Clarifying the PlayStation 5's Backwards Compatibility

It’s that frustrating time between the announcement and launch of a new console where information is available but sparse. With the PlayStation 5 set to be unleashed in November, many of us are wondering if we should trade in our PlayStation 4 to buy the PlayStation 5. If we do, can we still play our PlayStation 4 games? What about the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, and Original PlayStation? We’ve trawled through all the information out in the wild to give you the definitive (for now) guide to backwards compatibility on the PlayStation 5.

Can I play PlayStation 4 games on the PlayStation 5?

Yes, you can indeed do this. Earlier in the year, Sony had announced that “almost all of the top 100” PlayStation 4 games were working on the console, and this sparked worry from fans of the other 3900-odd titles that are available for Sony’s second biggest selling console. In later statements however, the company has since clarified that this was only a reference to what they had tested so far. The official line is that the "overwhelming majority" of PS4 games will play, but some features such as companion apps and in some cases "may exhibit errors or unexpected [behaviour] when played on PS5 consoles."

Just ten games have so far been confirmed to not work with the PS5. They are:

 

• DWVR
• Afro Samurai 2: Revenge of Kuma Volume One
• TT Isle of Man Ride on the Edge 2
• Just Deal With It!
• Shadow Complex Remastered
• Robinson: The Journey
• We Sing
• Hitman Go: Definitive Edition
• Shadwen
• Joe's Diner

Will PlayStation 4 games be enhanced on the PlayStation 5? 

Yes, but not in all cases. There are two backwards compatibility modes which Sony are calling “Pro Legacy Mode” and “PS4 Legacy Mode” which means that where a game was enhanced for the PlayStation 4 Pro, those enhancements will apply, and if there’s no Pro version, then it will play as if it was a regular PlayStation 4 game. In addition to this, there’s also a feature called “PlayStation 5 Game Boost”, which means that some PlayStation 4 games will be boosted with better speed or higher FPS when played on a PlayStation 5. It’s not clear if this is in addition to the Pro Legacy Mode or just another way of describing it. “Enjoy faster and smoother frame rates in select PlayStation 4 and PS VR games” says Sony in a typically vague marketing line on its website.

There are also some companies offering free upgrades from the PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5 versions of their games in order to stave off players who would otherwise hold off on buying. In this case, those who have purchased a game on the PlayStation 4 will be getting a free downloadable copy for the PlayStation 5, with save data being transferable through the cloud. This isn’t something that applies to all games, but a number of major titles including Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, FIFA 21, and Marvel's Avengers. It’s important to note that if you buy a physical edition of a game offering a free upgrade, you need that physical PlayStation 4 disc in the PlayStation 5 to play your free PlayStation 5 copy. This means that you won’t be able to take advantage of it if you buy the digital only edition of the PlayStation 5.

Can I play PlayStation VR Games on the PlayStation 5?

Yes, but you can't use the PS5 HD Camera or the DualShock 5 to do this. You will need the PS4 Camera and either a Move controller or DualShock 4. The PS4 camera models don't connect natively so you will need an adapter, however Sony will generously provide this for free.

Can I play PlayStation 3 Games on the PlayStation 5? 

Not really, no. There are a few PlayStation 3 games that have been re-released in an enhanced form on the PlayStation 4 like Heavy Rain and The Last of Us, but these count as PlayStation 4 games and not PlayStation 3. At this stage, digitally downloaded and physical PlayStation 3 games won’t work on the PlayStation 5.

Can I play PlayStation 2 or Original PlayStation Games on the PlayStation 5?

This one is sadly another no. Whilst the PlayStation 5 would undoubtedly have the power to emulate these systems, there’s no plans announced to support games from them either in a physical or digital format. Sony may well want you to buy a PlayStation Classic instead, but they’ve not categorically ruled out classic games becoming available to download as they have done in the past. At the time of writing though, you’ll want to keep hold of your older consoles if you want to play your classics. 

Can I play PlayStation Portable or Vita games on the PlayStation 5?

Now you’re just being silly. Where would you insert them? Seriously though, with the handhelds being home to a number of exclusives that never saw the light of day anywhere else, this is a question that’s been asked by a few people. Alas, it’s another no from Sony. Some of the unique features of the Vita such as the rear touchscreen would make certain games difficult to translate, and as Sony has never re-released handheld titles for their home consoles so far, it seems unlikely that we’ll be playing Frobisher Says and Dead Head Fred on the big screen any time soon.