What Types of Memory Cards Did the Original PS3 Support?

This article explores the specific memory card formats compatible with the launch models of the PlayStation 3. It details the various slots available on the original hardware, explains how functionality changed across different revisions, and clarifies why newer models no longer include these features. Readers will gain a clear understanding of media transfer options and backward compatibility requirements for the early PS3 ecosystem.

The Launch Model Capabilities

When Sony released the PlayStation 3 in 2006, the initial “fat” models were designed as all-in-one entertainment hubs. The launch units, specifically the 60GB and 20GB versions, featured a comprehensive multi-card reader built directly into the front of the console. These slots allowed users to transfer photos, music, and videos directly from digital cameras and mobile devices without needing a computer. The supported formats included Memory Stick PRO, Secure Digital (SD), miniSD, and CompactFlash (CF). Additionally, these specific models were backward compatible with PlayStation 2 games, meaning the card readers also supported original PS2 memory cards for saving legacy game data.

Changes in Later Revisions

As Sony revised the hardware to reduce manufacturing costs, the memory card support was gradually reduced. The 80GB Metal Gear Solid 4 bundle model, released later in the fat chassis lifecycle, removed the CompactFlash slot while retaining support for Memory Stick PRO and SD cards. This change signaled a shift in how users were expected to manage media and data. When the PS3 Slim and Super Slim models were eventually introduced, all built-in memory card slots were removed entirely. Users of these later consoles were required to use USB flash drives or network transfers to move media files onto the system.

Using Memory Cards for Game Saves

Beyond media transfer, the original PS3 memory card slots served a critical function for gamers owning backward-compatible consoles. The native slots allowed players to insert PlayStation 2 memory cards directly to access saved data from previous generations. For PlayStation 1 memory cards, users could also utilize the slots or purchase a USB adapter. However, once the backward compatibility hardware was removed from later PS3 models, the utility of these slots diminished strictly to media storage before being phased out completely. Today, USB storage remains the primary method for expanding storage and transferring data on all remaining PS3 systems.