The PS4 released seven years ago has been replaced by the PS5, but for many gamers it can be scary to see your library of titles shrink. And many wonder if PS4 games and save data is compatible to run on the PS5, or should I start building my game library from scratch?
The good news is that the PS5 is backward compatible with the vast majority of PS4 games, as we discussed in the review, and frankly, these games should perform better.
Recall that the PS5 has Game Boost, running at increased frequencies, in addition to other improvements such as improved visual fidelity and support for much higher fps speeds.
You can also choose to upgrade some cross-generational games for a smoother gaming experience. Updating games on PS5 is usually free, but some updates are chargeable.
PS4 game and user data should also be synced with PS5. The exception to this rule is when using PS4 data with a cross-gen PS5 game: in these cases it is up to the developer whether they support it or not.
Are both versions of PS5 compatible with the versions of PS4 games?
The first thing to keep in mind is that there are two versions of the PlayStation 5: the cheaper PS5 Digital Edition and the standard PS5 console. See the article by PlayStation 5: Where to buy the PS5 in your country ?.
Only the standard console has a disc drive, which allows you to play physical copies of PS4 games as long as they are inserted into the drive.
Compatible PS4 games are also compatible with PS5 Digital Edition, but only when it comes to digital versions purchased through PlayStation Store, leaving your disc titles behind.
How to transfer games from PS4 to PS5
You can transfer games from PS4 to PS5 using an external hard drive, via Wifi Transfer in “ Settings> System> System software> Data transfer ”, by downloading them again from PlayStation Store or by placing the disc in the player.
Please note that if you plan to insert the PS4 disc into the PS5 unit, the disc will not include any updates installed since you purchased it.
Do I need to update my PS4 games to the PS5 versions?
You don’t need to update PS4 games to play them on PS5. The ability to update some intergenerational games (for free or for a small fee) is independent of the PS4 backward compatibility issue.
If the upgrade to PS5 is free, then it’s worth taking advantage of the offer, although these games will also take up more space on your disk. You might enjoy a smoother gaming experience, with shorter load times and the ability to play in 4K resolution at 60fps.
If it gets paid, it will be a personal decision, likely based on your love for that title or how much time you spend on it.
To update a PS4 digital game to the PS5 version, simply search for the game in PlayStation Network and select the “Update” option.
To update a physical copy of the game, insert the disc, go to that game’s game center and look above your trophy progress badge and you will see a link to download the updated version for PS5.
Please note that if you are updating games for which you have a physical copy on the disc, you must have the disc inserted in the drive to play the game even after the update. They don’t become digital versions.
PS4 games that already have free PS5 updates are: Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, Borderlands 3, Bugsnax, Dead by Daylight, DIRT 5, Fortnite, Hitman 3 (digital version), King Oddball, Maneater, Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles Morales, Mortal Kombat 11, No Man’s Sky, Planet Coaster, Sackboy: A Big Adventure, The Pathless, Watch Dogs: Legion, and WRC 9. More free updates will be released in due course.
Can I play PlayStation VR games on PS5?
PSVR games are compatible with PlayStation 5, but you need to use the PS4 camera with an adapter, rather than the PS5 camera for these titles.
Can I play PS2 and PS3 games on PS5?
Unfortunately no. Compatibility with previous generation versions of the PlayStation 5 is limited to PS4 games and not to previous editions.
Take a look at the article on games coming with the launch of the PS5.
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