Are PS3 games compatible with PS4? Let’s take an in-depth look at how older PS3 games can be played on a PlayStation 4 console.
A major selling point for any console is its backward compatibility. This allows you to play old games on a newer system, increasing its value. Before you invest in a system, it is a good idea for you to check if this function exists.
You might be wondering if the PS4 can play PS3 games. Let’s look at your options and answer the question.
Can the PS4 play PS3 games?
No, the PlayStation 4 cannot be used with PlayStation 3 games . It is not possible to insert a PS3 disk into your PS4. You can’t also download digital versions from the PlayStation Store to your PlayStation 4. This applies to all PS4 editions, including the slim PS4 Pro and PS4 Pro.
This is due to the fact that the PS3’s system architecture is different from the PS4’s. The hardware on the PlayStation 4 consoles is not the same as the PS3 so it can’t run older games natively. Sony decided that it was not worthwhile to create a software emulator to run older games, so the PS4 can only play PS4 games. The PS4 cannot play original PlayStation discs or PS2 games.
There are many other ways to play PS3 games on your PS4, even if you don’t have native backward compatibility.
Play PS3 titles on your PS4 now
PlayStation Now, Sony’s cloud gaming platform, is available on the PS4, PS5, Windows and Windows. You can stream PS4 and PS3 games. This allows you to enjoy the most popular titles across the console family.
You can stream certain PS3 games on your PS4 if you subscribed to PlayStation Now. There are currently over 400 PS3 titles available through the service at the time of writing. However, this number may change as new titles are added or removed.
PlayStation Now allows you to play multiple PS3 games on your PS4 as long as there is a reliable internet connection. For more information, see our analysis on PS Now’s pros & cons. As a start, we’ve selected some best games on PlayStation Now.
Play Remasters and Makeups of PS3 Games
You can enjoy games that were made for older systems on current consoles thanks to the many remakes and remasters . These games may be available in compilations that include multiple games from the same series.
Here are some examples of PS3 games that you can play on PS4:
- Borderlands: The Handsome Collection includes a remaster and loads of DLC.
- The Last of Us Remastered, an enhanced version of the iconic PS3 game, is now available.
- BioShock: The Collection includes remasters from BioShock, BioShock 2 and BioShock infinite.
Although technically you are playing a PS4 title, they are actually the same game with some minor enhancements. These are great for those who missed the PS3’s best games but still have a PS4.
Use Cross-buy and Cross-Gen offers
Cross-buy promotions are the only way to play PS3 games on your PS4. Cross-buy promotions allow you to play a game on more than one system if you purchase it on one. If you buy Doki-Doki Universe for PS3, then you get access to the PS4 version without additional cost.
Similar to this, cross-generational games offered upgrades to the PS4 system when it was first released. You could, for example, upgrade to the PS4 version of Battlefield 4 if you purchased it on PS3. The codes contained in physical copies of the games were used to activate the offer. Digital purchases automatically discount the next-gen version.
To see if any codes are available, check your PS4 game library. Although codes are likely to have expired, digital offers may still be valid.
There are ways to play your favorite PS3 games on the PS4
Although PS3 games won’t work directly on PS4, we have shown you how to play PS3 games on your PS4 using other methods. You can play the top PS3 games on your PS4 regardless of whether you subscribe to PS Now, or look through the many remasters.
The PS5 is compatible with nearly all PS4 games. It can’t, however, play PS3 games natively.
