Many PlayStation fans wonder if they can bring their PS4 game library to the PS5. The good news is that the PlayStation 5 offers excellent backwards compatibility with PS4 games. More than 99 percent of the 4,000+ PS4 games can be played on the PS5 console. This means almost your entire PS4 collection will work on the newer system, whether you own the games on disc or digitally.
The PS5 doesn’t just play these older games—it often improves them. Many PS4 titles benefit from the PS5’s Game Boost feature, which can provide faster frame rates, higher resolutions, and quicker loading times. Games that had performance issues on PS4 often run much smoother on the more powerful PS5 hardware.
You can install PS4 games from discs (if you have the PS5 model with a disc drive) or download digital versions from the PlayStation Store or your library. With only a handful of exceptions like some older titles that might have stability issues, the transition from PS4 to PS5 gaming is nearly seamless.
Can You Play PS4 Games on a PS5?
✅ Yes — the PlayStation 5 is backward compatible with the vast majority of PS4 games.
According to Sony, “the overwhelming majority of PlayStation 4 games are playable on PlayStation 5 consoles.” This means you can enjoy thousands of PS4 titles on your PS5, whether you own them digitally or on disc.
(Source: PlayStation Support)
🧩 How PS4 Games Work on PS5
1. Physical PS4 Discs
If you have a PS5 Standard Edition (with a disc drive):
- Insert your PS4 game disc into the PS5.
- The console will install the game and any available updates.
- You’ll need to keep the disc inserted to play.
⚠️ Note: The PS5 Digital Edition does not support physical PS4 discs.
2. Digital PS4 Games
If you bought PS4 games digitally:
- Sign in to your PlayStation account on your PS5.
- Go to Game Library → Your Collection.
- Find your PS4 games and download them directly to your PS5.
⚙️ Performance Upgrades: Game Boost
Your PS5 can enhance PS4 titles automatically with a feature called Game Boost.
This can improve:
- Frame rates (smoother gameplay)
- Loading times
- Stability
Some PS4 games even receive specific PS5 patches or upgrades, offering higher resolutions or graphical improvements.
(Source: Nacon Gaming Blog)
☁️ Transferring PS4 Saves to PS5
You can bring your old save data to your new console in a few ways:
Option 1: Cloud Storage (PlayStation Plus)
- On your PS4, upload your saves to the cloud.
- On your PS5, download them via Settings → Saved Data and Game/App Settings → Saved Data (PS4).
Option 2: USB Drive
- Copy saved data from your PS4 to a USB drive.
- Plug it into your PS5 and import the saves.
🎯 Some games require a manual transfer or separate PS5 version to use old saves.
🚫 PS4 Games That Don’t Work on PS5
While nearly all PS4 games are compatible, a very small number (fewer than 10) are not supported.
You can find the full list on Sony’s official site:
👉 PS4 Games Playable on PS5 Consoles
If you attempt to launch an unsupported game, you’ll see a message stating it’s not playable on PS5.
🕹️ PS VR and Accessories
- PS VR games work on PS5, but you’ll need:
- A PS VR headset
- PlayStation Camera (PS4 model)
- A PlayStation Camera adapter (free from Sony)
- Most DualShock 4 controllers work with PS4 games on PS5, but PS5 games require the DualSense controller.
💡 Tips for the Best Experience
- Keep your PS5 firmware updated for the latest compatibility fixes.
- If a PS4 game offers a free PS5 upgrade, download the PS5 version for better performance.
- Use external storage (USB 3.0 drive) to play PS4 games directly, saving PS5 SSD space.
🧾 Summary Table
| Feature | Supported on PS5? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PS4 Disc Games | ✅ Yes (Standard Edition only) | Insert disc to play |
| Digital PS4 Games | ✅ Yes | Download from your library |
| Save Data Transfer | ✅ Yes | Via cloud or USB |
| Game Boost | ✅ Yes | Improves performance |
| PS VR Games | ✅ Yes | Requires adapter |
| PS4 Accessories | ⚠️ Partial | DualShock 4 works for PS4 games only |
| Unsupported PS4 Games | ❌ Few titles | Listed on PlayStation’s site |
🏁 Final Verdict
Yes — the PS5 plays nearly all PS4 games, often with faster load times, smoother performance, and improved visuals thanks to Game Boost.
Whether you own discs or digital copies, your PS4 library carries forward almost seamlessly to your PS5.
Key Takeaways
- PS5 is compatible with over 99% of the PS4 game library, allowing players to access thousands of titles.
- Many backwards compatible games receive performance enhancements through the PS5’s Game Boost feature.
- Players can enjoy PS4 games on PS5 via disc insertion or digital downloads from their existing library.
Understanding Backwards Compatibility
The PlayStation 5 offers players substantial backwards compatibility features that make transitioning from the PS4 much smoother. This functionality ensures gamers can enjoy their existing game libraries without having to keep multiple consoles connected.
What Is Backwards Compatibility?
Backwards compatibility is a feature that allows newer gaming consoles to play games designed for previous generation systems. This technology eliminates the need to keep older consoles around just to play favorite games from the past.
For gamers, this means significant cost savings since they don’t need to rebuy their favorite titles for the new system. It also creates a smoother transition between console generations, allowing players to upgrade to new hardware without losing access to their existing game libraries.
Hardware manufacturers implement backwards compatibility through various methods. These include specialized hardware components or software emulation that mimics how the older system processed games.
PS5 Backwards Compatibility with PS4 Games
The PlayStation 5 offers excellent backwards compatibility with PS4 games. According to Sony, over 99% of the 4,000+ PS4 games are playable on PS5 consoles. This includes both digital titles in players’ libraries and physical disc-based games (for PS5 models with disc drives).
Many PS4 games receive performance improvements when played on PS5 through a feature called Game Boost. This enhancement can provide:
- Higher or more stable frame rates
- Improved resolution
- Faster loading times
After July 1st, Sony mandated that all new PS4 game releases must run natively on the PS5. This requirement ensures ongoing compatibility across both systems.
For optimal performance, PS5 owners should ensure their console firmware is updated regularly. Some games might receive specific patches to enhance their performance on the newer hardware.
Enhancements and Upgrades
The PlayStation 5 offers several ways to improve your PS4 games, giving them new life on the newer console. These enhancements range from automatic performance boosts to complete visual overhauls in specially upgraded titles.
Game Boost Feature
Game Boost is one of the PS5’s most valuable features for PS4 game owners. This built-in technology automatically enhances select PS4 games when played on the PS5 console without requiring any updates or additional purchases.
Games with unlocked frame rates or performance modes can run more smoothly and at higher frame rates. Many titles that struggled to maintain 30fps on PS4 can now hold steady at their target frame rates. Some games with variable resolution can maintain their highest resolution setting more consistently.
Not all PS4 games benefit from Game Boost, as the improvements depend on how each game was originally programmed. Games with frame rate caps at 30fps won’t suddenly run at 60fps unless specifically patched.
Upgrade PS4 Games to PS5
Many publishers offer free PS5 upgrades for their PS4 titles, allowing players to enjoy enhanced versions without buying the game again. These aren’t just minor tweaks but often substantial improvements.
The upgrade process varies by game. Some use a “dual entitlement” system where owning the PS4 version grants access to the PS5 version. Others provide a direct upgrade path through the PlayStation Store.
Popular titles with free upgrades include:
- God of War
- Ghost of Tsushima
- The Last of Us Part II
- Horizon Zero Dawn
Some games may require the disc to be inserted to verify ownership, even after upgrading. Digital PS4 games can usually be upgraded directly through your library.
Graphical and Performance Enhancements
When PS4 games get PS5 enhancements, the visual and performance improvements can be dramatic. Resolution jumps from 1080p to 4K are common, making games appear much sharper on modern displays.
Frame rates often double from 30fps to 60fps, creating much smoother gameplay. Some titles even offer 120fps modes for compatible displays. Load times are drastically reduced thanks to the PS5’s SSD.
Advanced features like ray tracing may be added to upgraded versions, creating more realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections. Titles like Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Control showcase these improvements vividly.
Many enhanced games offer performance options, letting players choose between visual quality or smoother framerates. This flexibility allows gamers to prioritize what matters most to their playing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
PlayStation 5 offers extensive backward compatibility with PS4 games, though some limitations exist. The system supports nearly all PS4 titles with only a handful of exceptions, and many games receive performance enhancements when played on PS5.
Are PS4 disc games compatible with the PS5 digital version?
No, PS4 disc games cannot be played on the PS5 Digital Edition. The Digital Edition lacks a disc drive, making it impossible to use physical media.
PS4 games purchased digitally through the PlayStation Store, however, are fully compatible with both PS5 models. Users who own a large collection of physical PS4 games should consider the standard PS5 with a disc drive.
What is the PS5’s backward compatibility scope for PS4 titles?
The PS5 supports the overwhelming majority of the 4,000+ PS4 games available. Almost every PS4 game works on PS5, with only a small number of exceptions.
Many PS4 titles benefit from the PS5’s Game Boost feature. This enhancement can improve frame rates, reduce load times, and provide more stable performance compared to playing on PS4 hardware.
Can you use DualShock 4 controllers with the PlayStation 5?
DualShock 4 controllers work with PS5, but with limitations. They can only be used to play backward-compatible PS4 games on the PS5.
For native PS5 games, players must use the DualSense controller. This restriction exists because PS5 games are designed to utilize the DualSense’s advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.
Are there any limitations to transferring PS4 game saves to PS5?
PS4 game saves can be transferred to PS5, but the process varies by game. Players can transfer saves via PlayStation Plus cloud storage, USB drives, or direct console-to-console transfer.
Some games don’t support cross-generation save transfers. Additionally, when upgrading from a PS4 to a PS5 version of the same game, save compatibility depends on the developer’s implementation.
How does upgrading from a PS4 game to a PS5 version affect gameplay?
Upgrading from PS4 to PS5 versions typically provides enhanced graphics, faster loading times, and improved frame rates. Many games also implement DualSense controller features absent in the PS4 versions.
The upgrade process varies by publisher. Some offer free upgrades, while others charge an upgrade fee. To upgrade a disc-based PS4 game, the standard PS5 with a disc drive is required, even though the PS5 version may be digital.
Which PS4 games are not supported on the PlayStation 5?
Only a handful of PS4 games don’t work on PS5. Titles with known issues include Afro Samurai 2: Revenge of Kuma Volume One, TT Isle of Man – Ride on the Edge 2, and Just Deal With It!
Some games like Assassin’s Creed Unity and Watch Dogs reportedly have stability problems when played on PS5. Sony maintains an updated list of non-compatible games on their support website.
