Just one month to go until the PS5 launches and we finally receive clarification on how backwards compatibility will work for the next-gen console.

The official PlayStation support website has detailed backwards compatibility for PS4 games on PS5, confirming that the “overwhelming majority” of PS4 games are playable on the new hardware.

To play PS4 games on the PS5, it’s the same as it was on the PS4. If it’s a physical PS4 game, just insert the PS4 disc into the PS5 and install the game as usual. If it’s a digital PS4 game, simply download the game from your library.

However, Sony does warn that “some functionalities that were available on the PS4 console may not be available on PS5 consoles. In addition, some PS4 games may exhibit errors or unexpected behaviour when played on PS5 consoles”.

They also advise players to always update their PS5 console and to test the PS4 games first to ensure their playability before buying DLC or other add-ons that come with the game. Notable PS4 games compatible with the PS5 include:

• God of War (2018)
• God of War III Remastered
• The Order: 1886
• Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture

Only 10 PS4 titles are confirmed as not playable on the PS5. These include:

• 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

The official website also detailed how to upgrade eligible PS4 games to their PS5 versions both on-disc and digitally. Some digital PS4 games can be upgraded into PS5 versions.

However, it depends on the game and its respective developer/publisher. Some might be free and incur no extra cost, while some will require additional payment.

Here are the instructions:

Upgrade A Physical PS4 game On A PS5 With A Disc Drive

To upgrade an eligible PS4 game on disc to the digital PS5 version, you will need a PS5 console with a disc drive. PS4 game discs can’t be used with the PS5 Digital Edition.

1. Sign in to your existing account on your PS5 console (or create an account).
2. Insert the eligible PS4 game disc.
3. Go to the game hub for the PS4 game.
4. Select the upgrade offer on the game hub and review the upgrade offer.
5. Select Download (or purchase with the discount price) to download/purchase content.
6. After the download is complete, you can play the PS5 digital game by inserting the PS4 game disc. You will need to keep the disc inserted each time to play the game.

Upgrade A Digital PS4 Game On A PS5 Console With A Disc Drive Or PS5 Digital Edition

To upgrade an eligible digital PS4 game you already own to the digital PS5 version:

1. Sign in to your existing account on your PS5 console.
2. Find the PS5 game in PlayStation Store, or by Search, and go to the game hub for the PS5 game.
3. Select the upgrade offer on the game hub and review the upgrade offer.
4. Select Download (or purchase with the discount price) to download/purchase content.
5. After the download is complete, you can play the PS5 game.

There you have it, folks. Backwards compatibility might be more complicated than the Xbox Series X’s, but at least now we know that most of our PS4 games will still be playable on the PS5.

In the meantime, if you’re still unsure whether to buy the PS5 at launch or to wait, perhaps our guide here can help you decide.