Can a PS2 play all PS1 games?

I bought my PS2 right after it came out and I wasn't too happy with the launch titles so I basically played PS1 games for a while, they all should work fine, just need a memory card.

http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/List-of-PlayStation-games-incompatible-with-PlayStation-2

Newer slims (SCPH-7700x?) also have problems with static sound in Resident Evil 2 and other PS1 games, there are even some PS2 games that won't work with newer slims.

The PS2 can play all ps1 games except for a select few. Here's a list of some PS1 games that are known not to work on PS2 models:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_PlayStation_games_incompatible_with_PlayStation_2

Mostly. But there are a handful that can't play on the PS2. I know Mortal Kombat Trilogy has problems on the PS2.

I have a "Fat" Ps2 since 2003, and I usually never put ps1 games on it. Some games freeze (Star Ocean 2, Grandia, Silent Bomber), and sometimes they won't simply load, and I think this is not because of the console's hardware, but because of how the Ps2 tray was designed. When I place the cds on the tray and hit the eject button to close it, sometimes the Ps2 will make a strange sound (sounds like the cd can't spin and the console is having trouble reading it). When I hear it, I know that the game will not work, and more importantly, there's a risk of the Cd being scratched and tus ruining it. Bear in mind that I have a Pal Ps2, Idk about Ntsc/ u Ps2's. 

Still, if I were you, I would buy a Ps1 console, they're dirt cheap these days.

I have a "Fat" Ps2 since 2003, and I usually never put ps1 games on it. Some games freeze (Star Ocean 2, Grandia, Silent Bomber), and sometimes they won't simply load, and I think this is not because of the console's hardware, but because of how the Ps2 tray was designed. When I place the cds on the tray and hit the eject button to close it, sometimes the Ps2 will make a strange sound (sounds like the cd can't spin and the console is having trouble reading it). When I hear it, I know that the game will not work, and more importantly, there's a risk of the Cd being scratched and tus ruining it. Bear in mind that I have a Pal Ps2, saosebastiao

Your PS2 is dying. That was the first sign of my fattie being on the way out. Next it'll start rejecting PS2 games.

Your PS2 is dying. That was the first sign of my fattie being on the way out. Next it'll start rejecting PS2 games.

BarbaricAvatar

Considering it's been doing that for 10 years now, I'd say it's pretty much alive. It plays all Ps2 games, even the Cd-rom ones, with no problem or sound whatsoever.