Which of your PS4 titles may still be played on the next-generation console, PS5?
If you’re a PlayStation enthusiast, here’s what we know so far about backwards compatibility support on the PS5.
Backwards compatibility
Unlike the PS4, the PlayStation 5 will launch with backwards compatibility— one of its defining features.
The support feature was first confirmed back in March, revealing that the PS5 is backwards compatible with various titles from the PS4 library.
Sony confirmed in an official blog post that a vast majority of PS4 titles will be supported on the PS5, including hardware.
Nearly all of the top 100 PS4 games, ranked by playtime, would still be playable on the PS5 at launch.
“When the PlayStation 5 launches this November, more than 99 percent of the 4000+ games available on PS4 will be playable on PS5.”
“We are focused on the huge catalog of games on PlayStation 4, and we’re pleased that more than 99% of PS4 games will be playable on PS5 on day one. This includes games that have defined the PS4 generation – from critically acclaimed PlayStation exclusives like The Last of Us Part II and Ghost of Tsushima, to blockbuster hits from our third-party partners.”
In short, every PS4 title should work fine on the next-generation console— except for the following:
- 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
This includes PSVR titles and games which require the use of PlayStation Move or the PlayStation Camera. However, the PS5’s HD Camera will not work with PS4 games.
To play PS4 games on a PS5, just insert the disc if you have a PS5 with a disc drive or download the game from your Games library if you have digitally bought the title.
Performance differences?
Being a next-generation console, Sony says there will be some performance differences when the PlayStation 5 plays games originally designed for its predecessor:
- “Select” games can be enhanced by Game Boost, which may provide higher or smoother frame rates.
- Some PS4 titles “may exhibit errors or unexpected behaviour” when played on PS5. Sony recommended its players to try out a PS4 game before purchasing DLC “to see if you are happy with the play experience”.
- Some features and functions won’t be supported— further details on this are still currently unknown.
- The Share menu will no longer appear on PS4 games, and is replaced with the PS5’s own Create menu. This can also take screenshots or record movies.
- PS4’s In-Game Live, PS4 Tournaments or game companion apps won’t be supported on PS5.
A number of PS4 titles, such as Fortnite, will have specific PS5 versions— technically making them PS5 games. This is designed so the games can take better advantage of the system’s new features.
Controller and hardware support
Some PS4 accessories may still work with the PS5… so there’s no reason to get rid of them yet! Here are some PS4 accessories which will work with PS5 and PS4 games:
- Officially licensed racing wheels, arcade sticks and flight sticks
- Platinum and Gold Wireless Headsets
- Third-party headsets which connect via the USB port or audio jack
These PS4 accessories will only work upon playing PS4 games on the PS5:
- DualShock 4
- Officially licenced third-party PS4 controllers
- PS Move controllers (for supported PSVR games)
- PlayStation VR Aim Controller (for supported PSVR games)
- PlayStation Camera (for supported PSVR games, adaptor required)
The PlayStation 5 will only be backwards compatible with PS4 titles, meaning it will not natively support PS3, PS2 and PS1 discs.
