Can PS5 play PS4 games and discs? If the new generation Playstation is backward compatible - and how the consoles compare
With the PS5 set for release on 19 November, PS4 users might be curious to know whether their games will work on the next-gen console.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Can you play PS4 games on the PS5?
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Hide AdSony has confirmed that PS4 games will be playable on the PS5, meaning that the Playstation 5 is backwards compatible with the Playstation 4.
Users will be able to download games onto the console that they had previously purchased on the PS4 and play them on the Playstation 5.
Will PS4 game discs work in the PS5?
Players will be able to insert PS4 discs into the PS5 and play them on the next-generation console.
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Hide AdHowever, the discs won’t be available to use on the PS5 digital edition because the console doesn’t have a disc drive.
Which PS4 games will work on the PS5?
Sony is in the process of testing PS4 games to ensure they will work properly on the new console.
The company said it expects that 99 per cent of PS4 games will be compatible with PS5 on the launch date.
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Hide AdThis means people can play the new FIFA 21 game on the PS5, as well as the new Star Wars: Squadrons, and the remodelled Spiderman video game.
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Will PS4 games play better on the PS5?
PS4 games will play better on the new console through the use of a “boost” mode.
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Hide AdThis mode may not apply to every game, and users will need to ensure that PS4 games are installed to the PS5’s SSD.
Sony said this about running old games: “We’re expecting backward compatible titles will run at a boosted frequency on PS5 so that they can benefit from higher or more stable frame rates and potentially higher resolutions.
“We’re currently evaluating games on a title-by-title basis to spot any issues that need adjustment from the original software developers."
How powerful is the new Playstation 5?
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Hide AdAs more powerful hardware is developed, the console will be able to play games that look even more visually pleasing than the current crop.
That also means a machine that can easily play games at 4K resolution - the next step up from 'high definition' - and at the fabled 60 frames per second, which gives a much smoother playing experience.
For the first time on games consoles, the PS5 will support 'ray tracing', a graphical technique that models the travel of light to simulate complex interactions in 3D environments.
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Sony has not yet confirmed whether the PS5 will have backwards compatibility with PS3 games.
However, PS2 classic games purchased from the Playstation Store should work on the PS5.
What games will the PS5 have?
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Hide AdOn September 16 Sony showcased a number of new games, including a new Harry Potter-themed game called Hogwarts Legacy, an open world role player game set in the magical school before the titular wizard’s time in the 1800s.
Glimpses of familiar franchises including Final Fantasy XVI and Call Of Duty Black Ops Cold War were shown during the live-streamed event, alongside extended footage of previously announced games such as Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Resident Evil Village.
Sony announced 26 games coming to the PS5. Included on the list are a collection of sequels to big PS4 games, like Spiderman: Miles Morales, and Horizon Forbidden West.
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Hide AdOther games included racing sim Gran Turismo 7, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, and LittleBigPlanet spin off, Sackboy: A Big Adventure.
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