PlayStation 5 offers backward compatibility for the current PlayStation 4 game series; this means you can play almost any PS4 game you already own on the new console. Some games will also offer the option to upgrade to a viable next-gen game optimized for PS5. cyberpunk 2077 or Spider-Man: Miles Morales.
How to play backward compatible PlayStation 4 games?
The PS5 will be able to play almost any PS4 game available thanks to backward compatibility. Sony also promises that some games can really take advantage of the extra power in the new console to provide a “Game Boost” for faster or smoother frame rates. However, Sony also warns that some functions from PS4 games may not be available and there may be “bugs or unexpected behavior” when playing backwards compatible games on PS5.
Playing PlayStation 4 games from disc (PlayStation 5 only)
The simplest way to play backward compatible games (assuming you have a PS5 with a disc drive and a hard copy of the game) is to insert the disc into your PS5. Some games require an update to install, but beyond that, it’s just plug and play.
Playing digitally purchased PlayStation 4 games (PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Digital Edition)
Digitally purchased games are a bit more complicated, but still work similarly to downloading other digital games. Players’ existing PS4 games will continue to appear in their game libraries on PS5 as they currently do on PS4. To install and play one, the player must select and download the game from their library.
And unlike PS5 games (which will need to be installed directly on the internal SSD, where they can take advantage of the speed improvements Sony has made here), PS4 games can be installed and played directly from an external drive.
Sony also states that it will offer the option to both transfer digital downloads and save data from PS4 to PS5 over Wi-Fi or LAN cable.
saves
Gamers will be able to transfer game saves from PS4 to PS5 via a USB storage device, and PS Plus subscribers will also be able to sync PS4 game saves via cloud storage.
compatibility
Sony says the vast majority of PS4’s catalog of more than 4,000 games will work on PS5 thanks to backward compatibility. except for the following titles:
- DWVR
- Afro Samurai 2: Kuma’s Revenge Volume One
- TT Isle of Man – Journey to the Edge 2
- Just Agree!
- Shadow Complex Reworked
- Robinson: The Journey
- we sing
- Hitman Go: Definitive Edition
- Shadwen
- Joe’s Diner
According to Sony, it recommends using the DualShock 4 to play PS4 games, although PS4 games will work with the DualSense controller on the PS5 for the “best experience”. (However, gamers won’t be able to use DualShock 4 specifically for PS5 games.) Other PS4 accessories – including the PlayStation VR headset and custom racing wheels, arcade sticks and flight sticks – will also work with the PS5.
PlayStation 5 upgrades
Some PS4 games will go a step further. Instead of just offering the option to play the current PS4 version as is, some games Upgrade to full-fledged next-gen PS5.
Sony states that the developers will decide where the upgrade will be free, whether it will require an additional purchase, or if it will only be available for a limited time. some titles like cyberpunk 2077, they promised that players will be able to get a free upgrade when a suitable next-gen version becomes available. Other titles – like EA’s article 21 or 21 – will offer free upgrades, but only for a limited time. Sony is also allowing developers to charge for next-gen upgrades, with the option to offer discounts to players who already own the current PS4 version.
Whatever the case for your particular game, the upgrade process is the same.
Upgrade a digital PS4 game to PS5 (PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Digital Edition)
To upgrade a digitally owned PS4 game, you’ll need to make sure you’re signed in to the account you own the game. You will then need to find the corresponding PS5 version of that game in the PlayStation Store, where an offer to upgrade from your current PS4 version to the new PS5 version is offered. (Again, this offer may be free or paid, depending on the developers’ decision.)
Then simply download (or buy and download) the new PS5 version just like you would any other game.
Upgrade a disc-based PS4 game to PS5 (PlayStation 5 only)
Upgrading a physical PS4 disc to a PS5 version is a bit more complicated. When you insert the disc into your PS5, you will have a new option in the game center in the PS5 main menu to upgrade to the PS5 version. Like the digital option, you’ll be able to download the new PS5 version (or pay to upgrade and then download if the game requires it).
There’s a big caveat here, though: Although you’ll need to download the new PS5 version of the game to your hard drive to play, it will only work while the PS4 disc is still in your console.
Transferring recordings
According to Sony, transferring save data from a PS4 version to a PS5 version will be up to the developer. It promises more details on how this process will work (including its own first-party threads). Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Sackboy: A Big Adventure) closer to launch.
Update October 9, 14:30: Added additional details about transferring PS4 save data.
