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PS5 backward compatibility guide for 2022

Here is the current state of the PS5 backward compatibility feature in 2022.

Updated: Jan 17, 2022 5:31 pm
PS5 backward compatibility guide for 2022

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One of the features of modern consoles is their ability to run older games and make them feel ten times better to play. The Xbox has a long list of backwards compatibility and has worked on it for over seven years. Sony is committed to delivering a great experience. For those wondering what the state of the PS5 backward compatibility in 2022 is, we will guide you through its compatibility with the PS4 and PS3.

Read more: Xbox One compatibility and Series X|S compatibility.

PS5 backwards compatibility for PS4 games

The PS5 does have a collection of backwards compatible games for the PS4. According to the official Sony page on the topic, there are over 4000+ PS4 games that you can play thanks to the efforts of the PS5 backwards compatibility. Thanks to Sony’s technology, the Game Boost, some of the PS4 games you get to play on PS5 will have greater frame rates. Moreso, the technology behind the PSVR game also work on the PS5, which means those who got heavily invested in one of the PS4’s best features can still use their VR library as well.

However, Sony issued a warning on the PS5 backward compatibility. It appears that some games may have a few issues with user experience on the PS5. It states that some PS4 features may not work on the PS5, and some games may have some issues with the game boost feature. The devs behind the PS5 backwards compatibility highly recommend trying a base game out first before getting any DLC to make sure the game works as intended.

Please be aware that if you intend to use the PS5 backward compatibility, we recommend getting a disc version of the PS5. The reason why is because the PS5 disc version allows you to use your PS4 game discs. You can get free PS4 and PS5 games with your PS Plus subscription, making it easier. If you get your hands on the PS5 digital edition, then you’ll need to get the games through the PSN Store, which could mean having to buy the games you already own again. Hopefully, the rumoured PSN version of the Game Pass first reported by Jason Schreier will help make that digital backlog much more accessible whenever (or if) that releases.

Read more: PS5 stock updates.

In addition, it is worth mentioning there is a label to look for on the PSN Store. You will find that some games state they are  ‘Playable on: PS4 only’. If you catch this, then the game does not work on the PS5 backward compatibility functionality. Thankfully, there are only a few of these, including:

  • Afro Samurai 2 Revenge of Kuma Volume One
  • Hitman Go: Definitive Edition
  • Just Deal With It
  • Robinson: The Journey
  • Shadwen 
  • We Sing

PS5 backward compatibility for PS3 Games

At the time of writing, there is no official PS5 backward compatibility for the PS3. However, that may soon change. Recent rumblings suggest that the PS3 backwards compatibility may surface for the PS5. Games that are traditionally marked for the PS3 should not show up on the PS Now store; however, they are popping up on the PS5, and they have a price tag attached to them. The story was first reported by VGC.

The most likely suggestion for this is a bug;  however, it could indicate that Sony is making big moves to make the PS5 much more interesting. As it stands, the Xbox Series S|X have a better game pass and compatibility feature for its older games. So, it could indicate that Sony is on its way to matching its major competitor in these metrics.  


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