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

PS5's backward compatibility with older PlayStation consoles is one of its most highlighted features. 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.

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.

PS4 Games That Don't Work in PS5

PlayStation 4 games continue to be popular among gamers (Image via Amazon)

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.

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.

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 PlayStation 5. 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 PlayStation 5. 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.

Why aren't all PS1, PS2, and PS3 games available on the PS5?

The main reason why a large portion of the PS1, PS2, and PS3 libraries are unavailable on the PlayStation 5 is the huge architectural gap between these consoles. The latest device uses x86-64 technology with AMD Ryzen and Radeon chips. The custom hardware that powered the older consoles means there's nothing in common between the consoles.

Architecture plays a key role in software support. Pure computational prowess has little to do with this aspect. For most titles, the PlayStation 5 has to rely on pure software simulation and fool the game into believing its an older PS to get them to run. For some particularly difficult-to-handle titles, this software simulation could become overwhelming for the console.

Besides this hardware bottleneck, market demand and subscription revenue also drive the choice of games available on the PS5. Multiple titles have also had their original development studios shut and IPs terminated/repurposed. These games would never make it to the newer console.

How to transfer games and saved data to the PS5?

Last-generation console owners who got themselves a new PS5 would be glad to know that all their data from PS4 can be transferred to their latest gaming console. To begin the data transfer, they would need a working local Wi-Fi or tethered LAN cable connection.

If you have everything prepared, follow the steps below to transfer data between the two PlayStation consoles.

Turn on both the consoles and have them connected to the same network.
Go to your PS5 Settings, there you should go through System > System Software > Data Transfer > Continue.
Now select the PS4 console from where you would be transferring the data.
When the PS5 shows the message "Prepare for Data Transfer," press and hold your PS4's power button until you get a beep sound.
Get back to your PS5 to select all the data you want to get from PS4 and then choose Start Transfer.
That's it, now wait for the data transfer to finish.

PS5 backward compatibility differences, improvements, and limitations explained

With backward compatibility, PlayStation 5 owners can play their old PS4. There would be some differences between the experiences on both consoles, while there would be improvements but including some limitations.

So, let's see these differences in the experience of playing a PS4 game on the last-gen and new-gen PlayStation 5 console.

PS5's Game Boost would enhance some of the selected PS4 games with smoother and better framerates.
Not all PS4 games would get an advantage on PS5, as some of them could encounter errors and unexpected behavior.
PS5 might not support some features and functions. The Share menu won't appear on PS4 games when run on Sony's new-gen console. However, it would be replaced with PS5's Create menu, which could be used for taking screenshots and recording gameplay.
PS4 games would also have to say farewell to features like In-Game Live, PS4 Tournaments, or game companion apps. Since these features are not supported on PS5.

FAQs about PS5 backwards compatibility

Can the PS5 play PS3 games?

Yes, fans can enjoy some PS3 games on the latest PS5 console. You should know that not all PS3 games can be run, but only those that are digitally available on PS Plus Premium.

Is PS5 backwards compatible?

PlayStation 5 has full backward compatibility with PS4 games. You can play last-gen games and some of them might get enhanced from the superior technology. However, there might be some limitations like some PS4 features might not work.

Can PS5 play PS2 games?

PS5's full backward compatibility is limited to PS4 titles. You can still enjoy some PS2 games on Sony's latest generation of console but if they are available via PS Plus Premium.

Can I put a PS4 disc in a PS5?

Yes, you can put a PS4 disc into a PlayStation 5 and enjoy the game due to the backward compatibility. You must have the disc version of the PlayStation 5 to use the previous generation discs.

Can I use PS4 accessories on the PS5?

Yes, PS4 accessories like PS VR, DualShock 4 (for PS4 games), and licensed peripherals (e.g., fight sticks) work on PS5. However, PS VR needs a Camera Adapter, and PS5-exclusive games require the DualSense controller for features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback.

What is the difference between PS4 and PS5 versions of the same game?

PlayStation 5 versions offer higher resolution, faster load times, improved frame rates, DualSense features, and 3D audio. Some games provide free or paid upgrades, while saves can often transfer. PS4 games can run on the PlayStation 5 with enhancements via Game Boost in many cases.

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Edited by Ritoban "Veloxi" Paul