Can You Play PS4 Games on Your PS5? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, absolutely! The PlayStation 5 (PS5) boasts backward compatibility, allowing you to play most of your PlayStation 4 (PS4) games on the newer console. This opens up a vast library of titles for PS5 owners, extending beyond the current generation’s offerings.
Understanding PS5 Backward Compatibility
The ability to play older games on newer hardware is a significant perk for gamers. Sony recognized this desire and implemented backward compatibility on the PS5. This means you can enjoy the majority of your PS4 game collection on the PS5, either through physical discs or digital downloads. This is especially helpful for playing games that you might want to keep or revisit.
How PS5 Backward Compatibility Works
The PS5’s architecture is designed to accommodate PS4 games. While not every single PS4 game is compatible, the vast majority (over 4,000 titles) work seamlessly. The PS5 can effectively emulate the PS4’s system, allowing it to run games designed for the older console. In many cases, you’ll even see performance improvements.
Game Boost: Enhanced PS4 Games on PS5
One of the most appealing aspects of playing PS4 games on PS5 is Game Boost. This feature allows the PS5 to leverage its more powerful hardware to enhance the performance of select PS4 games. You can expect:
- Higher or Smoother Frame Rates: Many PS4 games experience a noticeable boost in frame rates, leading to smoother gameplay. This is particularly beneficial for action-oriented games.
- Improved Resolution: Some games may see an increase in resolution, making them look sharper and more detailed on your 4K TV.
Game Boost is automatically applied to compatible games, meaning no manual configuration is required on your part.
Upgrading PS4 Games to PS5 Versions
Beyond backward compatibility, some PS4 games offer a free or paid upgrade path to their native PS5 versions. This allows you to experience these games with even greater fidelity, taking full advantage of the PS5’s capabilities.
How to Upgrade Your Games
The upgrade process can vary depending on whether you own the game on disc or digitally:
- Digital Games: If you own the digital version of a game that offers a PS5 upgrade, you can usually find the upgrade option on the PlayStation Store or in your game library. Navigate to the game’s hub and look for the upgrade offer.
- Physical Discs: If you own a physical copy of the game, you’ll need to insert the PS4 disc into your PS5 console. The PS5 will then recognize the game and present you with the option to download the PS5 version. Important: You will need to keep the PS4 disc inserted whenever you play the upgraded PS5 version.
Upgrade Costs and Availability
It’s important to note that upgrades aren’t always free. Some publishers offer free upgrades, while others require a purchase. The availability of upgrades may also be limited in time, so it’s best to check if your favorite games have upgrade paths as soon as possible.
Games That Don’t Work on PS5
While the vast majority of PS4 games are compatible with the PS5, a small number of titles are not. As of the latest information, these include:
- 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
It’s always a good idea to check online resources or the PlayStation support website for the most up-to-date list of incompatible games.
The PS5: Is It Worth the Upgrade?
If you’re on the fence about upgrading to the PS5, backward compatibility and the potential for enhanced PS4 games are compelling reasons to consider it. The PS5 offers:
- Improved Graphics: Experience games in stunning 4K resolution.
- Faster Load Times: The PS5’s SSD dramatically reduces loading times.
- Immersive Gameplay: The DualSense controller and 3D audio create a more immersive gaming experience.
The PS5’s processing capabilities are significantly stronger than the PS4’s, enabling twice the performance in certain tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I have to rebuy PS4 games for PS5?
No, you don’t have to rebuy your PS4 games for the PS5. Thanks to backward compatibility, you can play most of your existing PS4 games on the PS5, either through physical discs or digital downloads.
2. Can I use my PS4 controller on the PS5?
While you can use your PS4 controller (DualShock 4) on the PS5, there are limitations. The DualShock 4 is primarily supported for playing PS4 games on the PS5. To play PS5 games, you’ll need to use the DualSense controller, which offers unique features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.
3. Will PS4 game saves transfer to PS5?
Yes, in most cases, you can transfer your PS4 game saves to the PS5. This can be done through various methods, including using PlayStation Plus cloud storage, a USB drive, or transferring data directly between the two consoles.
4. Can I play PS3 games on PS5?
Unfortunately, the PS5 does not offer native backward compatibility for PS3 games. You can only play PS3 games through PlayStation Plus Premium’s cloud streaming service, if they are offered there. Physical PS3 discs cannot be played on the PS5.
5. What happens if I play a PS4 version of a game on PS5?
When you play a PS4 version of a game on the PS5, you can experience benefits from the PS5’s Game Boost feature, which may result in higher or smoother frame rates. However, some functionalities that were available on the PS4 console may not be available on the PS5.
6. Can you have both versions of a game (PS4 and PS5) installed on PS5?
Yes, you can have both the PS4 and PS5 versions of the same game installed on your PS5 console simultaneously, provided you have enough storage space.
7. How many games can I store on my PS5?
The number of games you can store on your PS5 depends on the size of each game. Many PS5 games require between 40-60 GB of storage. You can realistically store 10-15 games on the drive at a time. You can also expand the storage with a compatible NVMe SSD.
8. Is there a significant difference between PS4 and PS5 versions of games?
Yes, there are noticeable differences. PS5 games typically have improved graphics, faster loading times, and more advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.
9. Does the PS5 play Blu-ray discs and DVDs?
Yes, the PS5 can play Blu-ray Discs and DVDs. To play a disc, simply insert it into the disc slot.
10. Can PS2 discs play on PS5?
No, physical disc versions of PS2 games are not backwards compatible with the PS5.
11. Why don’t PS3 discs work on PS5?
The PS5’s architecture is different from the PS3’s, making it difficult to emulate the PS3’s Cell processor.
12. Will there be a PS5 Slim?
Yes, Sony has released a new PS5 model, often referred to as the “PS5 Slim,” which is smaller and lighter than the original PS5.
13. What is the price of a new PS5?
In the US, the new PS5 model costs $499.99 with the disc drive included, while the PS5 Digital Edition is $449.99.
14. Can the PS5 play PS1 games?
No, the PS5’s backward compatibility only extends to PS4 games. It cannot play PS1, PS2, or PS3 games natively.
15. Why are some of my games locked on PS5?
If you see a padlock icon on a game, it may be due to parental controls restricting access. You’ll need to adjust the parental control settings to allow access.
Conclusion
The PS5’s backward compatibility is a significant benefit for gamers, allowing them to enjoy their existing PS4 library and even upgrade certain titles for a superior experience. Understanding how backward compatibility works, the upgrade process, and its limitations will help you maximize your gaming experience on the PS5. For more information on the impact of gaming and learning, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.