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What discs are compatible with PS5?

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What Discs are Compatible with PS5? A Comprehensive Guide

The PlayStation 5 (PS5) is a powerful console that offers a vast library of games and media experiences. However, understanding which discs are compatible with the PS5 can sometimes be confusing. Let’s cut through the noise and provide a clear answer. The PS5 is primarily designed to play PS5 game discs and certain PS4 game discs, as well as Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray Disc, and DVD media discs. The PlayStation 5 is not backwards compatible with PS1, PS2, or PS3 game discs.

In more detail:

  • PS5 Game Discs: These are, of course, fully compatible with the PS5. Simply insert the disc, and the console will recognize and launch the game.
  • PS4 Game Discs: The PS5 boasts backward compatibility with most PS4 game discs. Insert the disc, and you’ll be prompted to download any necessary updates. However, you will still need to keep the disc inserted to play the game. A small number of PS4 titles are not compatible with the PS5. This list is relatively small but it’s important to be aware that some very old or niche titles may not work.
  • Ultra HD Blu-ray Discs: The PS5 can play Ultra HD Blu-ray discs, offering you the highest quality in physical media for movies.
  • Blu-ray Discs: The PS5 can also play standard Blu-ray discs, including BD-ROM, BD-R, and BD-RE formats.
  • DVDs: The PS5 is capable of playing standard DVDs, including DVD-ROM, DVD-R/RW, and DVD+R/RW formats in both video and VR modes.

The PS5 is, therefore, a highly versatile machine able to deal with a huge range of disc formats. However, there are some limitations, specifically concerning older PlayStation formats.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about PS5 Disc Compatibility

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify what the PS5 can and cannot play regarding disc formats:

PS5 Game Compatibility

  1. Can I play all my PS4 games on the PS5?

    • Most, but not all, PS4 games are compatible with the PS5. A small number of PS4 games will not work on the console. Check online resources for the latest list of PS4 games not compatible with PS5.

  2. Do I need to rebuy my PS4 games for PS5?

    • No, you do not need to rebuy most PS4 games to play them on the PS5. If you own the physical PS4 game disc, you can play it on the disc version of the PS5. Many digital PS4 games can also be downloaded and played on your PS5, if they are in your PlayStation Store library. Some PS4 games do have an upgrade path to PS5 for a price.

  3. What are some PS4 games that will not work on the PS5?

    • A few titles known to be incompatible 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, and We Sing. This list is subject to change, but these are titles that currently have known incompatibility issues.

  4. What happens if I insert a PS5 game disc into my PS4?

    • The PS4 cannot play PS5 game discs. The console is not designed for forwards compatibility. You will be unable to launch the game. If you want to play your PS5 games on PS4, use Remote Play or Share Play.

Older PlayStation Game Compatibility

  1. Can the PS5 play PS3 discs?

    • No, the PS5 cannot play PS3 game discs. This is due to the PS3’s unique Cell processor architecture, which the PS5 is not equipped to emulate efficiently. Some PS3 games have been remastered and released for PS4 and these versions are playable on the PS5.

  2. Can the PS5 play PS2 discs?

    • No, the PS5 is not backward compatible with PS2 game discs.

  3. Can the PS5 play PS1 discs?

    • No, the PS5 is not backward compatible with PS1 game discs.

  4. How can I play older PS1, PS2, and PS3 games on my PS5?

    • The only way to play certain older PS1, PS2, and PS3 titles on the PS5 is through a PlayStation Plus Premium/Deluxe membership. The service offers emulated versions of a limited selection of these games, which must be downloaded from the PlayStation Network (PSN).

Media Disc Compatibility

  1. Will the PS5 play DVDs?

    • Yes, the PS5 can play standard DVD discs, including DVD-ROM, DVD-R/RW, and DVD+R/RW formats.

  2. Can the PS5 play Blu-ray discs?

    • Yes, the PS5 can play standard Blu-ray discs, including BD-ROM, BD-R, and BD-RE formats.

  3. Can the PS5 play Ultra HD Blu-ray discs?

    • Yes, the PS5 can play Ultra HD Blu-ray discs, providing a high-definition experience for compatible films.

  4. Will the PS5 play burned discs or audio CDs?

    • No, the PS5 cannot play burned discs or audio CDs. This is a restriction of the system, meaning that users must use official media.

General PS5 Disc Questions

  1. Do I need a disc drive to play disc games on my PS5?

    • Yes, the standard PS5 features a built-in disc drive, allowing you to play both PS5 and PS4 physical game discs, as well as media discs such as Blu-Rays. The PS5 Digital Edition, however, lacks a disc drive, and only permits access to games purchased through the Playstation Store.

  2. Why is my PS5 not reading a disc?

    • Several factors could cause this: Ensure the disc is clean from smudges or scratches. It is advisable to clean the disc with a soft cloth. Check if another disc works. If you’re still encountering problems, attempt to use Safe Mode to Clear Cache and Rebuild Database. If the problem persists, there could be an issue with the disc reader itself.

  3. If I own the disc version of a game and then buy the digital version, do I still need the disc?

    • No, you do not need the disc once you purchase the digital version of the same game. This means you can play the disc version of a game without the need to insert the disc again if you later purchase the digital version through the PlayStation Store.

Conclusion

Understanding the PS5’s disc compatibility can greatly improve your gaming experience. While the PS5 does not support older PS1, PS2, and PS3 game discs, it does provide support for current-gen PS5 games, most PS4 titles, and a range of media disc formats. Make sure to keep your discs clean and always refer to the latest compatibility information online. These insights will help you navigate the world of physical media on your PS5 with ease.

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