PS5 backwards compatibility guide: PS1, PS2, PS3, PS4, and more

One of the most highlighted features of the new PS5 is backward compatibility with older PlayStation consoles. This means games released on older PlayStations can be enjoyed without buying any of those discontinued devices. This was one of the major complaints with the last-gen PlayStation 4, which can't play titles other than those launched exclusively for the console or ported onto it.

Since the PlayStation 5 debuted in 2020, Sony has been hard at work to improve backward compatibility. As it stands now, a vast majority of titles released in the lineup's history can be enjoyed on the latest console from the Japanese tech juggernaut.

Most of the titles are plug-and-play, but PlayStation 5 users should keep in mind a few points about the new gaming device.

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PS5 backwards compatibility with PS4 games

Almost the entirety of the PlayStation 4 library can now be enjoyed on the PS5. Nevertheless, the new PlayStation isn't a fully backward-compatible console, so not all games launched on older PS devices will work.

Players on the digital edition of the console (or those who don't have a DVD of the title) can buy older PS4 titles from the PS Store and start playing right away. Those who have PS4 discs can insert them into the Blu-Ray drive of the PlayStation 5 disc edition and install the games.

Over 4,000 games released on the PS4 are now playable on the new PlayStation 5. The list includes everything from large-scale AAA titles like Uncharted 4 and Days Gone to indie games. The list is endless, and most PS4 players can easily jump ship thanks to Sony's console transfer features.

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Some PS4 games don't work on the PlayStation 5

Although a vast majority of PS4 games are playable on the new PlayStation, some titles don't run on it. If you are looking to play any of the following titles, think twice before selling your PS4:

• Afro Samurai 2 Revenge of Kuma Volume One
• Hitman Go: Definitive Edition
• Just Deal With It!
• Assassin’s Creed Chronicles
• Risk
• Star Trek Bridge Crew
• Robinson: The Journey
• Shadwen
• We Sing

However, this list is shrinking by the day and now includes some not-so-big games.

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Can you use the DualShock 4 on PS5?

The Dualshock 4 works on the PlayStation 4 as well (Image via Amazon)

Yes, the DualShock 4 can be used on the PlayStation 5; however, support is limited. Not all titles on the new PlayStation can be enjoyed with the last-gen controller. Only titles originally released on the PS4 support the DS4. These can be enjoyed either with the DS4 or the new DualSense.

That said, games released exclusively on the new console can only be enjoyed with the DualSense controller.

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PS1, PS2, and PS3 games on the PS5

Some games released on the original PlayStation, the PS2, and the PS3 can also be played on the new PS5. However, there's a catch: unlike PS4 games, you can't use the original CDs or DVDs on the PS5. Instead, gamers need to buy the PS Plus Extra or Premium plan that bundles a few classics to be enjoyed on the PlayStation 5.

The PS Plus Extra plan will cost you $14.99 a month while the Premium tier is priced at $17.99. You can also buy them for a full year, which will set you back by $134.99 for the former and $159.99 for the latter.

This can be a downer for some since a vast majority of the games released on the older consoles aren't accessible on the PS5. This can be a bummer for some given not the entire library of games launched on older consoles are available on the PlayStation 5. Only some of the most notable games are available as part of PS Plus Extra and Premium plans.

In addition, these plans bundle hundreds of games, with new ones arriving often. Thus, there will be something to keep you engaged, although they might not be PlayStation classics.