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Will PS4 Games Work in a PS5? Everything You Need to Know

Yes, the vast majority of PlayStation 4 (PS4) games are indeed compatible with the PlayStation 5 (PS5), thanks to the PS5’s backward compatibility feature. This means you can play most of your existing PS4 game library on the newer console, whether you own the games on physical discs or as digital downloads. This feature is a significant advantage for gamers who are upgrading to the PS5 but want to continue enjoying their collection of PS4 titles. Let’s delve deeper into how this works and what you can expect.

How PS4 Backwards Compatibility Works on PS5

The PS5 was designed with backwards compatibility in mind, allowing you to seamlessly transition from the PS4 without having to leave your favorite games behind. This compatibility extends to both physical disc-based games and digital titles purchased through the PlayStation Store.

Playing Physical PS4 Games on PS5

If you have physical copies of your PS4 games, you can play them on a standard PS5 console with a disc drive. Simply insert the PS4 game disc into your PS5, and the console will recognize it. You might be prompted to download an update for the game, if one is available, and then you can begin playing. It’s that straightforward.

Playing Digital PS4 Games on PS5

For games you’ve purchased digitally on the PlayStation Store, you can access them through your PSN account on your PS5. Your digital PS4 games will appear in your Game Library and can be downloaded and played on your PS5 console. If you own a PS5 Digital Edition, which lacks a disc drive, you can still play the PS4 games you own digitally but will not be able to play any games in physical disc format.

PS5 Game Boost

An added benefit of playing PS4 games on the PS5 is the potential for Game Boost. This feature can improve the performance of some PS4 titles, allowing them to run at a higher or smoother frame rate. While not all PS4 games benefit from Game Boost, many games will experience a noticeable improvement in their overall performance when played on the PS5.

PS4 Games That Do Not Work On PS5

While the vast majority of PS4 games are compatible with the PS5, a small number are not. It’s crucial to know which ones don’t work to avoid any disappointment. Here are the PS4 titles that are not backwards compatible with the PS5:

Afro Samurai 2 Revenge of Kuma Volume One
Hitman Go: Definitive Edition
Just Deal With It!
Robinson: The Journey
Shadwen
TT Isle of Man – Ride on the Edge 2
We Sing

This list is very small compared to the thousands of PS4 games available, meaning almost all the games you love will be available on your new PS5.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About PS4 Games on PS5

Here are some common questions that gamers have about playing PS4 games on the PS5, complete with detailed answers:

1. Can I play PS4 games with friends who are still using a PS4?

Yes, absolutely. If you’re playing a multiplayer PS4 game on your PS5 (via backwards compatibility), you can still play with other players using the same game on a PS4. Cross-generation play is supported for most games, allowing you to stay connected with your gaming community regardless of the console they are using.

2. Do PS4 games look better on PS5?

Many PS4 games can look better on the PS5, thanks to the PS5’s Game Boost feature. This can lead to improved frame rates and smoother gameplay. If you’re playing on a high-resolution display you may also notice benefits in resolution output on some compatible games.

3. Can I download PS4 games from the PlayStation Store on my PS5?

Yes, you can. The PlayStation Store on the PS5 offers both PS4 and PS5 titles. You can browse and purchase PS4 games directly on your PS5 and download them to your console as you normally would.

4. Can I transfer my PS4 game saves to my PS5?

Yes, game saves can be transferred from PS4 to PS5. This can be done in various ways, including using a USB drive, connecting to the same network, or using the cloud storage available through a PlayStation Plus subscription.

5. Does the PS5 automatically improve PS4 games?

While the Game Boost feature on the PS5 is an improvement, not all PS4 games are automatically improved. The level of enhancement can vary from game to game.

6. Do I need a PlayStation Plus subscription to play PS4 games on my PS5?

A PlayStation Plus subscription is not required to play single-player PS4 games on your PS5. However, if you want to access online multiplayer or use the cloud storage feature, then a PlayStation Plus membership is required.

7. Will PS4 games use up my PS5 storage space?

Yes, PS4 games will use your PS5's storage space, same as any game. The PS5 has an **825GB SSD**, with approximately 667GB of useable storage space. As such, it’s important to manage your storage by deleting any games you no longer play.

8. Can I use an external hard drive to store PS4 games on my PS5?

Yes, you can. You can use an external hard drive to store and play PS4 games on your PS5. This is a good solution if you need more storage space for your library. However, only PS4 games can be played from external storage; PS5 titles need to be installed on the internal drive or a compatible M.2 SSD.

9. Will the new PS5 “Slim” model support PS4 backwards compatibility?

Yes, the new PS5 “Slim” model supports PS4 backwards compatibility just like the original PS5. Both the disc and digital versions of this console model are still compatible with PS4 games.

10. Is the PS5 worth buying just for backwards compatibility?

The PS5 offers a significant upgrade from the PS4, not just in terms of backwards compatibility. The faster loading times, enhanced graphics, DualSense controller, and the new generation of PS5 games make it a worthwhile purchase. The fact that you can also play your entire library of PS4 games on the console is an added bonus that makes it an even more appealing option.

11. Can I play PS3, PS2, or PS1 games on the PS5?

No, the PS5’s backwards compatibility only extends to PS4 games. PS3, PS2, and PS1 games are not playable via disc or direct download. While some classic games from older consoles are available as remasters or part of the PlayStation Plus catalog, original game discs from these consoles won’t work on a PS5.

12. Does Game Boost for PS4 games come automatically?

Game Boost does not require any manual activation from the user. If a game is compatible with the technology the system will automatically apply the boosts when you start the game.

13. Do PS4 game discs need to be in the PS5 disc drive to be played?

Yes, in order to play disc-based PS4 games, the original physical disc must always be in the PS5 disc drive, even if the game data is already stored on the console.

14. Can I play PS4 games that were purchased from a different region on the PS5?

In most cases, PS4 games from different regions will work on the PS5. However, there might be compatibility issues with some region-locked content, so it’s always good to verify the region compatibility beforehand.

15. If I am using an external hard drive for PS4 games, do I need to keep it connected all the time to play them on my PS5?

Yes, an external hard drive used to store PS4 games must be connected to the PS5 in order to play the games. As soon as it is disconnected, you will not be able to play games stored on it.

In conclusion, the PS5 offers excellent backward compatibility for PS4 games, allowing you to enjoy most of your previous console’s titles on the new platform, often with improved performance. This is a crucial feature for those upgrading from a PS4 to a PS5, providing a seamless transition and access to your library of purchased games.

Will PS4 games work in a PS5?