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For most buyers, the PS4 edition of Shadow of the Colossus is the one to look for. Sony lists it as playable on PS5, but a physical PS4 disc requires a PS5 with a disc drive; PS2 and PS3 game discs do not play on PS5. Before buying, match the edition to your console and decide whether you want a digital copy, a standard disc, or the collector-focused Special Edition.
Which edition should you buy?
Sony’s PS4 release is a ground-up remake released on February 6, 2018, and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The PlayStation Store’s US product page lists a digital PS4 version and says it is playable on PS5, subject to compatibility qualifications below. The remake is the straightforward choice for someone buying to play on a PS4 or compatible PS5.
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Shadow of the Colossus (PS4) | Buy on Amazon |
PS4 standard edition
Choose the standard PS4 game if you want to play without collecting the original Special Edition items. It is available as a digital listing in the US PlayStation Store; digital availability, price, and subscription-catalog status can vary by region and date, so check your own Store account before purchase. Sony’s UK product listing describes a quest involving 16 colossi. Sony’s US PlayStation product page identifies the PS4 platform and its PS5 compatibility notice; Sony’s UK listing gives the colossi count.
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The physical Special Edition launched in the US on February 6, 2018. Sony’s launch announcement listed a steelbook case with outer sleeve, artist postcards, printed manual, physical world map, and Colossi stickers, plus digital extras: the Ancient Bow, Cloak of Fate, “Spotted Steed” Agro skin, two custom PS4 themes, and a PS4 Colossi avatar set. Sony announced a US launch MSRP of $49.99; that is a historical launch price, not a current valuation for a used copy.
#1 Best Overall
- Experience the wonder and majesty of an acclaimed and beloved video game, now on PS4 and PS4 Pro
- Helmed by Bluepoint games, the emotion, intensity and beauty of Fumito Ueda's original adventure has been given a staggering makeover
- With improved visuals and enhanced performance, every epic moment is more breath taking and memorable than ever before
- Set on a quest to bring a girl back to life, your task is to bring down 16 gigantic beasts; armed with only your wits, a magical sword and a bow, venture out into expansive landscapes on the back of your trusty steed and seek out each Colossus
- But be warned - While each giant has a specific weakness, finding and exploiting it will be far from simple; a thrilling mixture of exploration, platforming, puzzle-solving and action awaits
If you are buying it secondhand, ask for photos of the actual contents and verify which physical items are included. Do not assume that digital extras or account entitlements transfer with a used disc. Sony’s 2017 Special Edition announcement is the reference for the original contents and launch MSRP.
PS2 and PS3 releases
The game also appeared on PS2 and PS3, but those older discs are not substitutes for the PS4 edition when your target console is a PS5. Sony’s PS5 manual says PS1, PS2, and PS3 format game software cannot be played from disc on PS5. For a PS3, support depends on the exact model: Sony’s manual for the CECH-43xx series warns of limited backward compatibility with PlayStation-format software. Check the model number and its manual rather than assuming every PS3 plays PS2 discs.
Sony’s PS5 backward-compatibility guidance and the PS5 manual cover PS5 disc compatibility; Sony’s PS3 manuals let you check model-specific support. The CECH-43xx manual is among those manuals.
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Will the PS4 edition work on your console?
| Copy and console | What to expect |
|---|---|
| PS4 disc in a PS4 | The game is a PS4-format release. Check that the listing is specifically for PS4. |
| PS4 disc in a PS5 with a disc drive | Sony lists the game as playable on PS5. A system update may be required, and some PS4 features may be absent. |
| PS4 disc in a PS5 without a disc drive | Not usable: a disc-free PS5 cannot read the physical copy. Consider the digital PS4 product instead, subject to local Store availability. |
| PS2 or PS3 game disc in a PS5 | Not supported from disc, according to Sony’s PS5 manual. |
| PS2 disc in a PS3 | Do not assume compatibility. The CECH-43xx manual describes limited backward compatibility; verify the exact console model and format support. |
Sony’s US product page carries the game-specific qualification: it is playable on PS5, but some features available on PS4 may be absent, and a system update may be needed. Sony’s manual also specifies that compatible PS4 Blu-ray discs require a PS5 with a disc drive. These distinctions matter at checkout: a “PS4” listing alone does not make a physical copy usable on every PS5.
What the PS4 Pro modes mean
Sony announced two options for PS4 Pro in 2017. Cinematic mode emphasized image quality and targeted dynamic 4K at 30 frames per second on a compatible 4K HDR display; Performance mode targeted 60 frames per second. These are Sony’s announced targets, not a measured guarantee for every console, display, or configuration. Sony’s announcement describes the two modes.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to check a used copy before paying
For a standard PS4 disc
- Confirm the format. The listing should explicitly identify the game as the PS4 edition. Do not rely on a generic title or a photo that does not show the platform.
- Request clear photos. Ask to see the disc label and readable side, the case, and any inserts the seller says are included.
- Check your playback setup. If you plan to use the disc on PS5, confirm your console has a disc drive.
- Review the transaction terms. Check the seller’s return policy and include shipping and any other stated costs when comparing listings.
For a PS4 Special Edition
- Compare the listing with Sony’s original contents list. The physical pieces were a steelbook with outer sleeve, postcards, printed manual, world map, and stickers.
- Ask which pieces are actually present. Request photos of the items rather than relying on a stock image or the phrase “Special Edition.”
- Treat digital extras separately. Sony listed digital items with the edition, but a used disc does not establish that those items or account entitlements are available to you.
- Use the seller’s return terms as part of the decision. No general market price or completeness standard can establish the condition or contents of an individual listing.
Choose by format, not just by title
For a standard player, compare console compatibility, disc versus digital access, the version you want, and the full local cost including shipping and return terms. For a collector, also weigh the Special Edition’s physical contents and the condition of its disc and packaging. Current used prices, local physical stock, and the completeness of a particular listing are not established by Sony’s product and manual pages; assess the actual listing and your console before buying.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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