The PlayStation 5 is backward-compatible with PlayStation 4 games, which adds more value to the new console. It's convenient to enjoy your old games on the new system so you have one fewer device to keep plugged in.

However, the PS5's backwards compatibility isn't perfect. There are a few PS4 titles that simply won't work on the PS5. Let's take a look at these games so you know what to expect.

Which PS4 Games Aren't Backward-Compatible With PS5?

Sony's page on the PS5's backward compatibility has a lot of helpful information about how backward compatibility works on PS5.

It contains the PS4 titles that do not work on PS5, which are as follows at the time of writing:

  • Afro Samurai 2: Revenge of Kuma Volume One
  • TT Isle of Man - Ride on the Edge 2
  • Just Deal With It!
  • Robinson: The Journey
  • We Sing
  • Hitman Go: Definitive Edition
  • Shadwen

Sony states that "This list is subject to change and excludes demos, media, and non-game applications." Previous versions of the list included more games, so it's possible that some of the above will become playable on PS5 in the future.

This list likely won't disappoint many people. None of these games are among the PS4's greatest hits—in fact, the publisher of Afro Samurai 2 even removed it from the PS Store and issued refunds due to overwhelmingly negative reception.

When browsing the PlayStation Store, you'll see a Playable on: PS4 only tag for any games that don't work on PS5. You may also see the following message for any games that have minor bugs when played on PS5:

When playing on PS5, this game may exhibit errors or unexpected behavior and some features available on PS4 may be absent.

In most cases, this is a general disclaimer—any minute issues shouldn't prevent you from enjoying the game. It's a good idea to try a PS4 title on your PS5 to make sure it works OK before you spend additional money on it, though. You wouldn't want to buy the latest DLC pack and find that the game runs poorly on PS5 for whatever reason.

Keep in mind that PlayStation VR games are playable on PS5 too, but you'll need all accessories, including the PlayStation Camera (which requires a free adapter to use with the PS5). You may also need one or two PlayStation Move controllers for some PS VR titles.

How PS5 Backwards Compatibility Works

Playing the other 99 percent of PS4 games on PS5 is simple. If you own the PS4 title digitally, all you need to do is make sure you're signed in with the same PlayStation Network account as the one you used on PS4. Then visit the Library on your PS5's home screen, find the PS4 game you want to play, and download it.

PS5 Download PS4 Game

To play disc-based PS4 games, you must own the standard PS5 model with a disc drive. Just insert the disc, let the game install, and you can play it. You'll need to keep the disc inserted to play the game. Since the PS5 Digital Edition lacks a disc drive, you can't play physical PS4 games on it.

See how to transfer your PS4 data to PS5 to move your save data to your new console.

Enjoy (Most) PS4 Titles on PS5

Now you know the few PS4 games that don't work on PS5. Unless you love one of these games, you can probably upgrade to a PS5 without much worry.

The PS5 is a solid console, but be aware that you might run out of storage space if you have lots of PS4 games. Thankfully, you can store PS4 titles on an external drive with your PS5.

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