Yes—but only for selected games, and the way you own a game matters. PS5 runs the overwhelming majority of PS4 games, but it does not play PS3 discs. Nintendo Switch 2 supports compatible physical and digital Nintendo Switch games, though Nintendo warns that some titles are unsupported or have compatibility issues. Both consoles also offer selected older games through subscription catalogs, which are separate from playing original discs or cartridges.
Before buying a console or membership, check the exact game, its format, and availability in your country.
What “playing an older game” can mean
There are several distinct ways to revisit an older game, and support for one does not imply support for the others:
- Original physical copy: inserting a disc or cartridge you already own.
- Existing digital license: downloading a game associated with your account, if the current console supports it.
- Modern release: buying a current-console version, remaster, or remake separately.
- Subscription catalog: playing a selected title while it is offered through a qualifying service and plan.
- Streaming: playing a game delivered over the internet rather than running its original disc.
These routes are not interchangeable. In particular, a game appearing in a streaming catalog does not mean the console can read its original disc.
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Can you play PS4 games on PS5?
For the overwhelming majority, yes. Sony says more than 4,000 PS4 games are playable on PS5, though some titles may show errors or have features that do not work as they did on PS4. Check Sony’s PS5 backward-compatibility guidance for the specific title, and try a game before buying add-ons if you are unsure how it behaves.
If you own the PS4 disc
You need a PS5 model with a disc drive. A disc cannot be used on a digital-only PS5. Confirm the console model before relying on a physical copy; disc support is separate from whether a digital version of the game is available.
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If you own a digital PS4 game
Check that exact game against Sony’s compatibility information and your account’s library. A PS4 title’s compatibility does not guarantee that every feature, add-on, or performance characteristic is identical on PS5. Some games also have separate PS5 editions or upgrades.
PS VR games and accessories
Some PS VR titles that are playable through PS5 backward compatibility still require the supported VR headset and PS4 camera, along with the camera adapter. Sony recommends a DualShock 4 for the best PS VR experience. Check the title’s requirements as well as the console’s game compatibility before setting up older VR equipment.
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- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
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Can PS5 play PS3, PS2, or original PlayStation discs?
PS5 does not support PS3 discs. The existence of a way to access selected older games through PlayStation Plus or a modern re-release does not make PS5 a player for the original disc.
For PS1, PS2, and PSP games, do not assume universal disc compatibility. Sony’s PlayStation Plus guide describes selected classics and other older games as downloadable or streamable, depending on title, plan, and market. Some PS2 or PS3 games are available as downloadable remasters or remakes rather than original releases. Check the current local catalog and the exact version of the game; the service guide is dated May 2022 and catalog terms can change. Sony’s PlayStation Plus guide outlines the service routes, but is not a guarantee that a particular game is available today.
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Streaming is not disc compatibility
Sony’s guide describes PS3 games as streamable through PlayStation Plus Premium in select markets. Streaming depends on regional service availability, the qualifying plan, and whether that particular game is currently offered. It is not the same as inserting a PS3 disc or running the game locally from that disc. Likewise, a catalog listing can be removed or vary by country.
Will Nintendo Switch games work on Switch 2?
Switch 2 supports compatible physical and digital Nintendo Switch games, but not every Switch title is guaranteed to work fully. Nintendo says some games are unsupported or have compatibility issues and directs players to check title-specific information. It does not publish one overall compatibility percentage. Use Nintendo’s Switch and Switch 2 compatibility overview to check the game before relying on it.
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A compatible Switch game may also have a separate Switch 2 upgrade or updated performance option. Treat that as a distinct release or upgrade path, not proof that every older game will receive one.
Physical and digital copies
Nintendo’s compatibility guidance covers both physical and digital Switch software, subject to each game’s compatibility status. Check the exact title and any associated accessories; a game’s compatibility does not automatically mean every old peripheral will work in the same way.
Older Nintendo accessories
Some accessories cannot attach to or work with Switch 2 Joy-Con 2. Original Switch Joy-Con may pair wirelessly for supported uses, but that does not make every accessory or game setup compatible. Consult the game-specific and accessory information in Nintendo’s compatibility guidance before planning to reuse older equipment.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you play older Nintendo system games on Switch 2?
For selected classics, yes, through Nintendo Switch Online libraries—not by assuming the original cartridge will work in Switch 2. The current Nintendo UK classic-games page lists libraries for NES, Super NES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, Virtual Boy, and GameCube. Access depends on the title, membership tier, system, and availability; Nintendo’s page distinguishes Expansion Pack access and Switch 2-specific availability. Check the current Nintendo Switch Online classic-games listing for the local offer and game lineup.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThe classic catalog is a separate route from original media. A game appearing in a Nintendo Classics library does not establish that its original cartridge can be inserted into Switch 2.
Quick Recap
Which route should you check for your game?
| Game you own or want | Direct route on current hardware | Possible alternate route | Key check |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS4 game | PS5 plays the overwhelming majority of more than 4,000 PS4 games, according to Sony’s current support guidance. | A PS5 edition or upgrade may exist; selected titles may also appear in a subscription catalog. | Confirm the specific title’s compatibility and whether your copy is a disc; disc copies require a PS5 with a disc drive. Sony support |
| PS3 game or disc | PS5 does not read PS3 discs. | Selected PS3 titles may be streamed through PlayStation Plus Premium in select markets; remasters or remakes may be downloadable. | Check the local catalog and plan. Streaming is not disc support. Sony’s service guide |
| PS1, PS2, or PSP game | Do not assume the original disc is supported. | Selected titles may be available to stream or download, or as modern remasters or remakes. | Check the exact game, format, plan, and market. Sony’s service guide |
| Nintendo Switch game | Switch 2 supports compatible physical and digital Switch games. | Some games have Switch 2 upgrade packs or updated performance options. | Check Nintendo’s title-specific compatibility information and accessory requirements. Nintendo support |
| Older Nintendo system game | Do not assume the original cartridge works in Switch 2. | Selected titles are offered through Nintendo Switch Online classic libraries. | Check title, library, membership tier, system, and country. Nintendo’s classic-games page |
A quick check before buying a console or subscription
- Name the exact game and original system. “A PlayStation game” or “an old Nintendo game” is not specific enough to establish compatibility.
- Identify what you own. Note whether it is a disc, cartridge, or digital license. For a PS4 disc, check that the PS5 model has a disc drive.
- Check official compatibility for the title. Use Sony’s PS5 support page for PS4 games or Nintendo’s Switch 2 compatibility information for Switch games.
- If direct play is not supported, look for a separate route. Check for a current-console release, remaster, remake, subscription listing, or streaming option available in your country.
- Verify controllers and accessories. Confirm any VR equipment, camera, adapter, or older Nintendo accessory required by that game.
- Recheck service details before subscribing. Catalogs, plans, and regional availability can change; confirm that the exact title is included on the plan you can use.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
