One of the biggest selling points of the PlayStation 5 is its backward compatibility — the ability to play games from previous generations without needing to dig out an old console.
But the picture is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
Here's everything you need to know about which PlayStation games work on PS5 and how.
Can the PS5 Play PS4 Games?
Yes — the PS5 is compatible with almost every PS4 game. With over 4,000 PS4 titles in the library, the compatibility rate is remarkably high. Only a small handful of games (currently around ten titles) are not compatible, including:
Afro Samurai 2: Revenge of Kuma Volume One
Just Deal With It!
Robinson: The Journey
We Sing
Hitman Go: Definitive Edition
Shadwen
Can the PS5 Play PS3 Games?
Not natively — but PS3 games are accessible via cloud streaming through a PS Plus Premium subscription. Hundreds of PS3 titles are available in the Classics Catalog, covering everything from exclusives to fan favourites. Crucially, PS3 games are stream-only: you can't download them, and you'll need a stable internet connection to play.
Sony has shown no indication of developing native PS3 emulation, so cloud streaming appears to be their long-term approach for this generation.
PS Plus Premium pricing:
1 month: $19.99
3 months: $54.99
12 months: $159.99 ($13.33/month)
Can the PS5 Play PS2 and PS1 Games?
Yes, with some caveats. The PS5 cannot read original PS2 or PS1 discs. However, a selection of PS1 and PS2 classics are available through the PS Plus Premium Classics Catalog as downloadable titles — unlike PS3 games, these don't require an internet connection during play. The emulator also includes quality-of-life features like upscaling, save states, and rewind functionality.
Some PS2 titles that were ported and sold on the PS4 Store can also be played on PS5 if you purchased them digitally.
What About Remastered Versions?
If native playability matters to you, remasters and remakes are often the cleanest way to revisit older games. Notable examples available on PS5 include:
Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition
Dark Souls Remastered
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut
Quick Reference: PS5 Compatibility at a Glance
Generation | Compatible? | How?
|
|---|---|---|
PS4 | Yes (almost all) | Disc or digital (disc drive required for physical copies) |
PS3 | Via streaming only | PS Plus Premium required; no disc or download |
PS2 | Selected titles | PS Plus Premium Classics Catalog (downloadable) |
PS1 | Selected titles | PS Plus Premium Classics Catalog (downloadable) |
Is PS Plus Premium Worth It for Backward Compatibility?
If accessing older PlayStation generations is your main reason for considering PS Plus Premium, it's worth factoring in what you're getting. The annual plan at $159.99/year gives you PS3 streaming, PS1/PS2 downloads, and all the benefits of Extra (a large library of PS4 and PS5 games). If you're a student on a budget, you can find more ways to stretch your gaming money by checking out the best student discounts for US students.
For a gaming setup on a budget, also worth reading: the best quiet gaming keyboards for students and the best Jackbox Party Packs for your next game night.
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