One of the major draws of the PS5 is its ability to play PS4 games. And when you play certain games, the console will use a feature called PS5 Game Boost to improve the performance of PlayStation 4 titles on your PlayStation 5.
Here's everything you need to know about the PS5 Game Boost feature and how it works...
What Is the PS5 Game Boost Feature?
We've already mentioned that the PS5 Game Boost feature is part and parcel of the backwards-compatibility between the current-gen PS5 and the last-gen PS4. But what exactly is it?
PS5 Game Boost is a function of the console that will improve a selection of backwards-compatible PS4 games. It improves these titles by offering better graphics and an improved frame rate.
Ina nutshell this means that you will see better game resolutions and smoother gameplay when Game Boost is enabled.
How Does PS5 Game Boost Work?
When you play a PS4 game on your PS5, obviously you have access to better hardware specs. So, PS5 Game Boost makes use of this additional processing power to improve the performance of PS4-native titles.
The PlayStation Support Page for backwards-compatibility states:
Select PS4 games will benefit from the PS5 console's Game Boost, which may make PS4 games run with a higher or smoother frame rate.
Basically, the PS5 GPU (graphics processing unit) and CPU (central processing unit) are both capable of running at variable frequencies depending on the workload required. This means they can reach much higher processing speeds.
The upshot of these improved speeds means that games will look smoother, thanks to the improved frame rates, while graphics will look closer to those of a PS5-native game than its PS4 equivalent.
How Do You Get Game Boost on PS5?
There isn't anything for you to do on a system level. Game Boost works automatically. So you don't actually have any options that need enabling or menus to navigate.
It is simply a matter of loading a PS4 game on your PS5 and playing it. If your chosen title is compatible with Game Boost, the console will take care of everything for you. Just sit back and enjoy Days Gone in glorious 4K at 60 frames-per-second.
Do All PS4 Games Work With Game Boost?
Unfortunately, not all games PS4 games work with the PS5 Game Boost feature. Primarily, this is because not all PS4 games are backwards-compatible with the PS5.
There are several other reasons, though. The Support Page clarifies some issues with backwards-compatibility, saying:
Although many PS4 games are playable on PS5 consoles, 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.
So there might actually be issues when running a game, because the PS5 is effectively emulating a PS4.
Because of this instability, Sony has been working on providing game boost compatibility on a title-by-title basis. Games like Ghost of Tsushima, Days Gone, and God of War all enjoy the improved graphics and performance the PS5 offers.
We've compiled a list of games, below, that make use of the Game Boost function at the time of writing. You may find you've been playing boosted games without even knowing about it. If you want a full list, head to BackWardsCompatible.com and run a search.
- ABZU
- Amnesia Collection
- Battlefield 1
- BioShock 2/BioShock Infinite: The Complete Edition
- Burnout Paradise
- Call of Duty Warzone/Call of Duty Black Ops: Cold War
- Dark Souls Remastered/Dark Souls 2/Dark Souls 3
- Diablo III: Ultimate Evil Edition
- Dirt 4
- Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout
- Final Fantasy XIV, Final Fantasy XV
- Fortnite
- God of War
- Ghost of Tsushima
- Gran Turismo Sport
- Hitman 1/Hitman 2
- Infamous: Second Son
- Injustice 2
- Killzone: Shadow Fall
- Kingdom Hearts III
- Little Nightmares
- Monster Hunter World
- Nex Machina
- No Man's Sky
- Resident Evil 2/ Resident Evil 3
- Rez Infinite
- Rise of the Tomb Raider
- Saints Row 3
- Steep
- Tekken 7
- The Last of Us Remastered
- Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege
- WipEout Omega Collection
It is of note that many of these games are available through the PlayStation Plus Collection, if you subscribe to PlayStation Plus, of course. The same goes for some games on PlayStation Now, which you also need to subscribe to.
Does Game Boost Actually Boost PS4 Games?
Yes, it does. This writer can confirm, as the owner of a PS5 and many PS4 games, that Game Boost certainly improves the performance of PS4 titles.
Standout examples of where Game Boost noticeably works include the Souls games which, given the frequency at which you die, genuinely benefits from the improved loading times.
Also, WipEout Omega Collection, which genuinely offers a visual treat in 4K while running as smooth as butter on the PS5.
Likewise, No Man's Sky is nothing short of breathtaking in 4K, irrespective of whether you like the storyline or the grind-y nature of the game.
Now You Can Play Better-Looking PS4 Game on Your PS5
What are you waiting for? If you have a PS5, we recommend trying some Game Boost titles out for yourself; it is well worth it for the improved graphics and loading times.
Game Boost is one example of Sony doing things right. The company knew that the PS5 would only have a limited number of games available upon the console's release.
So, Game Boost is a feature that ensures new PS5 owners won't get bored with the system's lack of launch titles.