Feeling nostalgic? Want to play some games you remember enjoying on your older consoles but don’t know if it’s compatible? We’ve got the complete PlayStation backwards compatibility chart here.
(Image Credit: Disney Interactive) – Hercules (1997)
Starting from the oldest generation, there is only one predecessor of this console. So can you play PS1 games on PS2? Yes!
The vast majority of PS2 consoles are backwards compatible with their predecessor. This means that games from the second generation PlayStation accept games from its first version.
As with other consoles, you can play them by simply inserting the PS1 game disc into the PS2. In other cases, you will be able to play these games by transferring the data with an SD card.
(Image Credit: Ubisoft) – Prince of Persia (2003)
It’s a similar story to the third generation, as you can play PS2 games on PS3. However, backwards compatibility will vary depending on which version of PS3 you have.
Any Fat or Slim version released before September 2010 has backwards compatibility.
Meanwhile, later or Super Slim versions do not have backwards compatibility due to the absence of a chip for this feature.
If you want to play PS1 games on PS3, the answer is much simpler. All PS3’s have backwards compatibility with their first version thanks to a system implemented by the manufacturer, so you can play them without any problem.
(Image Credit: Rockstar Games) – Grand Theft Auto V
When we get to the PS4 the compatibility issue becomes a bit more complicated. At this point, you already had 4 different generations and more than a decade of difference between the release of the first version and the new generation of consoles. Therefore, the types of games we could play were somewhat more limited.
Firstly, to play PS1 games on PS4, several steps need to be taken. This time there is no backwards compatibility that allows you to insert the disc and start playing. You now need a PlayStation Plus subscription to access a library of classic PS1 games.
You also can’t play PS2 games on PS4 with the backwards compatibility feature, as you need to go through the same subscription process to do so.
Finally, if you’re wondering if you can play PS3 games on PS4, the answer is the same. You will need to subscribe to PlayStation Plus Premium to access this library. Additionally, some games have been remastered for PS4, but you will still need to buy them to be able to play them even if you have their PS3 version.
You should also be aware that there is a PS5 to PS4 compatibility scenario to be analyzed. However, you can’t play PS5 games on PS4 because being a new generation console, its design and system are different.
(Image Credit: Rockstar Games) – Red Dead Redemption 2 played – PS4 to PS5
In the new generation, the complexity seems much higher. But the reality is that you can only play PS4 games on PS5. This is the only scenario that exists in this PlayStation backwards compatibility chart, so just insert the disc and you can start playing. This even brings some advantages like higher frame rates, higher performance or better graphics. Note that some games are “PS4 only” games, and are NOT compatible with the PS5, so do your research before buying.
Now, can you play PS3 games on PS5? No, you can’t. Just like on PS4, the only way to do so is by using the PlayStation Plus Premium subscription and accessing the classic games library.
The same applies to previous generation games, so you can’t play PS2 games on PS5. We also remind you that you can’t play PS1 games on PS5 either.
Same goes for the newer PS5 slim.
Although this feature is not present, you should know that purchasing games through the subscription system will allow you to enjoy better graphics and performance. So, while you will have to spend money on it, you will have the possibility to have a better experience with classic titles, taking advantage of the features on the newer generation console.
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