Introduction
You just unboxed your shiny new PlayStation 5. You’re excited. But then you look over at your shelf stacked with PS4 discs and digital games, and one question pops into your head instantly: can you play PS4 games on PS5?
The good news? Yes, you absolutely can. Sony built the PS5 with backward compatibility in mind, so your existing PS4 library does not go to waste. In fact, the experience is often better on PS5 than it was on the original PS4 hardware.
This article walks you through everything you need to know. You will learn which PS4 games work on PS5, how to set it up, what upgrades you get, and a few things to watch out for. Whether you are switching consoles or just curious, this guide has you covered.
How PS4 Backward Compatibility Works on PS5
Sony confirmed that the PS5 supports backward compatibility for the overwhelming majority of the PS4 game library. According to Sony’s official statements, more than 4,000 PS4 games are playable on PS5. That is a massive library available right from launch.
The PS5 runs PS4 games through a combination of hardware and software compatibility layers. It basically emulates the PS4 environment so the game thinks it is running on original hardware, while the PS5’s powerful processor and SSD handle everything behind the scenes.
Here is what makes this even better: many PS4 games run at higher and more stable frame rates on PS5. Games that struggled to maintain 30 frames per second on PS4 often run much smoother on PS5 without any patch or update needed.
Can You Play PS4 Discs on PS5?
This depends on which version of the PS5 you own. Let’s break it down clearly.
| PS5 Model | Can Play PS4 Discs? |
|---|---|
| PS5 Standard (with disc drive) | Yes |
| PS5 Digital Edition | No |
| PS5 Slim Standard | Yes |
| PS5 Slim Digital Edition | No |
If you own the disc version of the PS5, you can insert your physical PS4 games and play them directly. If you own the Digital Edition, you can only access PS4 games you purchased digitally through the PlayStation Store.
This is an important distinction. If you have a large collection of physical PS4 games and you are planning to buy a PS5, the standard disc version is the right choice for you.
How to Play PS4 Games on PS5: Step by Step
Playing your PS4 games on PS5 is surprisingly easy. Here is how to do it.
For Physical PS4 Discs:
- Insert the PS4 disc into your PS5’s disc drive.
- Wait for the game to appear on your home screen.
- Select the game and press X to launch it.
- Let it install any required updates.
- Start playing.
For Digital PS4 Games:
- Go to the PlayStation Store or your Game Library.
- Find your previously purchased PS4 game.
- Download it to your PS5.
- Launch the game from your home screen.
It really is that simple. Sony made the process as frictionless as possible, which is a smart move given how large the PS4 game library is.
Source: Business Insider
What Happens to Your PS4 Save Data?
Here is something a lot of players overlook: your save data does not automatically transfer. You need to move it manually. Here are your options.
Using PS Plus Cloud Storage:
If you have a PS Plus subscription, your save data is likely backed up to the cloud already. Simply download your saves on the PS5 and you are ready to continue your progress.
Using a USB Drive:
You can transfer saves manually using a USB storage device. Go to your PS4 settings, navigate to Application Saved Data Management, and copy your saves to a USB drive. Then plug the USB into your PS5 and transfer them from there.
Using LAN or Wi-Fi Transfer:
Sony also allows you to transfer data between consoles over a local network. Both consoles need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi or wired network.
One thing to keep in mind: if a PS4 game has a free PS5 upgrade version, your save data may or may not carry over between the two versions. Always check the game’s specific upgrade notes before assuming your saves will transfer automatically.
PS4 Games That Got Free PS5 Upgrades
Some PS4 games received free upgrades to their PS5 versions. These upgrades often include higher resolutions, 60 or even 120 frames per second support, faster loading times, and DualSense controller features.
Here are some notable titles that offered free PS5 upgrades:
- God of War
- Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut
- Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
- Horizon Zero Dawn (via Horizon Forbidden West upgrade path)
- Death Stranding Director’s Cut
- Cyberpunk 2077
- The Last of Us Part I and Part II
These upgrades transformed already great games into something even better. If you own any of these on PS4, check the PlayStation Store to see if a free or discounted upgrade is available for your account.
Performance Improvements You Can Expect
Even without a dedicated PS5 upgrade, many PS4 games benefit from running on PS5 hardware. Here is what you typically notice.
Faster Load Times: The PS5’s custom SSD is dramatically faster than the PS4’s hard drive. Games that took 30 to 60 seconds to load on PS4 often load in under 10 seconds on PS5.
Source: PlayStation
More Stable Frame Rates: The PS5’s AMD Zen 2 CPU is significantly more powerful. This means games that had frame rate issues on PS4 run much more consistently on PS5.
Improved Resolution: Some games run at higher resolutions on PS5 automatically, even without a specific PS5 patch.
Game Boost: Sony introduced a feature called Game Boost specifically for this. It allows select PS4 games to run at higher and more stable frame rates on PS5. Over 100 PS4 titles support Game Boost.
Are There Any PS4 Games That Do NOT Work on PS5?
Yes, a small number of PS4 games are not compatible with PS5. Sony has maintained an official list of these titles. As of early 2025, the list includes fewer than 10 games, which is remarkably small given the library size.
Some of the known incompatible titles include:
- Afro Samurai 2: Revenge of Kuma Volume One
- TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge 2
- Just Deal With It!
- Shadow Complex Remastered (certain versions)
- Hitman Go: Definitive Edition
These are mostly older or niche titles. The vast majority of popular PS4 games work without any issues on PS5.
Can You Use PS4 Accessories on PS5?
Your PS4 DualShock 4 controller works with PS4 games on PS5. However, it does not work with native PS5 games. So if you want to play a PS5 title, you need the DualSense controller.
Other PS4 accessories like compatible headsets, keyboards, and mice generally work fine. Check the manufacturer’s specs to confirm compatibility before you assume.
Expert Take: Is Backward Compatibility Worth It?
Industry analysts and gaming journalists have praised Sony’s approach to backward compatibility. Critics at IGN, Digital Foundry, and Eurogamer have highlighted that the PS5’s backward compatibility implementation is one of the strongest in console history. Digital Foundry in particular ran detailed frame rate and resolution analyses showing measurable improvements in hundreds of PS4 titles running on PS5.
This is a meaningful differentiator. Xbox has offered backward compatibility across multiple generations for years, and Sony catching up with the PS5 was a strategic win for players with large PS4 libraries.
Conclusion
So, can you play PS4 games on PS5? Absolutely, and the experience is often better than playing those same games on a PS4. With over 4,000 compatible titles, fast load times, Game Boost support, and free upgrades for many popular games, your PS4 library gets a second life on the newer hardware.
If you are on the fence about upgrading, knowing your existing game collection carries over is a strong reason to make the jump. You are not starting from scratch. You are building on what you already have.
Have you already tried playing your PS4 games on your PS5? Which game impressed you the most with the performance improvement? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you play PS4 games on PS5 without any setup?
Yes. For digital games, they appear in your library automatically. For disc games, just insert the disc and you are good to go.
Do all PS4 games work on PS5?
Over 4,000 PS4 games are compatible. Fewer than 10 titles are known to be incompatible, and these are mostly older niche games.
Does PS5 improve PS4 game performance?
Yes. Through Game Boost and the PS5’s more powerful hardware, many PS4 games run at higher frame rates and load faster on PS5.
Can I use my PS4 saves when playing on PS5?
Yes, but you need to transfer them manually via PS Plus cloud storage, a USB drive, or a local network transfer.
Does the PS5 Digital Edition play PS4 discs?
No. The Digital Edition has no disc drive. You can only play PS4 games you purchased digitally.
What is Game Boost on PS5?
Game Boost is a PS5 feature that allows compatible PS4 games to run at higher, more stable frame rates than they did on original PS4 hardware.
Can I get PS5 upgrades for my PS4 games?
Many popular PS4 titles offer free or discounted PS5 upgrade versions through the PlayStation Store.
Do PS4 controllers work on PS5 for PS4 games?
Yes. The DualShock 4 works for PS4 games on PS5, but it does not work for native PS5 games.
Is there a list of incompatible PS4 games for PS5?
Yes. Sony maintains an official list. It currently includes fewer than 10 titles.
Can I download PS4 games on PS5 if I already bought them?
Yes. Any PS4 game you purchased digitally is available in your PlayStation library and can be downloaded to your PS5 for free.
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Author Bio: Johan Harwen is a gaming journalist and console hardware enthusiast with over eight years of experience covering PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo platforms. He has written for multiple gaming publications and specializes in breaking down complex tech topics into clear, reader-friendly guides. When he is not reviewing the latest releases, he is deep into a JRPG backlog that never seems to shrink.
Email: johanharwen@314gmail.com
Author Name: Johan Harwen
