The PlayStation 5 console is backward compatible with the overwhelming majority of PlayStation 4 games. That means an amazing collection of thousands of PlayStation 4 games can be played on your PlayStation 5 console.
* PlayStation 4 Games Playable on PlayStation 5 Consoles
The overwhelming majority of the 4,000-plus PlayStation 4 games are playable on PlayStation 5 consoles.
- Select PlayStation 4 games will benefit from the PlayStation 5 console’s Game Boost, which may make PlayStation 4 games run with a higher or smoother frame rate.
- Although many PlayStation 4 games are playable on PlayStation 5 consoles, some functionalities that were available on the PlayStation 4 console may not be available on PlayStation 5 consoles. In addition, some PlayStation 4 games may exhibit errors or unexpected behavior when played on PlayStation 5 consoles.
- Before purchasing add-ons to play with your PlayStation 4 games on PlayStation 5 consoles, please try to boot and play your PlayStation 4 games on your PlayStation 5 console to see if you are happy with the play experience.
- Please note, playing PlayStation VR games on a PlayStation 5 console requires a PlayStation VR headset, a PlayStation Camera (sold separately from PlayStation 5 console) and a PlayStation Camera adaptor (no purchase required).
- Always update your PlayStation 5 console to the latest version of the system software.
* PlayStation 4-Only games
While the majority of PlayStation 4 games are playable on PlayStation 5 consoles, below is a list of PlayStation 4 games that are playable on PlayStation 4 only. On PlayStation Store, PlayStation 4 games that are not playable on the PlayStation 5 console will be marked with “Playable On: PlayStation 4 Only.”
PlayStation 4-only games include:
- Afro Samurai 2: Revenge of Kuma Volume One (Versus Evil)
- DWVR (Mad Triangles) (PlayStation VR title)
- Hitman Go: Definitive Edition (Square Enix)
- Joe’s Diner (United Independent Entertainment)
- Just Deal With It! (Super Punk Creative)
- TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge 2 (Nacon)
- Robinson: The Journey (Crytek) (PlayStation VR title)
- Shadow Complex Remastered (Epic Games)
- Shadwen (Frozenbyte)
- We Sing (THQ Nordic)
* Playing PlayStation 4 Game Discs on a PlayStation 5 Console with a Disc Drive
- Insert the PlayStation 4 game disc. You may need to download an update.
- Select the game hub from your Games home.
- You will need to keep the disc inserted each time to play the game.
PlayStation 4 game discs can’t be used with the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition.
* Transfer Digital Games from a PlayStation 4 Console to a PlayStation 5 Console
- You can transfer digital games and saved data from a PlayStation 4 console to a PlayStation 5 console using Wi-Fi data transfer.
- You can access PlayStation 4 games on a PlayStation 5 console directly from a PlayStation 5 extended storage drive.
* Install a PlayStation 4 Digital Game on a PlayStation 5 Console
- Select game library from your Games home.
- Select the game you want to play.
- If you haven’t already downloaded the game, select Download.
- The game will install automatically. Depending on the game, you may have the option to copy and play a portion of the game right away.
* Upgrade Eligible PlayStation 4 Games to the PlayStation 5 Version
Certain PlayStation 4 games can be upgraded to the digital PlayStation 5 version of the game on a PlayStation 5 console.
When using a PlayStation 5 console, you may have the option to upgrade a disc or digital PlayStation 4 game to the digital PlayStation 5 version. Depending on the game, this upgrade may occur at no additional cost, may require a purchase, and may be available for a limited time. An internet connection is required.
Upgrade an Eligible PlayStation 4 Game on Disc on a PlayStation 5 Console With a Disc Drive
To upgrade an eligible PlayStation 4 game on disc to the digital PlayStation 5 version, you will need a PlayStation 5 console with a disc drive. PlayStation 4 game discs can’t be used with the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition.
- Sign in to your existing account on your PlayStation 5 console (or create an account).
- Insert the eligible PlayStation 4 game disc.
- Go to the game hub for the PlayStation 4 game.
- Select the upgrade offer on the game hub and review the upgrade offer.
- Select Download (or purchase with the discount price) to download / purchase content.
- After the download is complete, you can play the PlayStation 5 digital game by inserting the PlayStation 4 game disc. You will need to keep the disc inserted each time to play the game.
Upgrade an Eligible PlayStation 4 Digital Game on a PlayStation 5 Console with a Disc Drive or PlayStation 5 Digital Edition
To upgrade an eligible digital PlayStation 4 game you already own to the digital PlayStation 5 version:
- Sign in to your existing account on your PlayStation 5 console.
- Find the PlayStation 5 game in PlayStation Store, or by Search, and go to the game hub for the PlayStation 5 game.
- Select the upgrade offer on the game hub and review the upgrade offer.
- Select Download (or purchase with the discount price) to download / purchase content.
- After the download is complete, you can play the PlayStation 5 game.
* Compatible Controllers on PlayStation 5 Consoles
- The DualSense wireless controller, DualShock 4 wireless controller, and PlayStation officially licensed third-party gamepad controllers will work on PlayStation 5 consoles with supported PlayStation 4 games.
- Specialty peripherals, such as officially licensed racing wheels, arcade sticks, and flight sticks, will work with PlayStation 5 games and supported PlayStation 4 games.
- Both the PlayStation Move Motion Controller and the PlayStation VR Aim Controller will work with supported PlayStation VR games on PlayStation 5 consoles.
- For the best experience, use a DualShock 4 wireless controller when playing PlayStation 4 games and PlayStation VR games on a PlayStation 5 console.
- PlayStation 5 games are not compatible with the DualShock 4 wireless controller.
- To adjust the strength of controller vibration on PlayStation 5 consoles, go to Settings > Accessories > Controllers > Vibration Intensity.
- The Platinum and Gold Wireless Headsets, as well as third-party headsets that connect via USB port or audio jack, will work on PlayStation 5 consoles (the headset companion app is not compatible with PlayStation 5 consoles).
* PlayStation 5 Backwards Compatibility Limitations
The Share menu cannot be displayed during PlayStation 4 gameplay on PlayStation 5 consoles. You can take screenshots and images by pressing the Create button on your DualSense wireless controller to show the create menu. Additionally, you can use the button shortcuts to start / stop video recording or to save screenshots as follows:
- Single press the Create (DualSense) or Share button (DualShock 4) to show the create menu.
- Press and hold the Create (DualSense) or Share button (DualShock 4) to take a screenshot.
- Double press the Create (DualSense) or Share button (DualShock 4) to start and stop video recording manually.
- The HD Camera is not compatible with PlayStation games—please connect a PlayStation Camera via a PlayStation Camera adaptor.
- HDR is automatically switched on for PlayStation 5 consoles. To turn off HDR, go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > HDR and select SDR.
- The PlayStation 4 tournaments feature is not supported on PlayStation 5 consoles.
- In-Game Live from PlayStation is not supported on PlayStation 5 consoles.
- PlayStation 5 consoles do not support the PlayStation 4 Second Screen app or game companion apps.