Sony unveiled its latest PlayStation Blog over the weekend where they talked about how backward compatibility will work with the PlayStation 5 in regards to PlayStation 4 titles.
Sony stated that disc-based games will not be playable on the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition console; however, digital versions of PlayStation 4 games that players had previously purchased through the PlayStation Store or PlayStation Mobile app will be compatible with PlayStation 5. This also goes for any titles players plan to purchase through both the console and mobile stores.
When it comes to the disc-based PlayStation 5, both digital and physical versions of compatible PlayStation 4 titles will work on PlayStation 5.
The keyword in all of this is “compatible.” There will be some PlayStation 4 games that are not backward compatible with the PlayStation 5. As of right now, the list of incompatible titles is very short. The titles that will not be playable on PlayStation 5 are being marked as “PS4 Only” titles. Sony has that list on their website and, so far, the short list includes the following:
- DWVR
- Afro Samurai 2 Revenge of Kuma Volume One
- TT Isle of Man – Ride on the Edge 2
- Just Deal With It!
- Shadow Complex Remastered
- Robinson: The Journey
- We Sing
- Hitman Go: Definitive Edition
- Shadwen
- Joe’s Diner
Keep in mind that this list may grow or change but, for now, these are the only titles being stated as working on PlayStation 4 only.
As far as transferring game saves from PS4 to PS5, Sony reiterated that it is entirely possible and not a limitation of the hardware. Instead, they are stating that it is up to the individual developer on whether or not they want their game save data to be transferrable. These decisions will vary on a title by title basis for cross-generational games.
What we’re have suspected or have known already was also confirmed with Jim Ryan, Sony Interactive Entertainment’s CEO. The PlayStation 5 is NOT backward compatible with PlayStation 1, 2, or 3 game discs.
With a PlayStation 4 install base of over 100 million users, Sony felt that it was important to make sure PlayStation 4 games worked on PS5. They are stating that about 90% of PS4 games will be compatible with the PlayStation 5. Any PS4 games running on PS5 will run at a boosted frequency for higher frame rates and resolution.
