PS4 games on PS5: Your top questions answered

When the PlayStation 5 launches this November, more than 99 percent of the 4000+ games available on PS4 will be playable on PS5. We know you have questions about how PS4 games will work on PS5, so here is a quick overview on some common questions we’ve seen from the PlayStation community.

What console generation games are supported with PS5’s backward compatibility feature?

We are focused on the huge catalog of games on PlayStation 4, and we’re pleased that more than 99% of PS4 games will be playable on PS5 on day one. This includes games that have defined the PS4 generation – from critically acclaimed PlayStation exclusives like The Last of Us Part II and Ghost of Tsushima, to blockbuster hits from our third-party partners.

What is the difference between playing PS4 games on the PS5 Digital Edition console, versus the PS5 console with the Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive?

The gaming experience on both models will be the same. However, how you access the content to play will differ:

PS5 Digital Edition

• You will be able to play digital versions of your compatible PS4 games on the PS5 Digital Edition console. These will be compatible PS4 digital games you have already purchased, or plan to purchase, via PlayStation Store on PS4, PS5, web or PlayStation mobile app.
• Since there is no disc drive, you won’t be able to play your PS4 disc-based games on the PS5 Digital Edition.

PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive

• You can play digital versions of your compatible PS4 games you downloaded from PlayStation Store on PS4, PS5, web or PlayStation mobile app.
• You can also use physical PS4 game discs.

When you sign in to PS5 with your account for PlayStation Network, you will automatically see your library of played PS4 content through the menu.

Be sure to keep the PS5 console updated to the latest system software update available, and apply all available game patches to the game.

What is the PS4 game experience like on PS5?

PS4 titles get even better on PS5. Select PS4 titles will see increased loading speeds on the PS5 console, and will also leverage Game Boost, offering improved or more stable frame rates. Some titles with unlocked frame rates or dynamic resolution up to 4K may see higher fidelity. Additionally, PS4 games will also take advantage of some of PS5’s new UX features, but more to come on that later.

Are games from PlayStation VR backward compatible?

Yes, PlayStation VR games are included among the thousands of PS4 games that are playable on PS5. Playing PS VR games on a PS5 console requires a PS VR headset, PlayStation Camera for PS4* and a PlayStation Camera adaptor (no purchase required. Visit playstation.com/camera-adaptor for details). For the best PS VR experience on PS5 we recommend using a DualShock 4 wireless controller. Selected games may require PS Move motion controllers or be compatible with the PS VR aim controller. The new HD camera for PS5 is not compatible with PS VR. The PS VR headset, PS Camera, DualShock 4 wireless controller, PS Move controllers and PS VR aim controller are all sold separately from PS5. 
*Model CUH-ZEY1 or CUH-ZEY2

What about PS4 games on PS Now and PS Plus?

Backward compatible PS4 games included in PS Plus or PS Now will run on PS5.

Can I stream PS4 games on PS5?

Yes, Remote Play from PS4 to PS5 and PS Now streaming are supported. The benefit of streaming is that you can save your storage space on PS5. Please note that PS4 games will not leverage PS5’s Game Boost through streaming.

How do PS4 game transfers and game saves work between the two consoles?

You can transfer digital games, game data, and game saves from a PS4 console to a PS5 console using LAN cables, or by connecting wirelessly (WiFi). If you’ve already stored PS4 games and game data in the external USB storage device connected to your PS4, you can bring them over to PS5 with that external USB storage device. And if you are a PS Plus member, you can also sync PS4 game saves on PS5 through cloud storage.

Please note that the ability to transfer game saves between a PS4 version and a PS5 version of the same game is a developer decision, and will vary title by title for cross-generational games.

For Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, when players decide to upgrade from PS4 to PS5 their game saves will transfer.* Sackboy: A Big Adventure also will support game save transfers from PS4 to PS5 in an update that will be delivered shortly after the release of the game.* We’ll share additional details on both games closer to launch.

How will I know which PS4 games aren’t playable?

Games that are only playable on PS4 will be noted on PlayStation Store as playable on “PS4 only.” We have a list of games that are only playable on PS4, along with additional information on backward compatibility here: playstation.com/ps5-backwards-compatibility

*If players originally purchase a PS4 game disc, the PlayStation 5 with an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive is required to upgrade to the PlayStation 5 version of the game and transfer their saves over.