In this detailed guide, we will break down everything you need to know about playing PS4 games on the PS5. We’ll explore how backward compatibility works, the enhanced performance PS4 games experience on the PS5, and whether or not the digital and physical editions make a difference.
Table of Contents
- What is Backward Compatibility?
- Can You Play All PS4 Games on PS5?
- How to Play PS4 Games on PS5: Disc vs Digital
- Performance Improvements of PS4 Games on PS5
- PS5 Upgrade Options for PS4 Games
- What About PS4 Game Saves on PS5?
- PS4 Games That Don’t Work on PS5
- PSVR Compatibility on PS5
- PlayStation Plus and Game Library
- Conclusion: Is the PS5 a Worthy Successor for PS4 Gamers?
What is Backward Compatibility?
Defining Backward Compatibility
Backward compatibility refers to the ability of a new generation console to play games from the previous generation. When Sony announced the PS5, they made it clear that one of its major selling points was backward compatibility with the PS4. This meant that most PS4 games would be playable on the new console, which was a huge relief for gamers with an extensive PS4 library.
Sony’s Strategy with Backward Compatibility
Sony’s approach to backward compatibility on the PS5 was rooted in ensuring a smooth transition for gamers who owned a PS4. While previous PlayStation consoles, such as the PS3, struggled with backward compatibility, Sony learned from its mistakes, making the PS5 much more capable of running PS4 titles without hassle.
Can You Play All PS4 Games on PS5?
The Scope of Compatibility
According to Sony, over 99% of the PlayStation 4’s library of games is compatible with the PlayStation 5. This means that nearly all the PS4 games, whether they are AAA titles or indie gems, will work on the PS5. As of now, there are only a handful of PS4 games that are not compatible with the PS5, and Sony has made this list publicly available.
Games That Are Not Supported
Though the vast majority of PS4 games can be played on the PS5, a small number of titles cannot. Examples include:
- Joe’s Diner
- Shadow Complex Remastered
- Shadwen These exceptions are few and far between, meaning the odds are high that your favorite PS4 game will be playable on the PS5.
How to Play PS4 Games on PS5: Disc vs Digital
Playing Physical PS4 Games on PS5
For PS5 owners who have opted for the standard edition, which includes a disc drive, playing physical PS4 games is as simple as inserting the disc into the console. Once inserted, the PS5 will recognize the PS4 game and prompt you to install it. After installation, you can play the game just as you would on a PS4.
Playing Digital PS4 Games on PS5
If you purchased PS4 games digitally through the PlayStation Store, you can easily download them to your PS5. Simply log into the same PlayStation account you used on your PS4, and your digital library will be accessible. From there, you can re-download your purchased PS4 games and start playing.
The PS5 Digital Edition Limitation
One important thing to note is that if you own the PS5 Digital Edition (which lacks a disc drive), you will not be able to play physical PS4 games. You’ll only have access to the digital versions of the PS4 titles in your library.
Performance Improvements of PS4 Games on PS5
Improved Load Times
One of the most noticeable benefits of playing PS4 games on the PS5 is the vastly improved load times. Thanks to the PS5’s SSD (solid-state drive), games that previously took minutes to load on the PS4 can now load in mere seconds. Whether it’s fast-traveling in an open-world game like The Witcher 3 or loading a save file in Red Dead Redemption 2, the speed improvement is dramatic.
Enhanced Graphics and Frame Rates
While not all PS4 games receive automatic upgrades on the PS5, many do benefit from smoother performance and higher frame rates. For instance, games that struggled to maintain a steady 30 frames per second (FPS) on the PS4, such as Final Fantasy XV, may run at a much more consistent 60 FPS on the PS5.
Resolution Boosts for Select Titles
Certain PS4 games receive resolution boosts when played on the PS5. While this doesn’t necessarily mean a full 4K upgrade, some games do receive enhanced visuals that take advantage of the PS5’s more powerful hardware.
PS5 Upgrade Options for PS4 Games
Free Next-Gen Upgrades
A number of PS4 games offer free upgrades to their PS5 versions. Titles like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Cyberpunk 2077, and Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales allow players to upgrade to the PS5 version at no extra cost if they already own the PS4 version.
Paid Upgrades
Not all developers offer free upgrades, however. Some games require an additional fee to upgrade to the PS5 version. For instance, Control: Ultimate Edition and Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War may charge a fee for their next-gen versions.
Cross-Save Compatibility
If you upgrade a PS4 game to its PS5 version, you may also be able to transfer your save data between versions, though this feature varies from game to game.
What About PS4 Game Saves on PS5?
Transferring Save Files
For many gamers, one of the biggest concerns when upgrading from the PS4 to the PS5 is the fate of their save files. Thankfully, there are multiple ways to transfer your PS4 game saves to your PS5:
- Cloud Saves via PlayStation Plus: If you have a PlayStation Plus subscription, your PS4 saves will be backed up to the cloud automatically. These cloud saves can be downloaded to your PS5.
- USB Transfer: You can transfer your PS4 save files to a USB drive and then transfer them to your PS5 manually.
- LAN or Wi-Fi Transfer: Sony also allows direct data transfers between the PS4 and PS5 over a local network, which includes save files.
Compatibility of Save Data
It’s important to note that while most PS4 save data will work on the PS5, there may be exceptions depending on the game. Some games may not allow cross-save functionality between the PS4 and PS5 versions, even if both versions are playable on the PS5.
PS4 Games That Don’t Work on PS5
A Small Number of Incompatible Titles
As mentioned earlier, Sony has provided a list of PS4 games that do not work on the PS5. These are rare and mostly lesser-known titles, but it’s still worth checking the list to make sure none of your favorite games are on it.
Why Do Some Games Not Work?
The primary reason certain PS4 games do not work on the PS5 likely comes down to technical issues related to the game’s design, programming, or licensing. Some older games might not have been optimized or updated to be compatible with the PS5’s architecture.
PSVR Compatibility on PS5
PSVR on PS5: What You Need to Know
If you own a PlayStation VR (PSVR) headset and PS4 VR games, you’ll be happy to know that they are compatible with the PS5. However, you will need an adapter to connect your PSVR to the PS5, as the newer console does not have a dedicated VR port.
PSVR Game Performance
PSVR games should run just as well, if not better, on the PS5 compared to the PS4. Some VR titles may even benefit from the faster load times and improved performance of the PS5 hardware.
PlayStation Plus and Game Library
PlayStation Plus Collection
For those subscribed to PlayStation Plus, the PS5 offers access to the PlayStation Plus Collection, which includes a curated list of top PS4 games. These games can be downloaded and played on the PS5 at no additional cost, providing extra value for players transitioning from the PS4.
Accessing Your PS4 Library
In addition to the PlayStation Plus Collection, any digital PS4 games you purchased through your PSN account will still be available in your library on the PS5. You can download these games and enjoy them just as you would on the PS4.
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For gamers transitioning from the PS4 to the PS5, the backward compatibility of PS4 games on the PS5 is a game-changer. Not only does it allow players to continue enjoying their existing library of titles, but it also enhances the experience with faster load times, improved performance, and free upgrades for select games. With over 99% of PS4 games