Can I Play PS3 Games On PS5? Yes, And Here’s How!

Can I Play PS3 Games On PS5 - Everything Explained 

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Can I play PS3 games on PS5? Is PS5 backward compatible? If you’re planning to upgrade to the next-gen PlayStation 5 or already have, these questions will likely strike your mind. After all, as a PS lover, I understand it’s hard to leave behind PS3 games like God Of War II, The Last Of Us, BioShock, and Resident Evil 4. 

Fortunately, you can play PS3 games on PS5. However, their physical discs won’t work as PS5 doesn’t recognize them. Instead, you must get your favorite PS3 game(s) in a “digital form” using Sony’s paid PS Now (or PS Plus) service. 

Continue reading as I discuss all these things in detail. I’ve also covered details of other PlayStations, i.e., PS2 and PS4 if you own them. Don’t forget to understand PS5 backward compatibility at the end. 

Key Takeaways: 

  • You can play PS3 games on PS5, but only in their digital form obtained through the PS Now service. 
  • On the other hand, PS5 supports both physical discs and digital versions of PS4 games. For PS2, purchase its games in the PS4 version to play on PS5.
  • PS5 is backward compatible, but to an extent only. 
  • Not all previous PS (PS1, PS2, PS3, and PS4) games are playable on PS5. 
  • Some popular PS3 games on PS5 are God Of War II, The Last Of Us, BioShock, Resident Evil 4, etc. 

Can You Download PS3 Games On PS5?

No, you can’t download PS3 games on PS5. The main reason is the unique construction of the PS3 hardware leading to incompatibility with PS5. It comprises 7 floating co-processors, also called Synergistic Processing Units (SPUs). Even Sony finds it difficult to emulate PS3 architecture. 

As a result of this incompatibility, PS3 games are limited to only cloud-based streaming on PS5. 

Note: These SPUs are perfect for complex physical simulations, such as clothing, collisions, particles, etc. 

Related: Is Discord on PS4 or PS5 – Full Integration in 2023

Can You Play A PS3 Game On A PS5?

As aforementioned, you can play PS3 games on PS5, but here’s a catch. 

You can’t use your physical PS3 game discs with PS5. This is because the latter can’t recognize them. Instead, you must get a “digital copy” of your PS3 game for cloud streaming from PS Now (or PS Plus), which is Sony’s paid service. 

Some most-played PS3 titles on PS Now include: 

  • The Last of Us
  • The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
  • Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots 
  • Uncharted 2
  • Batman: Arkham City
  • BioShock

To play these PS3 titles or others, just follow these steps. 

Related: How to connect PS4 Controller Without USB

  • How To Play PS3 Games On PS5?

Here are some quick steps to play PS3 games on PS5 using PS Now (which is now merged into PS Plus.)

How To Play PS3 Games On PS5

  • Turn on your PlayStation 5 and log into your account. 
  • On the main screen, select the PS Plus app. You’ll mostly find it on the far left side. 

How To Play PS3 Games On PS5 1

  • Click on the Collections tab on the top. 

How To Play PS3 Games On PS5 2

  • Scroll down the Collections menu until you find the Classics Catalog section. 

How To Play PS3 Games On PS5 3

  • You’ll see three options presented on the screen. Choose PS3.

How To Play PS3 Games On PS5 4

  • Here comes the most interesting part. Click on your favorite game from the available PS3 titles on PS Plus. 

How To Play PS3 Games On PS5 5

  • Press Stream to dive right into the game. You can even add the game (and others) to the Wishlist from the very next option to Stream. 

How To Play PS3 Games On PS5 6

Tip: Ensure a high-speed internet connection throughout the gameplay, as you can’t download this game(s).

How To Play PS3 Games On PS5 7

Related: PS4 vs. Xbox One: Which Console Is Right for You?

Can You Play Ps3 Games On Ps4

In general, it is not possible to play PS3 games on a PS4 console. The PS4 does not have backward compatibility with PS3 games, meaning it cannot run games designed for the PS3 platform. This is due to the differences in the hardware and software architecture between the two consoles.

However, some PS3 games have been remastered or re-released for the PS4, allowing players to enjoy updated versions of their favorite titles on the newer console. Additionally, some PS3 games can be streamed via the PlayStation Now service, which allows players to stream games from a remote server to their PS4 console.

It’s important to note that even with these options, not all PS3 games are available to play on the PS4. If you’re a fan of a particular PS3 game and want to play it on your PS4 console, it’s always best to check if a remastered or re-released version is available or if it’s compatible with the PlayStation Now service.

What Are Some Popular PS3 Games To Play On PS5?

What Are Some Popular PS3 Games To Play On PS5

These are some popular PS3 games to play on PS5.

  • Heavenly Sword 
  • Batman: Arkham City (Return To Arkham)
  • Devil May Cry 4
  • God Of War II 
  • The Last Of Us 
  • BioShock 
  • Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time
  • Resident Evil 4

Head to this article to find out the entire list of PS3 games in the PS Plus service. 

Related: PS Plus August 2023 Games List

Can You Play PS4 Games On PS5?

Can You Play PS4 Games On PS5

Yes, you can play PS4 games on PS5. 

And unlike PS3, PS4 physical discs are also supported in PS5. So, that’s a thumbs up! 

However, not all PS4 games can be played on PS5. The following list includes those. 

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

If you’ve PS4 discs, follow these steps to play them on PS5.

  • Insert the PS4 disc into PS5.
  • If there’s any update, run it. 

Can You Play PS4 Games On PS5 1

  • Select Play to dive right into your game. 

Can You Play PS4 Games On PS5 2

Do you own the PS5 Digital Edition? If so, here are the steps to follow. 

    • Open PS5.
    • Head over to the Games menu from the far left corner. 
    • Pick your game from the PlayStation Plus Collection
    • Download and enjoy! 

Related: PS5 Controller Paddle – How To Get Yours?

Can You Play PS2 Games On PS5?

The answer to this question is yes and no

Some PS2 games, like Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Grand Theft Auto 3, and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, are available on PS4 and, thus, are playable on PS5. But you must purchase their PS4 versions from the PlayStation Store to play them. 

Related: PS5 Sideways – All Your Questions Answered

PS5 Backwards Compatibility With PS1, PS2, PS3, And PS4

PS5 Backwards Compatibility With PS1, PS2, PS3, And PS4

By now, you must have understood that PS5 is backward compatible. If I talk about the “extent,” PS5 is most compatible with PS4, being its closest predecessor. More than 4,000 PS4 titles are available on PS5, with and without physical discs. 

Of course, some exceptions exist, and a handful of games are PS4 only!

Below is a quick breakdown of PS5’s backward compatibility. 

  • PlayStation 1: PS1 classics are not playable on PS5 as it only supports PS1 remasters. For example, PaRappa the Rapper, MediEvil, Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, and Spyro Reignited Trilogy.
  • PlayStation 2: PS5 directly doesn’t support PS2 games. You must port them to the PS4 to play. No PS2 game discs allowed! 
  • PlayStation 3: Only digital copies of PS3 games are supported on PS5.
  • PlayStation 4: Both physical discs and digital copies of PS4 games are supported on PS5.

Remember that in the coming times, all future and current PlayStations will likely discontinue supporting physical game discs due to their high costs and storage issues. Hence, buy the PlayStation Digital Edition if you plan to own one soon. 

PS5 Backwards Compatibility With PS1, PS2, PS3, And PS4 1

Can I Play PS3 Games On PS5 FAQs

  • Does PS5 Play PS4 Games?

Ans: Yes, PS5 plays PS4 games. In fact, you can even use the physical game discs here. 

  • Can You Play PS3 Games On PS5 With PS Now?

Ans: Yes, you can play PS3 games on PA5 with PS Now

  • Can I Use PS3 Discs On PS5?

Ans: No, you can’t use PS3 discs on PS5, as the latter can’t detect them. Only digital copies are allowed. 

  • Can PS5 Pro Play PS3 Games?

Ans: Yes, PS5 Pro can play PS3 games via the cloud and an internet connection. 

  • Why Can’t PS3 Games Play On PS5?

Ans: The unique architecture of PS3 makes it impossible to play its games on another PS, including PS5. Hence, PS3 physical discs are of no use on other PSs. You’ll require the games’ digital copies instead. 

It’s Time For A Game Now! 

Here you go, PS lovers. That’s everything you should know about PS3 games compatibility with PS5. Fortunately, PS5 supports many PS3 games but only in their “digital” form and not physical discs. Thus, it would be best if you had a PS Now subscription for the same. 

Conversely, PS5 still works with PS4 physical game discs. 

Regarding PS5 backward compatibility, it’s most compatible with the PlayStation 4 and, to some extent, with PlayStations 1, 2, and 3. 

So, which PlayStation do you own, and which is your favorite game? Comment below!

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