No—a PS4 cannot play original PS3 game discs or run original PS3 digital releases locally. You can play a PS3 game on PS4 only if it has a separate PS4 remaster or remake, or if that specific title is available to stream through PlayStation Plus Premium in your region.
Can you play PS3 discs on a PS4?
No. A PS4 does not run a PS3 game from its original disc. Putting a PS3 disc in the console will not install or launch the game as a PS4 title. Sony distinguishes original PS3 games offered through streaming from separately released PS4 versions of remasters and remakes in its PlayStation Plus service guide.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Sony Playstation 3 160GB System (Renewed) | $184.24 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Sony PlayStation 3 Slim 320 GB Charcoal Black Console (Renewed) | $216.06 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
PlayStation 3 Slim Console 120GB (Old Model) (Renewed) | $160.33 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
PlayStation 3 500 GB Super Slim System (Renewed) | $228.22 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Sony PlayStation 3 - 80GB System (Renewed) | $217.22 | Buy on Amazon |
If you want to use the original PS3-format disc, you need compatible PS3 hardware. Sony’s PS3 system manuals describe PS3 systems as designed to play PS3-format software. For a used console, check the exact model, disc-drive operation, condition and seller listing; do not assume every PS3 model also plays games from earlier PlayStation generations.
Can a PS4 play PS3 digital games?
An original PS3 digital game is not a locally installed PS4 game. Some selected PS3 Classics Catalog games can instead be streamed to PS4 with PlayStation Plus Premium, where the plan and service are available. Sony says PS3 Classics Catalog titles are streaming-only; availability depends on the current catalog and region. Search for the exact game in the PlayStation Plus game catalog and check that it is streamable where you live.
#1 Best Overall
- Internet Ready With Built-in Wi-Fi with a Cell Broadband Engine Advanced Microprocessor
- When starting up the system for the first time, hold the power button until a "screen display" message shows up on screen. Select the desired output, and the system will startup normally.
- 160GB system
- Blu-ray player to give you pristine picture quality
- The best high-definition viewing experience available
What are the ways to play a PS3 game on PS4?
| Route | What you need | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Original PS3 disc | A PS3 console that supports PS3-format software | The PS4 does not play the disc as a PS4 game. |
| Original PS3 digital release | A PS3 console to run the original release, or an eligible streaming option | It is not a locally installed PS4 game. |
| PS3 game’s PS4 remaster or remake | The separate PS4 release, on disc or digitally as offered | Play the PS4 version; this does not make the original PS3 disc compatible. |
| PS3 Classics Catalog streaming | PlayStation Plus Premium, a supported region, a streamable catalog title and broadband | The game streams rather than running locally from a PS3 disc or PS3 download. |
PS4 remasters and remakes
Some games originally released for PS3 later received a distinct PS4 remaster or remake. Sony says these PS4 versions can be downloaded to PS4 and PS5. You need the PS4 edition, not the original PS3 disc or digital release; check the product listing to confirm which version you are buying.
Streaming through PlayStation Plus Premium
Streaming applies only to eligible games in the catalog, not every PS3 title. The catalog can change: games may be removed, and Sony notes that some games may not be streamable. Premium benefits and availability also vary by region, so confirm both your country’s current catalog and the title’s streaming status before subscribing.
Rank #2
- New slimmer, lighter PS3 system, Wireless controller
- 320GB HDD for storing games, music, videos, and photos
- Streams thousands of movies and TV shows instantly from Netflix
- Built-in Blu-ray player with 3D capabilities. HDMI output for 1080p resolution.
What does PS3 game streaming on PS4 require?
Sony’s current US PlayStation Plus game-streaming support guide specifies broadband of at least 5 Mbps for streaming and 15 Mbps for supported 1080p streaming. The game must support 1080p, and resolution may drop if connection speed falls. These are service requirements, not a guarantee of stable performance on a particular connection.
Sony lists several features and devices that are unsupported during a stream, including Remote Play, Share Play or Share Screen, PS VR, PS Move, keyboards, mice and third-party controllers. The US PlayStation Plus page identifies cloud streaming as a Premium benefit and gives the same speed figures. Confirm current plan terms and supported features for your region.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Built-in Wi-Fi access for easy connection to gaming services and the Internet
- Built-in Blu-ray player to give you the best high-definition viewing experience and pristine picture quality
- 80 GB of hard disk storage for all your games, music, videos, and photos
- This product is NOT backwards compatible
Rank #4
- Your Favorite Franchises Live Here: Dig into a huge catalog of exclusive games, including generation defining titles like The Last of Us and entries in popular franchises like LittleBigPlanet, God of War, Gran Turismo, and UNCHARTED.
- High-Definition Blu-ray player for the best movie experience. Plays DVDs and CDs
- 500GB HDD for storing games, music, videos, and photos
- Internet ready with built-in Wi-Fi
- Blu-ray player
Rank #3
- HDMI + Bravia Sync functionality that provides both 1080p output resolution.
- A new 33% slimmer, 36% lighter PlayStation 3 entertainment system that is also more energy efficient.
- Includes a Dualshock 3 wireless controller and a built-in 120GB HDD for storing games, music, videos, and photos.
- Built-in Wi-Fi for connectivity anywhere and multiple media format compatibility.
- Free membership and access to all the events, as well as game, movie, TV and other media content available on the PlayStation Network (PSN).
Which option should you choose?
- You own the PS3 disc: Use a compatible PS3 console; the PS4 will not run the original disc.
- You want to play on PS4 locally: Look for a separate PS4 remaster or remake of that game.
- You are considering streaming: Check that the exact title is currently streamable in your region, then confirm Premium availability and your connection.
- You have an original PS3 digital purchase: Do not assume it transfers as a local PS4 game; check for a separate PS4 release or an eligible streaming version.
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.
