine backwards compatibility on a used, unboxed system?

Well you can go to www.RefurbishSystem.com and you will be able to purchase the downward compatible models without having to guess. If you want to know more, the 20GB model doesn't have the chrome trim (and also lacks a flash card reader), so you can be guaranteed backwards compatibility with that one. On the other end of the spectrum, the 40GB only has 2 USB 2.0 ports, so you can tell which model has no PS2 backwards compatibility.

If you want to get picky, however, another way to do is by checking the model number, located on the bottom of the console (see picture below). The fourth letter defines the model -- for example, in the picture below, CECHG01, represents the 40GB model and therefore has no PS2 compatibility. "A" (60GB) and "B" (20GB) have full compatibility, and "E" designates compatibility via software emulation.

VideoGame911.com has a professional staff that is available to assist you along your video game console’s repair process.  Our phones are staffed Monday thru Friday from 10am ‘til 5pm est. and we are happy to assist you in anyway we can.  While this is a convenient way to for you to contact us, once you have created a work order in our system, it is the least effective way of communicating with VideoGame911.

Once you have created a work order the best way to communicate directly with the person working on your system is to do so within the work order itself.  Go to our web site www.VideoGame911.com and click on the login tab.  Enter your email address and password and this will bring you to your dashboard.  On the right side of the dashboard you will see the word View; click on this and it will bring you directly into your work order.  On the left side of your work order, near the bottom, there is a comment box for the customer to communicate directly with the engineer that is working on your system.  This is the best place to add any additional information that you feel would be helpful for the repair, inquire about the status of the repair or to simply thank your technician for the excellent service they performed.

We look forward to servicing you with your video game console needs.

The HD industry revolution began with the introduction of Blu-ray Discs (BD) in 2006. With their high storage capacity, Blu-ray discs can hold and play back large quantities of high-definition video and audio, as well as photos, data and other digital content. Blu-ray also has a higher data transfer rate -- 36 Mbps (megabits per second) -- than today's DVDs, which transfer at 10 Mbps. With so much data in such a small area, you may find that your PS3 disc error with any of the formats is a sign that your PS3 blu-ray drive needs repair.

If you insert that newly purchased or rented Blu-Ray Movie into your console and it does not come up on your XMB/Dashboard then you have an issue with your Blu-Ray Drive.  Make sure that the disk is clean and free of scratches and that you are using a disk supported by your PS3.  If your disk has passed this quick check-list then fill out a repair order with us.  From there you can ship us your system. For our best service, you can update us with the tracking number so we can be certain to know when it will arrive.

When your system arrives at our warehouse it is immediately put in a queue for our detailed check-in and order confirmation process.  During this stage of our process we will inspect your system for any damage and create a report of our findings for your estimate. We will also take note of any accessories that you send with the system and document them with your order.  When you create your order, if you have any special requests or would like to inform your engineer of a desired update or upgrade, please indicate them in writing in your online order comments. At this point, the unit is setup and scheduled for bench time with our system engineers.

The system will then move to the next stage of our process which is diagnostics.  This step is where the engineer first gets a chance to bootup your system.  Your engineer will check the Power Supply, HDD, RAM Chips, Blu-Ray Drive, A/V outputs, Accessories and USB Ports. Of course if you are specific and will require additional testing, please just advise your engineer in writing through your online order. Our detailed diagnostic process along with the symptoms you provide will allow the engineer a quick and efficient evaluation of your console that will be provided to you within 24 to 48 hours from receipt.  When you receive your estimate your engineer will provide a detailed estimate to inform you of the required fixes that need to be made on your console.  A full clear, concise and quick estimate is the goal of your engineer. Keep in mind, our engineers are gamers too, and they do everything they can to keep your data intact and safe throughout our processes.

Upon written approval or payment your system will immediately be scheduled for repair in the order in which payment is received.  We will then follow through with the repairs that we have specified in your online order.  Once repairs have been completed we will need to test your machine for at least 24 hours. We call this our quality assurance testing cycle. If you or your engineer feels that they would like more time to test the machine you/they will notify you in your online order.

When testing has been completed, our repair customers are entitled to free return shipping.  Packaging is always upgraded for our customers for the care and safety of your machine on its return trip.