Backward compatibility has always been a hot topic in the PlayStation world. Gamers love upgrades with each new console generation. But the big question remains: can you still play your old favorites? Now, with the launch of PS5, this question has once again got limelight. So, let’s break down exactly how the PS5 and PS4 handle backward compatibility
Can You Play PS4 Games on PS5?
Technically Yes! The PS5 is fully backward compatible with almost all PS4 games, roughly over 4,000 titles. So, you can continue your PS4 gaming on the newer console without any hiccups whether on physical disc (for the standard PS5) or digital versions . Even, some PS4 games run really amazingly on the PS5 than PS4. Thanks to better frame rates and resolutions.
Do PS4 Discs Work on the PS5 Digital Edition?
This is where you are gonna face some trouble. Since the PS5 Digital Edition lacks a disc drive, you won’t be able to play physical PS4 discs. However, any digital games you previously purchased will work just fine.
Do PS4 Games Perform Better on PS5?
Yes! And the credit goes to a much needed feature introduced by Sony the “Game Boost”. It just not improves resolution, frame rates, but also overall performance in select PS4 games. Take some key examples:
- Ghost of Tsushima: Runs at a smooth 60 FPS on PS5.
- God of War (2018): Features higher frame rates in performance mode.
- Days Gone: Improved resolution and smoother gameplay.
Can You Play PS3 Games on PS5?
Here’s where things get tricky. The PS5 does not support native backward compatibility with PS3 discs or digital games. The reason is that PS3’s Cell processor architecture is significantly different from the PS5’s x86-64 architecture, making direct emulation difficult However, there is a way through PlayStation Plus Premium’s cloud streaming service. Simply, it lets PS3 classic fans play select PS3 titles for some buck. For that you can follow the steps below:
How to Play PS3 Games on PS5?
Here’s how you can access them on PS5:
- Subscribe to PlayStation Plus Premium ( And get a welcome in Sony’s highest-tier membership).
- Navigate to the “Classics Catalog” within the PlayStation Plus menu.
- Stream select PS3 titles (No downloads required)
Limitations of PS3 Cloud Streaming
- Streaming Only: You won’t be able to download PS3 games for offline play.
- Internet Requirement: A stable, high-speed internet connection is essential for smooth gameplay.
- Limited Library: You will find a really limited games library in the PlayStation Plus catalog.
Popular PS3 Games on PlayStation Plus Premium
However, lucky you if you are fan of the following games:
- Red Dead Redemption
- Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
- Infamous 2
Can You Insert a PS3 Disc into a PS5?
The issue of Disc incompatibility remains consistent in PS5. Even with PlayStation Plus Premium, physical PS3 discs will not work on a PS5. Unfortunately, here Streaming is the only option for gamers.
Alternative Ways to Play PS3 Games
1. Buy Remastered PS3 Games for PS4/PS5
Some PS3 games have been remastered for PS4 and PS5, featuring better graphics, higher frame rates, and smoother performance.
Popular PS3 Games Remastered for PS4 & PS5
- The Last of Us Remastered
- Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection
- Dark Souls Remastered
- BioShock: The Collection
2. Use an Original PS3 Console
If you own physical PS3 discs, the best way to play them is on a PS3 console.
Why Use a PS3?
✅ Native support for all PS3 games.
✅ Works with both physical discs and digital PS3 library.
✅ No internet connection required.
3. Running a PS3 Emulator on a PC
Some gamers use RPCS3, a popular PS3 emulator for PC, but this method:
- Requires a powerful gaming PC.
- May involve legal risks if not using legally owned copies.
- Is not officially supported by Sony.
Will PS5 Ever Get Full PS3 Compatibility?
In forums, you might come across rumors about PS3 emulators for PS5 in the future. But the truth is, there’s no official word from Sony. Though, some tech geeks and developers have attempted to run PS3 games natively on PS5 hardware via custom emulation. Here again, it doesn’t work for a layman due to the PS3’s unique Cell processor architecture. Moreover, it is not officially supported.
Can You Play PS3 Games on PS4?
No, the PS4 does not support PS3 games natively. The reason is that Sony has limited PS3 support to cloud streaming. This is unlike the Xbox ecosystem, which has built-in backward compatibility for older generations.
How to Play PS3 Games on PS4?
Here again, If you still own a PS4 and want to revisit PS3 titles, your only option is through PlayStation Plus Premium service.
Can You Use PS3 Discs on PS4?
No. PS3 game discs are not compatible with the PS4 console.
Can You Play PS3 Games on PS4 for Free?
This is only possible if you already own a game included in PlayStation Plus Premium. Otherwise, you’ll need a subscription.
Can You Play PS2 Games on PS5 and PS4?
The PlayStation 2 is one of the most beloved consoles of all time. Most gamers still maintain a nostalgia about it. But unfortunately, native PS2 support is not available on PS5 or PS4.
PS5 Compatibility with PS2 Games
- ❌ No support for PS2 discs or downloads.
- ✅ However, some remastered PS2 games are available on PlayStation Plus Premium.
PS4 Compatibility with PS2 Games
- ❌ No native disc support.
- ✅ A handful of remastered PS2 classics are available digitally in the PlayStation Store.
- ⚠ Some players use unofficial emulators on PS4, but these are not supported by Sony.
Can PS5 Play PS2 Games?
This is only possible if they’ve been remastered and released digitally on the PlayStation Store. Otherwise, original PS2 discs won’t work.
Can You Play PS1 Games on PS5?
PS1 was apparently considered pretty old stuff to relate on PS5 launch. So, if you are looking to play PS1 games on PS5, it won’t work. The PS5 does not support PS1 discs.
PS5 Backward Compatibility with PS1 Games
- ❌ No disc support.
- ✅ However, some PS1 classics are available digitally via PlayStation Plus Premium.
- ✅ Select remastered PS1 titles (like Final Fantasy VII) can be purchased separately in the PlayStation Store.
Can You Play PS4 Discs on a PS5 Slim?
There’s no official PS5 Slim yet, but if Sony releases a version with a disc drive, it should support PS4 discs just like the current PS5 does.
PlayStation Backward Compatibility Summary
Here, let me summarise all the backward compatibility of PS5 with all the previous Playstations:
|
Console |
PS5 Support |
PS4 Support |
|
PS4 Games |
✅ Yes (Most work natively) |
✅ Yes (Fully compatible) |
|
PS3 Games |
❌ No (Streaming via PS Plus Premium) |
❌ No (Streaming only) |
|
PS2 Games |
❌ No (Few available on PS Plus Premium) |
❌ No (Some digital remasters) |
|
PS1 Games |
❌ No (Few available digitally) |
❌ No (Very limited selection) |
Outlook
To put it simply, the PlayStation 5 does an excellent job of supporting PS4 games. But when it comes to older generations (PS3, PS2, and PS1), support is limited to cloud streaming and digital remasters. A slight hint by Sony about native PS3 emulation in the future is a hope for many, but nothing official has been confirmed yet.
If you’re hoping to play all your classic PlayStation games on one console, you might be disappointed. However, PlayStation Plus Premium remains the best (and only) way. What you can do is to keep an eye on Sony’s future updates for the most demanded feature.
