No—PS4 does not natively play PS3 games. A PS3 disc will not run in a PS4, and owning a digital PS3 game does not automatically give you its PS4 version. Your practical choices are to play the original game on PS3 hardware, or check whether that specific title has a separate PS4 edition or a currently supported streaming option.
Can a PS4 play PS3 discs?
No. Sony’s PlayStation FAQ says, “PS4 does not feature backward compatibility for PS3, PS2, or PSone games.” The FAQ was published on October 30, 2013. Sony’s PS4 Pro Safety Guide also says that PlayStation 3 format software cannot be played from a disc; that guidance applies to the PS4 Pro models covered by that guide.
Inserting a PS3 game disc does not install or convert the game into a PS4 title. If you want to play that disc, you need compatible PS3 hardware.
Does a digital PS3 purchase work on PS4?
Not automatically. A PS3 digital purchase is not a general entitlement to download and play the same game on PS4. Sony’s FAQ described selected ways to obtain certain PS4 versions and a limited-time upgrade offer for three named games, but those were specific, historical arrangements—not a universal library transfer or a current offer.
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- "Suspend mode" eliminates the load time on your saved game and allows you to immediately return to where you left off by pressing the power button.
- Enables the greatest game developers in the world to unlock their creativity and push the boundaries of play through a platform that is tuned specifically to their needs.
- Engage in endless personal challenges between you and your community, and share your epic moments for the world to see.
- Gamers can share their epic triumphs by hitting the "SHARE button" on the controller, scan through the last few minutes of gameplay, tag it and return to the game.
For a particular game, check its PS4 Store listing, the publisher’s information, and the entitlements on your PlayStation account. A PS4 remaster, re-release, or edition may be sold separately, and its availability and terms depend on the title.
What are the options for playing a PS3 game?
| Option | What it means | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Play on PS3 | Use PS3 hardware with the original PS3-format game. | Check the console’s condition and model, and confirm the title works with that system. |
| Get a PS4 edition | Buy or use a distinct PS4 version, if one exists. It may be a remaster, re-release, or title-specific upgrade. | Confirm the exact edition and whether your account has the required entitlement. |
| Stream a PS3 game | Sony previously offered PS3 game streaming through PlayStation Now, including on PS4. | That information is historical. Check current service terms and availability for your country and the specific game; an older catalog description does not establish current access. |
Does PlayStation streaming still provide PS3 games?
Sony’s PlayStation Now terms said that PS3 games available through the service could only be played by streaming. A Sony overview published October 1, 2019, described PS3 streaming on PS4 and PC at that time. These sources document a past service offering, not a promise that PlayStation Now, a particular PS3 game, or the same access is currently available in a given region or subscription tier. Sony’s terms also say that service content and availability can change.
Quick Recap
Best Value
![Playstation SONY 4, 500GB Slim System [CUH-2215AB01], Black, 3003347 (Renewed)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31aelHds6gL._SL160_.jpg)
- Includes a slim 500GB PlayStation4 system, a matching DualShock 4 Wireless Controller, Power Cord and HDMI Cable.
- Play online with your friends, get free games, save games online and more with PlayStation Plus membership (sold separately).
- All the greatest, games, TV, music and more. Connect with your friends to broadcast and celebrate your epic moments at the press of the Share button to Twitch, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.
Rank #4
- Incredible games. Endless entertainment.
- All new lighter slimmer PS4
- 1TB hard drive
- All the greatest, games, TV, music and more
Rank #3
- Includes a new slim 1TB PlayStation 4 system, a matching DualShock 4 Wireless Controller.
- Play online with your friends, save games online and more with PlayStation Plus membership (sold separately).
- All the greatest, games, TV, music and more. Connect with your friends to broadcast and celebrate your epic moments at the press of the Share button to Twitch, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.
- Mount is not included
Rank #2
- Incredible games; Endless entertainment.
- All new lighter slimmer PS4
- 1 TB hard drive
- Blu-ray technology, delivers exceptional video quality.
- Redefine your gaming expectations and immerse yourself in moments so intense your intuition takes over.
What should you check before choosing?
- For an original disc: use a PS3; a PS4 cannot play the PS3-format disc.
- For a digital copy: look for a separate PS4 version and verify your account’s entitlement rather than assuming the purchase transfers.
- For streaming: confirm current regional service availability and that the exact title is included.
- For a used PS3: check its model and working condition, and make sure the controller and necessary cables are included. Availability and condition vary by seller.
Official Sony sources
- Sony PlayStation FAQ on PS4 backward compatibility
- Sony PS4 Pro Safety Guide
- Sony PlayStation Now service terms
- Sony’s October 1, 2019 PlayStation Now overview
- Sony PlayStation 3 manual
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.
