One of the burning questions that gamers often have is whether they can play PlayStation 5 games on a PlayStation 4 console. The simple answer is no, you cannot directly play PS5 games on a PS4. Sony has not implemented a forwards compatibility feature like the Xbox Smart Delivery program, making it impossible to pop a PS5 game disc into a PS4 console and start playing.
So, what options do PS4 users have if they want to experience PS5 games? Well, there are alternatives that allow you to enjoy PS5 titles on a PS4 console. Two such options include Remote Play and Share Play.
Remote Play is a feature that allows you to stream gameplay from a PS5 console to a PS4 console or other compatible devices such as a PC, smartphone, or tablet. With Remote Play, you can access and play PS5 games on your PS4 by connecting the two consoles over the internet.
Share Play is another option that lets you play PS5 games on a PS4 console. This feature allows you to invite a friend to join you in a game, even if they don’t own a copy themselves. By utilizing Share Play, you can take turns playing a game or play co-op and multiplayer games together.
While Remote Play and Share Play provide avenues for enjoying PS5 games on a PS4 console, it’s important to note that these methods come with certain limitations. The quality of the gameplay may depend on your internet connection speed, with faster connections offering a smoother experience.
Additionally, using Remote Play or Share Play means that you’re relying on the PS5 console to run the game, with the PS4 console acting as a display device. This setup may result in some input lag or reduced graphics quality compared to playing directly on a PS5.
Despite the workarounds available, the lack of native support for playing PS5 games on a PS4 console highlights a key distinction between Sony and Microsoft’s approach to console compatibility. Xbox’s Smart Delivery program emphasizes seamless transitions between console generations, while Sony’s strategy centers on leveraging features like Remote Play and Share Play.
Ultimately, the question of whether you can play PlayStation 5 games on a PlayStation 4 comes down to understanding the limitations and alternatives that Sony provides for cross-generational gaming. While it may not be as straightforward as popping in a disc and playing, options like Remote Play and Share Play offer a way for PS4 users to experience some of the latest PS5 titles.
