The only way to play the game on a PS3 was through backward compatibility on the original "fat" consoles. Playing the PS2 disc on a PS3 offered a slightly smoother experience, but it lacked the trophies, online leaderboards, or HD textures that defined the PS3 generation. It wasn't until the release of Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled on the PS4 that the tracks of Crash Nitro Kart finally received the high-definition treatment they deserved, rendering the PS3's emulated version obsolete.