Sony Reveals Details PS5 Backward Compatibility

Updated: 16 Oct 2020 9:18 PM PDT
Posted: 16 Oct 2020 9:13 PM PDT

Final PS5 Details Revealed

It's been an exciting journey as we approach the release of Sony's next-generation console, the PlayStation 5. There's been plenty of speculation and rumor about how backward compatibility is going to work. Thankfully, Sony finally graced us with some great details last week. Here's everything you need to know about what games you'll be able to bring from your old Sony consoles and how to access your favorite PS4 titles on PS5!


PS4 Titles Are Compatible

Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered | Credit: @PlayStation

Thankfully, Sony took a pretty hardline stance on the previous generation's games accessibility. It seems important to them that gamers be able to continue enjoying their favorite titles. While Sony announced that 99% of PS4 games will be playable on PS5 at launch, they also revealed a small list of games that are only playable on PS4:

It's pretty impressive. It means that our favorite games like Ghost of Tsushima and Last of Us Part II will already be on PS5. Sony also mentioned that third-party titles are also making the jump forward. A nice touch, but Microsoft has already made the same deal with third-party platforms. So, that was also the expectation of Sony.


Physical vs. Digital (And What About PSVR?!)

CAPTION PlayStation 5 Versions and Pricing | Credit: @PlayStation

Sony promises that there will be no change in the quality of gaming between generations. PS4 games will play just as smoothly on the PS5. In fact, some PS4 games will see increased loading speeds. They'll also utilize Sony's Game Boost, which improves or stabilizes framerate on these older titles. Additionally, PlayStation Now and PlayStation Plus PS4 games are all automatically PS5 compatible.

However, what type of PS5 you purchase will play a factor in what kind of PS4 games you can play. Let's break it down.

The PS5 is getting two different versions: one with a disc drive and one that's exclusively digital. If you get a digital PS5, $399 at launch, you'll be able to access all of your digital PlayStation content on your new console! The first time you log in to PlayStation Network on the PS5, you'll automatically access your entire PS4 library. Pretty cool, and definitely a convenient way to update your console's access quickly!

However, be very aware: any disc-based PS4 games you own will be inaccessible with a digital version of the PS5.

The PS5 with a disc drive is going to run you $499 at launch. However, it'll get you access to all titles you might have on hand. Digital titles work exactly the same as the digital model, but with a disc drive, you can just pop your favorite PS4 disc in and get to gaming! These games will also put Game Boost to good use, improving the quality of your PS5.

And of course, fear not. PSVR is alive and well on the PS5. All of your digital or physical titles are completely compatible with the PS5, as long as you've got your PSVR headset, a Dualshock or PlayStation Move controller, and your PS Camera from PS4!


Game, Save, and General Transfer Process

Ride 4 Ride 4 | Credit: @PlayStation

Moving your content from one console to another can be done in several ways. You can use your wi-fi connection or hook the two consoles together via an Ethernet cable. If you use an external USB storage device, you can simply disconnect it from your PS4 and plug it right into your PS5! If you are a PlayStation Plus member, it's easy to upload all of your content to the cloud from your PS4 and then access it on your PS5 whenever you like.


Sony's Making it Easier to Play

Sony focuses on games, which is what the community loves about them. Keeping content accessible for as long as possible is a smart move. At launch, there is sometimes a void of excellent games. Making all the upcoming PS5 backward compatible ensures a seamless experience so we gamers can continue doing what we love most!

One more reminder, folks: If you have any disc-based PS4 games that you absolutely will want to play on your PS5, consider opting for a disc-drive this gen!

Game on, gamers.

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