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Is It Safe to Put a PS4 Disc in PS5? Everything You Need to Know

Yes, it is absolutely safe to put a PlayStation 4 (PS4) disc into a PlayStation 5 (PS5) console. The PS5 is designed with backward compatibility in mind, allowing you to enjoy the vast majority of your PS4 game library. This means that your existing PS4 game discs are not only compatible, but also won’t damage your console or the discs themselves. However, there are some specifics and nuances to understand, which we will delve into below.

PS5’s Backward Compatibility: What It Means

The PS5’s backward compatibility is a significant feature that enables players to enjoy a substantial portion of their PS4 game collection on the new console. This means you don’t have to completely abandon your old games when upgrading to the PS5.

Extensive Compatibility: The PS5 is compatible with the overwhelming majority of PS4 games. Out of the more than 4,000 PS4 games, only a small handful are not supported.
Disc-Based Play: You can directly insert your PS4 game discs into the PS5 disc drive and play them. It’s a plug-and-play experience for the most part.
Digital Games: If you have digital PS4 games purchased through the PlayStation Network, these are also compatible and can be re-downloaded on your PS5.

How It Works: A Simple Process

Using a PS4 disc on the PS5 is straightforward:

Insert the Disc: Gently insert the PS4 game disc into the PS5’s disc drive.
Automatic Installation: The console will then recognize the disc, and, in some cases, may prompt you to download an update.
Start Playing: Once the update is installed, you’re ready to play your game. It’s a seamless process designed to get you gaming quickly.

Concerns Addressed: Is It Safe?

Many users have concerns about the potential harm that might come from using old discs in a new console. Let’s address those:

No Damage to Discs: There is no risk of damaging your PS4 game discs by inserting them into a PS5. The disc drive is designed to handle both PS4 and PS5 discs safely.
No Damage to Console: Similarly, inserting a PS4 disc won’t harm the PS5 console itself. The hardware is built to manage the older disc format without any issues.
No Overheating: The PS5’s cooling system is designed to handle the workload from both PS4 and PS5 games. There’s no increased risk of overheating when playing PS4 games from discs.
No Physical Damage: The disc insertion mechanism is also safe, designed to handle discs gently, minimizing the risk of scratches or any other form of physical damage.

Why Play PS4 Games on PS5?

There are several compelling reasons to play your PS4 games on the PS5:

Carry Over Your Collection: It allows you to continue enjoying your existing library without having to keep your old PS4 connected.
Potential Performance Enhancements: Some PS4 games may benefit from faster loading times and sometimes even improved graphical performance due to the PS5’s powerful hardware. While not a universal improvement, it is a welcomed perk for some games.
Convenience: It consolidates your gaming experience into one console. You can easily switch between your PS4 and PS5 games on the same system.

Things to Keep in Mind

While backward compatibility is generally smooth, here are some considerations:

Compatibility List: A small number of PS4 games are not compatible with the PS5. Make sure to check the list of incompatible titles before assuming that every game you own will work (See FAQs for the List).
Updates: Some games require additional updates to run properly on the PS5. These updates may need to be downloaded when you first insert the disc.
Visual Enhancements: Although some PS4 games may look a little better on the PS5, most PS4 games will look and play the same whether you play them on the PS4 or PS5. There are upgrades for some games to visually enhance the gameplay for PS5.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about playing PS4 discs on the PS5, offering additional clarity and detail:

Q1: Can all PS4 games be played on PS5?

A: No, while the vast majority of PS4 games are compatible, there are a small number that are not. These games will not work on the PS5. You should check the compatibility list provided by Sony if you encounter issues.

Q2: What PS4 games are not compatible with PS5?

A: The notable PS4 games that are NOT compatible with the PS5 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

Q3: Will my PS4 game look better on PS5?

A: Some PS4 games may have an upgrade patch for improved visuals and gameplay on the PS5. However, most PS4 games will look roughly the same on both systems. Benefits include faster loading times and potential improvements in framerate in certain games.

Q4: Do I need an internet connection to play PS4 discs on PS5?

A: An internet connection is not always required, but it is highly recommended. It is needed to download updates or patches that may be necessary for certain games. You can usually play games offline after that if needed.

Q5: Is it okay to leave a PS4 disc inside the PS5?

A: Yes, it is perfectly safe to leave a PS4 disc inside the PS5. There is no potential damage that can occur to either the disc or the console.

Q6: Can I play PS3 game discs on the PS5?

A: No, the PS5 does not have backward compatibility for PS3 game discs. Only certain PS1, PS2, and PS3 titles available on the PS Plus service can be played on the PS5 through emulation.

Q7: What happens if I put a PS5 game disc in a PS4?

A: You cannot play PS5 games on a PS4 console. The PS4 hardware is not compatible with PS5 game discs. The two are different formats.

Q8: Is it better to buy PS5 games as discs or digitally?

A: This depends on personal preference. Disc versions allow physical ownership, while digital versions are convenient and avoid the need to manage discs. Ultimately, both versions install on the console’s storage, so storage space consumed is virtually the same for the same game whether it is a digital download or a disc-based game. If you buy a disc, you may be able to sell it later, which cannot be done with a digital purchase.

Q9: Can I play a digital PS4 game on a PS5 without re-downloading?

A: Yes, if your PS4 digital games are linked to your PlayStation Network account, you can re-download them on your PS5 without needing to re-purchase.

Q10: Does the PS5 need to be vertical or horizontal?

A: The PS5 can be placed either vertically or horizontally. Both positions are fine as long as there is proper airflow around the console.

Q11: Is it bad to keep my PS5 in an enclosed area?

A: Yes, it is not recommended to place your PS5 in an enclosed area where airflow is restricted. Proper ventilation is essential to prevent overheating.

Q12: Is the PS5 worth buying if I already have a PS4?

A: Yes, the PS5 is a major upgrade over the PS4, offering a next-gen gaming experience with superior graphics, faster loading times, and a plethora of new features. It is very much worth the upgrade for the newest gaming experiences.

Q13: Will there be a PS5 Slim?

A: Yes, Sony released a new “Slim” model that is significantly smaller and lighter than the original PS5. This is a mid-generation refresh for the PS5.

Q14: What happens if I delete a PS4 game on PS5?

A: You won’t lose access to any deleted games; you can re-download your purchases from your game library anytime. This means you can manage your storage easily without risk of permanent loss of games.

Q15: Can I play PS5 games on the PS4 through Remote Play?

A: Yes, using the Remote Play feature, you can stream your PS5 games to your PS4, albeit with the limitations of stream quality and latency.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is perfectly safe and normal to put a PS4 disc in your PS5. The PS5’s backward compatibility feature allows for a seamless and enjoyable gaming experience. By understanding how the feature works, what games are compatible, and the potential benefits, you can confidently use your PS4 games on your new PS5 without any concerns about damaging your console or discs. Happy gaming!

Is it safe to put a PS4 disc in PS5?