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Before buying a PS4 game for PS5, confirm the exact title is compatible, make sure its format works with your console, and check upgrade and save-transfer terms separately. Sony says the overwhelming majority of more than 4,000 PS4 games are playable on PS5, but some exceptions and title-specific limitations remain.
1. Confirm the exact game works on PS5
Check Sony’s current list of PS4 games that are not playable on PS5 and the game’s PlayStation Store listing. Incompatible listings are labeled “Playable on: PS4 only.” The list can change, so check again close to purchase rather than relying only on a PS4 logo or a general claim about backward compatibility.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Ghost of Tsushima - PlayStation 4 | $22.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
God of War Hits - PlayStation 4 | $19.50 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics - PlayStation PS4 | $19.93 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Bioshock: The Collection Playstation 4 | $21.75 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales - PlayStation 4 | $32.31 | Buy on Amazon |
Compatibility does not guarantee an identical experience. Sony notes that some PS4 features may be unavailable on PS5, and some games may produce errors or unexpected behavior. Its figure of more than 4,000 playable games is Sony’s count; it is not a promise that every PS4 title works.
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2. Make sure the copy matches your PS5
| Copy you are considering | What your PS5 needs | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| PS4 game disc | A PS5 console with a disc drive | Insert the disc each time you play; a game update may be required. PS4 discs cannot be used with PS5 Digital Edition. |
| Digital PS4 game | The account that owns the game, and a compatible title | Access it from your game library. Check the individual listing for availability and terms in your region. |
Sony’s format guidance is on its PS5 backward-compatibility page and PS5 games and entertainment page. If you own a Digital Edition, do not buy a PS4 disc expecting to play it directly.
#1 Best Overall
- Available Now - Ghost of Tsushima: Legends, a new cooperative multiplayer experience inspired by Japanese folk tales and mythology.
- Beyond war, ancient beauty endures: Uncover the hidden wonders of Tsushima in this open-world action adventure.
- The rise of the Ghost: Forge a new path and wage an unconventional war for the freedom of Tsushima.
3. Treat a PS5 upgrade as a separate purchase check
A compatible PS4 version can run on PS5 without upgrading. Some games also offer a distinct PS5 version; its upgrade may be free, paid, or available only for a limited time. Verify the terms for the exact game and copy before paying, because an upgrade offer is not the same as basic PS5 compatibility.
- Disc copy: A disc-based upgrade requires a PS5 with a disc drive, and you must keep the PS4 disc inserted to play the upgraded digital PS5 game.
- Digital copy: Check the game’s listing and your account’s eligibility for the offer.
- PlayStation Plus copy: A PS Plus game is not eligible for an upgrade unless its listing says otherwise.
For the applicable steps and restrictions, see Sony’s PS4-to-PS5 game upgrade instructions. Check the displayed price and availability for your region; the offer can vary by title.
Rank #2
- Physical combat over the shoulder free camera brings the action closer than ever combat in God of war is up close frenetic and unflinching. Kratos' Axes powerful, magic and multi faceted is a brutal weapon as well as a versatile tool for exploration
- Midgard and beyond: Set within the untamed forests, mountains, and realms of Norse lore, God of war features a distinctly new setting with its own pantheon of creatures, monsters, and gods
- Vicious, physical combat with an over the shoulder free camera that brings the player closer to the action than ever before
4. Check whether your save will carry over
Sony supports transferring data, including saved data, to PS5 through console transfer and other methods; active PS Plus members can also use cloud storage. Its PS4-to-PS5 data-transfer guide explains the available routes, including disc, download, and USB options.
Moving a save to PS5 does not by itself guarantee that it will work with a game’s separate PS5 edition. If you need to continue a particular save, check that title’s instructions for importing or transferring progress between its PS4 and PS5 versions before choosing which version to buy or play.
Rank #3
- Experience your Favorite MARVEL vs. CAPCOM classics All in One – Enjoy 7 of your favorite classic titles that helped shaped the MARVEL vs. CAPCOM universe both single player and online.
- To enhance your playability experience, we incorporated the favorite added features from Capcom Fighting Collection including gallery mode, quick save, training mode for all fighting titles, and the high score challenge.
- This collection also includes rollback net code for a smooth and enjoyable experience online. Play casually or competitively through casual, ranked, or custom matches using rules of your choosing!
5. Check controller and VR requirements
For supported PS4 games, Sony lists DualSense, DUALSHOCK 4, and licensed third-party gamepads as options, but warns that controller support can vary by title. Check the game’s requirements if you rely on a particular controller or accessory.
Playing PS VR games on PS5 requires a PS VR headset, a PS4 Camera, and a Camera adaptor. Sony recommends DUALSHOCK 4 for the best PS VR experience; selected titles may also require Move controllers or support the Aim controller. See the compatibility and accessories guidance for details.
Rank #4
- Remastered in 1080p
- Bio Shock main game and all single player DLC
- Bio Shock 2 main game and all single player DLC
- Bio Shock Infinite main game and all single player DLC
- Director's Commentary: Imagining Bio Shock, featuring Ken Levine and Shawn Robertson
6. Set realistic expectations for performance
Game Boost may give selected PS4 games higher or smoother frame rates, but Sony does not promise a boost for every title. Keep your PS5 system software updated, and try the game before buying add-ons for it. Sony specifically advises players to test the PS4 game on PS5 first to decide whether the play experience meets their expectations.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Miles morales discovers explosive powers that set him apart from his mentor, peter parker. Master his unique, bio-electric venom Blast attacks and covert camouflage power alongside spectacular web-slinging acrobatics, gadgets and skills.
- a war for control of Marvel's new York has broken out between a devious Energy Corporation and a high-tech criminal army. With his new home at the heart of the battle, miles must learn the cost of becoming a hero.
- Traverse the snowy streets of his new, vibrant and bustling Neighborhood as miles searches for a sense of belonging. When the lines blur between his personal and crime-fighting lives, he discovers who he can trust, and what it feels like to truly be home.
Quick pre-purchase checklist
- Look up the exact game in Sony’s current PS4-only list and its Store listing.
- For a disc, confirm your PS5 has a disc drive; for a digital copy, confirm the owning account and regional listing.
- Check whether a PS5 upgrade exists, whether it costs money or is time-limited, and whether your copy qualifies.
- Look up title-specific save migration if continuing progress matters.
- Confirm any controller, PS VR, or accessory requirements for your intended setup.
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.
