The overwhelming majority of PS4 games work on PS5, but a small number are PS4-only. PlayStation’s current list names six exceptions, and the Store marks incompatible titles “Playable on: PS4 only.” Digital games can be downloaded to a compatible PS5; PS4 game discs require a PS5 with a disc drive.
Which PS4 games are playable on PS5?
PlayStation says the overwhelming majority of the 4,000+ games available on PS4 are playable on PS5. Its current compatibility guidance lists these six PS4-only games:
- Afro Samurai 2: Revenge of Kuma Volume One
- Just Deal With It!
- Robinson: The Journey
- We Sing
- Hitman Go: Definitive Edition
- Shadwen
The list excludes demos, media and non-game applications, and PlayStation says it may change. Check the exact game’s PlayStation Store listing before buying: games that cannot be played on PS5 are labeled “Playable on: PS4 only.” PlayStation’s backward-compatibility page is the current source for the exception list and setup guidance.
How to interpret the compatibility figure
In an October 2020 launch-era Q&A, Sony executive Hideaki Nishino said more than 99 percent of the 4,000+ PS4 games would be playable on PS5. That was a statement about the launch period, not a newly measured current percentage. PlayStation’s current support page describes the catalog as the “overwhelming majority” and does not give a new percentage.
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Can you play a PS4 disc or digital game on PS5?
Yes, if the game is compatible, but the format and console matter.
| PS4 game format | What you need | How to play |
|---|---|---|
| Disc | A PS5 model with a disc drive | Insert the disc, install any required update, then launch the game. Keep the disc inserted whenever you play; it serves as the play license. |
| Digital | A PS5 and access to the account’s game library | Select the game in the library and download it if needed. |
PS4 game discs cannot be used with PS5 Digital Edition. Compatible games can also be moved to PS5 using Wi-Fi data transfer or accessed from compatible USB extended storage, as described in PlayStation’s setup instructions.
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Does backward compatibility mean the game runs like a PS5 version?
No. Compatibility means you can play the PS4 game on PS5; it does not guarantee a PS5 edition, a particular resolution or frame rate, or a free upgrade. Select games may benefit from Game Boost, which can produce higher or smoother frame rates, but PlayStation does not promise a gain for every title. It also cautions that some PS4 functions may be unavailable and that some games may show errors or behave unexpectedly.
Update the PS5 system software and the game before playing. For a specific title, check its Store information and publisher guidance for any separate PS5 version or upgrade details rather than assuming backward compatibility includes one.
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Can you play PS VR games on PS5?
Many original PS VR games are compatible as PS4 titles, but they require the original PS VR hardware. A PS5 HD Camera does not replace the PS4 Camera for PS VR.
- PS VR headset
- PS4 Camera (model CUH-ZEY1 or CUH-ZEY2)
- PS Camera adaptor for connecting the PS4 Camera to PS5
- DualShock 4 is recommended for the best PS VR experience; some games require PS Move motion controllers or support the PS VR Aim controller
PlayStation says the headset, Camera, DualShock 4 and controllers are sold separately from PS5. PS VR2 is not a substitute: PlayStation’s compatibility guidance states that PS VR2 cannot play PS VR content, and PS VR cannot play PS VR2 games.
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- Enjoy smooth and fluid high frame rate gameplay at up to 120 fps for compatible games, with support for 120Hz output on 4K displays.
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Do PS4 saves transfer to PS5?
PlayStation supports transferring PS4 saved data for games that can be played on PS5. You can use console-to-console transfer or compatible USB storage. This lets you continue a compatible PS4 game on PS5, but it is separate from moving progress into a distinct PS5 version of the game.
Whether a PS4 save carries into that title’s PS5 version depends on the game. Sony’s October 2020 FAQ says developers decide this on a title-by-title basis. For transfer options, see the current PS5 data-transfer guide.
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Other compatibility limits to know
- PS5 does not support PS3 discs.
- A PS4 digital game obtained by upgrading from a PS3 disc cannot be used on PS5 because the PS3 disc is required.
- The PS4 Second Screen app and game companion apps, PS4 Tournaments, and In-Game Live from PlayStation are not supported on PS5.
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.
