How to play PS4 games on PS5
Yes - a PS5 plays the overwhelming majority of the more than 4,000 PS4 games. Digital PS4 games you own appear in your PS5 game library ready to download, PS4 discs work in any PS5 with a disc drive, and your saves can come across by network transfer, USB drive or cloud storage. Here is how each one works.
Does every PS4 game work on PS5?
Almost every one. The few PS4 games that do not run on PS5 are labelled "Playable on: PS4 only" on the PlayStation Store, so check the game's store page if you are unsure. Many PS4 games also run better on PS5: with Game Boost, select PS4 games get a higher or smoother frame rate without any update.
Playing your digital PS4 games
- Sign in on your PS5 with the same PlayStation account you used on your PS4.
- Open the Game Library and go to Your Collection.
- Find the PS4 game and choose Download. When it finishes, it plays like any other game.
Playing PS4 game discs
Put the PS4 disc into your PS5 and the console installs it, the same as a PS5 disc. You need a PS5 that has a disc drive: PS4 discs cannot be used with the PS5 Digital Edition. The disc has to stay in the console while you play.
Moving your PS4 saves to PS5
You have three ways, all from PlayStation's own support guide:
- Direct transfer: on your PS5, choose Data Transfer and follow the steps. Both consoles must be on the same home network (Wi-Fi or a LAN cable), signed in with the same account and updated to the latest system software. Do not switch either console off while it runs.
- USB drive: copy your PS4 saved data to a USB drive, then copy it onto your PS5.
- Cloud storage: with PlayStation Plus, upload your PS4 saves to cloud storage and download them on your PS5.
Some games come in both a PS4 and a PS5 version. Whether a save moves from one version to the other is up to each game's developer, so it varies from game to game.
Which controller can I use?
For PS4 games, both the DualSense and your old DUALSHOCK 4 work on PS5, as do officially licensed third-party controllers. PS5 games need the DualSense.
PS4 games in our store that play on PS5
These are in our store and play on PS4 and on PS5 - see the best PS5 games under $20 for more picks, or how buying from us works.
Looking further ahead? Here is every upcoming PS5 release date, or browse the whole store.
Questions people ask
Can a PS5 play PS4 games?
Yes. The PS5 plays the overwhelming majority of the more than 4,000 PS4 games. The few that do not are marked "Playable on: PS4 only" on the PlayStation Store.
Can I play PS4 discs on a PS5 Digital Edition?
No. PS4 game discs cannot be used with the PS5 Digital Edition; you need a PS5 with a disc drive.
Do my PS4 saves carry over to PS5?
Yes. You can move them with a direct data transfer over your home network, with a USB drive, or through PlayStation Plus cloud storage.
Can I use a PS4 controller on PS5?
Yes, for PS4 games. The DUALSHOCK 4 works with supported PS4 games on PS5; PS5 games need the DualSense.
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