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Sony’s PS5 comes with backward compatibility that allows players to choose from a broad selection of PS4 games.
Sony’s PlayStation 4 has sold over 100 million units worldwide over the past decade. It has been a mainstay in homes worldwide, thanks to its vast library of games. However, as more players switch to the PS5, many wonder if it would be possible to play PS4 games on the ninth-generation console.
The answer is a resounding yes! Sony’s PS5 comes with backward compatibility, meaning that games released on the PS4 can be played on the ninth-generation console without any issues.
“The overwhelming majority of the 4,000+ PS4 games are playable on PS5 consoles,” Sony said.
It appears that not all PS4 games can be played on the PS5, and only “select” games get to reap the benefit of backward compatibility. For example, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate and the Assassin’s Creed Chronicles series are not accessible via the PS5.
How to Play PS4 Games on PS5
To use your PS4 discs on your PS5, you must ensure that the PS5 you own is the disc version. If you own the digital version, you can only port over your digital library bought through the PlayStation Store.
To play a PS4 game on PS5, insert the disc of the game of your choice into your PS5’s disc drive. Then, install the game and access the cloud storage to sync any necessary save files that you may need. To upload or download files from the cloud storage, you will require a subscription of the PlayStation Plus Cloud Storage.
Benefits of Backward Compatibility
Games with backward compatibility often come with a performance boost. Take, for instance, the base PS4 version of The Last of Us Part II. On PS4, this game runs at 30 fps, while the boosted version runs at 60 fps on the PS5.
In addition to framerate boosts, some games boast quicker load times, while others may sport higher resolutions. Using the PS5’s DualSense controllers to play PS4 games will also enhance your experience.
Sony released the PS4 on November 15, 2013, and today it is the fifth highest-selling console of all time. The PS5 entered the market in November 2020 during the global COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted its production and sales. However, the console stood its ground and has now sold over 50 million units.