PS5 Backwards Compatibility: Can You Play PS4 Games on PlayStation 5?

Is the PS5 Backwards Compatible?

Undoubtedly, these might be the first few questions that surround you whenever you opt to buy a brand new PS5. Moreover, buying new games on PS5 can also cost a lot.

New consoles are always a big investment. So, it makes sense that you should know whether your new console will be able to play the games you already own and save some money.

With Sony’s PlayStation 5 on the ground, this next-generation console is unpredictably a giant in gaming. A lot of advanced features and high-quality game displays are available. Consequently, looking for backwards compatibility would be a wise decision. Because we know you love PS4 classical games and don’t wanna lose them too, right?

Let’s check more on for more!

How PS5 Backwards Compatibility Works

The PlayStation 5 is backwards compatible with most of the PlayStation 4 games, on both console’s disc as well as a digital version. Sony, with its developers, have tried to run each game on its new console.

While upgrading to the PS5, you can still enjoy access to over 4,000+ PS4 games, including PS exclusives, “The Last of Us Part II and Ghost of Tsushima”, and all other games that you’ve downloaded from the PlayStation Store.

The same concept goes for approved PS4 game discs and games from the PS mobile app or the web. However, PS5 backwards compatibility works the same for both console versions (digital & disc). Yet some disc games might not be available on the digital version. As it doesn’t have a disc drive to run them.

Moreover, playing PS4 games on PS5 also boosts their performance and frame rate. That’s cool, isn’t it?

NOTE: Some additional add-ons that you’ve purchased separately might not work with PS5 games.

Can PS4 Games Be Played on PS5?

Yes, you can play PS4 games on PS5. For this, you have to insert a disc (if you’re using PS5 disc version) or download the game from your PS Games library (if you’re using its digital version).

Similarly, the games that you have installed on your PS4 will be playable on your new console only when you transfer them along while upgrading your old PS.

Can You Physical PS4 Game Discs Play on the PS5?

Are you still thinking that can PS5 play PS4 games?

The answer is in affirmative. You can play physical PS4 games on PS5. Simply insert a physical PS4 game disc into your new console and start playing them. Or you can download digital software that you purchased from PlayStation Store.

NOTE: Physical game discs are not playable on PS5 Digital Edition.

How to Transfer Games and Save Data Between PS4 and PS5?

If you still own a PS4 and PS5, you’ll be happy to know that you can transfer your game data easily. As discussed earlier, PS5 is backwards compatible. Do this by connecting with Wi-Fi and transfer data online or use a LAN cable or USB to transfer via ports.

NOTE: It is possible some of the data will not transfer due to the game developer or version.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to do this:

1. Turn on both devices and connect them to the Same Wi-Fi
2. Go to your PS5 settings, then system, then system software, click on data transfer, select the device and continue the process
3. You will see a message on PS5, something like “Prepare for Data Transfer.”
4. Now, hold your PS4 power button for up to 2-5 sec until you hear a beep
5. Come back to PS5 and select the data you wanna transfer
6. Click “OK” and wait until the process finishes.

Install a PS4 Digital Game on a PS5 Console

Here’s how to install a PS4 Digital Game on your PS5 Console:

1. Open game library from your Games home
2. Select the game(s) you want to play
3. Download the game (if you haven’t yet)
4. After installation, it’ll let you know, or you can copy the options and can continue playing a game where you left.

The steps are pretty much common for all games. However, exceptions might be there.

Upgrade Eligible PS4 Games to the PS5 Version

To upgrade eligible PS4 games to the PS5 version, you’ll need a backwards compatible PS5 console. The process follows as.

1. Using your existing PS account, log in to your PS5 console (or create a new one).
2. Insert the eligible game disc or download eligible ones
3. After it, play PS5 digital games by inserting a PS4 game disc. Though you need to insert it every time.

To import from the PS4 game library:

1. Go to the PS4 game library
2. Upgrade game offer to a new version as per console
3. Download/Purchase it
4. Now, you can play the game you want to.

NOTE: Before upgrading the PS4 game disc to the digital PS5 version, it’s equally important to check some crucial details. Like it should have originated from the same country, similar to your PlayStation country account. If you are getting any issues while upgrading, check your country/region via the PlayStation Account Management.

List of PS4 Games That Don’t Work on PlayStation 5

Backwards compatibility of PS5 is somehow limited as Sony has published a small list of PS4 games that we can’t play on PS5. Let’s check them:

• DWVR.
• Afro Samurai 2 Revenge of Kuma Volume One.
• TT Isle of Man – Ride on the Edge 2.
• Just Deal With It!
• Robinson: The Journey.
• We Sing.
• Hitman Go: Definitive Edition.
• Shadwen.
• Joe’s Diner, and some more.

Despite this list, the gaming company is doing its best to ensure more games are playable on the PS5. Besides that, we’ve another good news for you, and it’s “The list hasn’t grown in the past few months.” Means you can enjoy the rest of Sony’s titles without having any compatibility issues.

Do DualShock 4 and Other PS4 Accessories Work With PS5?

Sony has confirmed some PS4 accessories – but not all of them – are compatible with the latest PS5. And it’s crucial to know if you want to play PS5 with PS4 accessories.

Particularly, DualShock 4 and other PS4 accessories will only work with PS5 unless and until you are only playing backwards compatible PS4 games. Means you can’t use DualShock 4 or related accessories to play PS5 games or titles.

The list reveals accessories that work with PS4 games on PS5.

• DualShock 4.
• Officially licensed third-party PS4 controller (including PS Moves, VR Aim, and PS camera controller).

NOTE: It is possible that there will be a PS5 enhanced version of that PSVR game. So with it, some outdated PS4 accessories might cause functionality problems. But, until fully confirmed by PS4 PSVR game support or tested by you, one can’t expect much. Feel free to perform any compatibility test, including (but not limited to) PlayStation 5 backwards compatibility test. Just to ensure everything works fine.

Conclusion

So this is all you need to know about PS5 backwards compatibility.

Hope the article has helped you solve each of your key concerns, whether PS4 games be played on PS5 or not? Can PS5 Play with PS4? Also, is ps5 backwards compatible?

Have any questions feel free to put them below in the comments.