No. PS5 games do not run on a PS4. Compatibility works in the other direction: the overwhelming majority of PS4 games can be played on PS5, with some exceptions. If a game is sold for both consoles, a PS4 owner must use its PS4 edition—not its PS5 edition.
Why PS5 games do not work on PS4
PS4 and PS5 are separate game platforms. PlayStation describes backward compatibility as PS4 games running on PS5; it does not describe PS5 games running on PS4. A PS5 game listing or disc is therefore not evidence that the game will work on a PS4. PlayStation also says PS5 games require a DualSense wireless controller, but a controller does not make a PS5 game compatible with a PS4.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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007 First Light - Specialist Edition - PlayStation 5 | $69.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Marvel's Wolverine PS5 | $69.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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MLB® The Show™ 26 – PS5™ | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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MARVEL’S SPIDER-MAN 2 – PS5 Standard Edition | $44.75 | Buy on Amazon |
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For a specific title, check the platform or edition listed on the game page or package. A title may have separate PS4 and PS5 versions, but not every PS5 game has a PS4 version. If you own a PS4, you need an explicitly listed PS4 edition.
PS5 games and PS4 games: the direction matters
“Backward compatible” does not mean that games work both ways. PlayStation’s current guidance says the overwhelming majority of the more than 4,000 PS4 games can be played on PS5. In 2020, Sony said more than 99% of the PS4 catalogue was expected to work on PS5 at launch; that was a launch-era estimate, not a current exact compatibility rate.
#1 Best Overall
- ONLY AT AMAZON - SPECIALIST EDITION
- EARN THE NUMBER - Discover a new James Bond origin story, and the events that led a young maverick to become the best MI6 agent.
- A THRILLING ESPIONAGE ADVENTURE - Embark on missions in breathtaking locations, drive iconic vehicles, and dive into a cinematic adventure in pursuit of a rogue agent who’s always one step ahead.
- SPYING, YOUR WAY - Go silent or go loud. Whether fighting with fists or firepower, using gadgets to infiltrate, or bluffing your way past guards, the approach is entirely up to you.
PlayStation maintains a list of PS4-only titles and says the list may change. It also warns that some PS4 features may be unavailable on PS5 and that certain games can show errors or unexpected behavior. Selected PS4 games may benefit from Game Boost, which can provide higher or smoother frame rates, but that does not guarantee a specific performance result for every game. Check the current PlayStation listing for the title you want.
Can a PS4 game be upgraded to PS5?
Some eligible PS4 games offer an upgrade to a digital PS5 version. The offer may be free or paid, can be time-limited, and is specific to the game. This upgrade path runs from PS4 to PS5; it does not make the PS5 version playable on PS4. Whether saves transfer between the two versions is also decided title by title by the developer.
Rank #2
- Marvel’s Wolverine is a new action-packed adventure from Insomniac Games
- Play as Wolverine and Ravage enemies with explosive brutality and unleash razor-sharp adamantium claws to deploy fast, fluid attacks and overcome impossible odds
- An Original, Emotionally Charged Story. Beneath Wolverine’s gruff exterior and violent temperament is a man fighting for a cause greater than himself
- A Global, Adrenaline-Fueled Journey where you slice into enemies across detailed locales such as the frosted Canadian Wilderness, the narrow streets of Tokyo, and the high and low districts of the island nation of Madripoor
Using a physical PS4 disc
You need a PS5 with a disc drive to use a PS4 game disc. A PS4 disc cannot be played on a PS5 Digital Edition. For an eligible disc upgrade, insert the PS4 disc, select the upgrade offer, and keep the disc inserted whenever you play the digital PS5 version. PlayStation says PS4 Plus benefit games are not eligible for PS5 upgrades unless it indicates otherwise.
Using a digital PS4 game
For a digital game, check the title’s PlayStation Store page for a PS5 upgrade offer and its current terms. Do not assume that owning the PS4 version automatically grants the PS5 version, or that progress transfers. Confirm both the entitlement and save-transfer details for that game.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Spider-Men, Peter Parker and Miles Morales, return for an exciting new adventure in the critically acclaimed Marvel’s Spider-Man franchise. Swing, jump, and utilize the new Web Wings to travel across Marvel’s New York, quickly switching between Peter Parker and Miles Morales to experience different stories and epic new powers, as the iconic villain Venom threatens to destroy their lives, their city, and the ones they love.
- An evolution of the Spider-Man story: The incredible power of the symbiote forces Peter and Miles to face the ultimate test of strength, both inside and outside the mask, as they balance their lives, friendships, and their duty to protect those in need.
- Experience two playable Spider-Men: Quickly swap between both Spider-Men as you explore an expanded Marvel’s New York. Experience Peter’s new symbiote abilities and Miles’ explosive bio-electric venom powers, and discover upgradeable, high-tech equipment that enhances the combat experience for extensive gameplay depth and variety.
- Battle iconic Marvel Super Villains: Fight against a variety of new and iconic villains, including an original take on the monstrous Venom, the ruthless Kraven the Hunter, the volatile Lizard, and many more!
Rank #3
- MLB The Show 26 Full Game on PlayStation 5
- Includes 5 The Show Packs
- NEW Road to Cooperstown & Expanded Amateur Years Career
- Build your ultimate fantasy team with a new Red Diamond rarity tier and World Baseball Classic player cards featuring elite game-changing players
- NEW Revamped Front Office Experience Play the nail-biting key matches and moments of your Franchise GM career with streamlined seasons and Custom Game Entry
How to check a game before buying or installing it
- Confirm the edition. Look for PS4 or PS5 in the store listing or on the package. To play on a PS4, the listing must explicitly include a PS4 edition.
- Check compatibility in the direction you need. If you want to play a PS4 game on PS5, consult PlayStation’s current backward-compatibility guidance and the game’s listing. Unsupported PS4 games may be marked “Playable on: PS4 only.”
- Check how you own the game. A physical PS4 disc requires a PS5 with a disc drive; a PS5 Digital Edition cannot read it. Digital ownership and upgrade eligibility depend on the title’s terms.
- Verify upgrade and save terms separately. Look for any PS5 upgrade price or restrictions, then check whether the developer supports transferring saves. Neither is universal.
Official PlayStation guidance
- PlayStation Support: Backward compatibility—PS4 games playable on PS5 consoles
- PlayStation Blog: PS5: The Ultimate FAQ
- PlayStation: PS5 games
- PlayStation Blog: PS4 games on PS5—Your top questions answered
- PlayStation Support: Games Support
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.
