While the PlayStation 5's backward compatibility support has been one of the biggest topics of speculation over the past year, Sony's been consistent about at least one detail. That being that the PS5 would have robust backward compatibility for PS4 games. In a newly published piece on the PlayStation Support website, Sony's now clarified the issue even further. Specifically, Sony says that the PS5 will support the "overwhelming majority" of over 4,000 PS4 games via backward compatibility.
PS4 games will also run on PS5 in a variety of ways. First, and most simply, the PS5 will run PS4 game discs as if they were made for the PS5. Players will be able to insert the disc via the PS5's disc drive and select the game from their PS5 home screen. An update may be required just like with any modern game, of course. Digital purchases through the PlayStation Store will also work and players will be able to download PS4 games from their game library as they please. Third, PS4 users will have the option to transfer their installed games and save data from their PS4 to their PS5 wither via WiFi data transfer or via a PS5extended storage drive. Suffice to say, playing PS4 games on PS5 will be simple and easy.
Not every PS4 game will run on PS5, though. And Sony has already begun putting together a list of PS4 games that won't run on PS5. It's a short list so far, but there's a possibility that it could grow as more games are tested. The list of PS4 games that won't run on PS5 includes Afro Samurai 2: Revenge of Kuma Vol. 1, DWVR, Hitman Go: Definitive Edition, Joe's Diner, Just Deal With It!, Robinson: The Journey, Shadow Complex Remastered, Shadwen, TT Isle of Man - Ride on the Edge 2, and We Sing.
Sony also shared some additional interesting information regarding the PS5's backward compatibility. The most exciting detail being that "select" PS4 games will be improved via the PS5's "Game Boost" technology. This tech improves some games' frame rates and loading times. No examples are provided, however.
Another key detail is that Sony is warning prospective PS5 owners that some PS4 game functionality may not be available on the new console. Again, no specific examples are provided, but Sony is likely just being precautionary here.
Suffice to say, Sony is doing what it can so that the transition to the PS5 generation is as smooth and accessible as possible for PS4 gamers. 99% of PS4 games will run on PS5 and according to Sony backward compatibility will be working at launch.
The PS5 releases November 12.
