With the whole world slowly getting their fill of PS5 fever (stocks permitting), here’s the the question on everyone’s lips – is the PS5 backwards compatible?
I hear it in the streets, in the pubs, quiet whispers between people in the supermarket. It could be the greatest question of our age, and I’m here to answer it.
To be honest, it’s no surprise we’re asking ourselves this question. With servers shutting down for the PS3 and the inevitable easing off of the PS4 in the coming years, we want to know if we can still play all our old games.
Those things cost a pretty penny, and we still want to get our moneys worth.
So, is the PS5 backwards compatible with older games?
Let’s find out!
Is The PS5 Backwards Compatible With PS4 Games?
If you’ve spent time crafting an impressive collection of PS4 games and have just bought a PS5, there I’ve got good news for you. The PS5 is backwards compatible with PS4 titles, so you can still play all the best PS4 games you’ve spent hard-earned cash on.
In a nice little twist, some PS5 games come with a PS4 version at no extra cost. For others, you can upgrade to the PS5 version for a relatively small fee, enjoying the full PS5 experience.
Here’s where things get even more interesting.
Some games like Ghost of Tsushima and God of War announced free PS5 patches to upgrade the gams to support the full wzardry of the PS5.
In short, the PS5 has all of your PS4 needs covered.
Can I Put PS4 Games In The PS5?
As long as you own the PS5 console with the physical disc tray, then you can insert PS4 discs into the console and play them as normal.
There’s no magic involved; simply slot in the disc and dive into your favourite games!
Are PS4 Games Upscaled By The PS5?
One of the best features of the PS5, other than playing epic games like Spider Man: Miles Morales and Returnal, is the ability to upscale PS4 games.
The PS5 is a mammoth machine, even more powerful than the PS4 Pro. Because its insides work faster that The Flash on steroids, it can use something called PS5 Game Boost toimprove the resolutions and framerates of PS4 games.
This also means that the PS5 can offer 60 frames-per-second support on PS4 games. Games play smoother and look super sleek on 4K televisions.
Is The PS5 Backwards Compatible With PS1, PS2, Or PS3 Discs?
The PS5 is not backwards compatible with PlayStation discs than the PS4. That means that you can’t play PS1, PS2, or PS3 game discs on the PS5.
You can try putting those discs in all you want and praying to the Sony gods, but the PS5 will not be able to read them.
Can I Play Old PS2 Or PS3 Discs On The PS4?
Unfortunately, you can’t even play your old games on the PS4 either. The PS4 is not backwards compatible with any older PlayStation games.
So, if you still want to play the best PS2 games in physical form, you’ll need to buy a PS2 console. The same goes for playing the best PS3 games too, with gamers needing to purchase an old school PS3.
How much is a PS2 worth, and how much is a PS3 worth, I hear you ask? Luckily, I’ve answered both questions in those hyperlinked articles!
Can I Play PS2 Or PS3 Games On The PS5?
The good news is that you can play PS2, and PS3 games on the PS5, but you’ll need a PS Now or PS Plus Subscription. The two are set to merge together soon (or they already have if you’re reading this in the future), with subscriptions providing access to PS2, PS3, and PS4 games on your PS5 or PC.
It’s a one-stop-shop for your Sony retro gaming needs.
Well, almost…
Is The PS5 Backwards Compatible With PS1 Games?
The PS5 is not backwards compatible with any of the best PS1 games.
Sure, remastered titles released on the PS4 like the Spyro Re-Ignited Trilogy or the Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy will work, but you can’t either insert PS1 discs or play PS1 games on PS Now or PS Plus.
It’s as if the new machine has turned its back on the oldest member of the family, the new kid dissing its elders.
Shame on you, PS5, shame on you!
So there you have it! Thanks for checking out our article on whether the PS5 is backwards compatible with older PlayStation games.
In summary:
- PS4 discs work fine, but PS1, PS2, and PS3 discs don’t.
- PS2, PS3, and PS4 games are available to play via PS Now or PS Plus.
- PS1 games have been shunned by the PS5 entirely.
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Seb Santabarbara has bought every Nintendo console that has ever been released in his 31 years on Planet Earth. His favourite game franchise is Zelda, and he’s patiently waiting for Banjo-Kazooie to come back to the fold. When he’s not playing games, he’s travelling the world in his self-converted camper van.
