Is PS5 Backwards Compatible? [All Questions Answered]

Written By Rakibul Hasan

If you think about playing games, the first thing that comes to mind is PlayStation. We spent a golden generation, and just like me, you can be one of the past-gen console owners.

When the PS5 first came on the market, I had lots of unplayed exclusive games on the PS4 and had doubts if I could play them on the new PlayStation 5.is-ps5-backwards-compatible

It’s common to have a question regarding compatibility when buying or upgrading to PS5. And this article aims to answer all your questions and clear your doubts.

So, let’s begin.

Can You Play PS4 Games on PS5?

Yes, you can play PS4 games on PlayStation 5. The PS5 is fully backward compatible with PlayStation 4 software. As a result, you can use the PS4 digital software and physical disc on the current-gen PlayStation 5 and enjoy complete support.

At first, I wanted to buy the Digital Edition but later changed my decision to the Disc Edition. If you’re using the PlayStation 5 Digital edition, there is unfortunate news for you. The PS5 Digital Edition doesn’t support physical game discs from the PlayStation 4.

However, if you use the same PSN or PlayStation Network account, you can get access to all of your PS4 games on a PS5 device.

Not only that, PS5 also supports PS4 controllers—but only when you’re playing PS4 games. Still, it’s a massive plus point for gamers like me who yet have to complete all the PS4 edition games.

You can play 4000+ confirmed games directly on PlayStation 5 with excellent stability and improved performance. Even if you’ve upgraded to PS5, you can’t just stop playing PlayStation 4 Exclusive games.

Speaking of the past console games, I started playing The Last of Us Part II on my PS4 but completed it on my new PS5 and experienced massive improvements in FPS and stability.

Sony has provided updates for The Last of Us Part II, Final Fantasy VII Remake, Ghost of Tsushima, God of War, Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition, Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, etc. to ensure the best compatibility.

If you want to experience the last gen PS4 games on PS5, consider following the steps below.

Here is the way to insert a PS4 disc on PS5 and play games:

  • Insert the PS4 game disc.
  • Copy the games to your PS5. ps-copy
  • Open and play the game.

But if you’re on Digital Edition or have games in the store, here’s how to install games on PS5:

  • Log in to your account in PS5. ps-sign-in
  • Navigate to the Game Library. ps-game-library
  • Click on the game. ps-all-games
  • Press on Download.ps-game-download

You’ll find almost all the PS4 games on your PS5 and be able to play with better performance and with Boost mode.

Those who love VR gaming on PlayStation have good news. You can use the PS VR with existing PS4 titles on the new PS5. But you’ll need a camera adapter to play on the PlayStation 5.

Fortunately, Sony is giving the adapter for free if you own a PS4 camera. Also, you can use the PlayStation Move controllers with PS5, So you no longer have to worry about VR compatibility.

PlayStation 5 is still costly. But all these backward compatibility features add extra value to the new-gen console and make your purchase worthwhile.

Is PS5 Backwards Compatible with PS3, PS2, and PS1 Games?

The PlayStation 5 can’t read the physical disc from PS3, PS2, and PS1 and isn’t directly compatible. But Sony is gradually adding modern ports for the old copies and retro games, making them accessible from PS5 using the PlayStation Plus Premium subscription.

The PlayStation Plus Premium is a 12-month membership and costs $119.99. You can access the selected titles and play the PS3 games on PS5.

The PS1, PS2, and PS3 games are emulated and must be downloaded using the PlayStation Network (PSN). You can play the previous generation games as long as you have a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription.

Here are some of the popular game titles from the previous generation, which are playable on PS5 using PS Plus Premium:

PS3: Batman: Arkham Origins, Devil May Cry 4, Dynasty Warriors 8, FALLOUT 3, God of War II HD, Injustice: Gods Among Us Ultimate Edition, Limbo, Red Dead Redemption, Resident Evil Revelations 2 – Complete Edition, etc.

PS2: Hot Shots Tennis, Rogue Galaxy, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter, Star Wars: Racer Revenge, Wild Arms 3, etc.

PS1: Jumping Flash!, Resident Evil Director’s Cut, Tekken 2, Wild Arms 2, Worms Armageddon, etc.

There are more games on the list, and Sony is continuously adding games to the subscription to give the best retro experience to gamers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PS5 fully backward compatible?

PlayStation 5 isn’t fully backward compatible. It supports physical disc and digital store games directly from PS4, but not from PS1, PS2, and PS3.

Can you play PS3 games on PS5?

Yes, you can play PS3 games on PlayStation 5. You need to purchase the PlayStation Plus Premium subscription to access the selected past-gen games.

Can you play PS1 discs on PS5?

No, you can’t insert the PS1 disc on the PS5. The PlayStation 5 games only support physical discs from the PS4.

Ending Note

PlayStation 5 is relatively new in the console market and brought many advanced features. The backward compatibility made the PS5 superior and increased its value as you can play both past and current games.

This article has provided how you can bring the games from your old PlayStation to PS5 and enjoy the uncompleted games.

I hope you’ve found the article helpful and use it to get your PS4 or PS3 games to PlayStation 5.

Happy Gaming!

About The Author
Rakibul is a tech enthusiast. Since childhood, he has been fascinated by computers and smartphones and bestowed his soul on them. He often talks about new ideas and is completely enamored with technology, computers, and gaming. He enjoys doing research and loves to share his findings with others.

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