Can You Play PS4 Disc Games on PS5 Digital Edition? Here’s What You Need to Know

With the advent of the PlayStation 5 (PS5), many gamers have been eager to explore the capabilities of Sony’s latest console, especially regarding backward compatibility with the PlayStation 4 (PS4). A common question that arises among users is whether they can play PS4 disc games on the PS5 Digital Edition. In this article, we’ll break down the facts and help you understand what you need to know.

Understanding the Two PS5 Models

First, it’s important to differentiate between the two models of the PS5: the PS5 Standard Edition and the PS5 Digital Edition. The main distinction is that the Standard Edition comes with an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive, allowing you to insert physical game discs and play them directly. On the other hand, the Digital Edition has no disc drive, meaning it only supports digital downloads and cannot run any physical media.

Backward Compatibility with PS4 Games

One of the significant advantages of the PS5 system is its backward compatibility with a vast majority of PS4 games. This means that if you own PS4 games—whether they are digital downloads or physical disc copies—you will be able to play them on the PS5. However, this feature is only applicable to the PS5 Standard Edition.

For those who have the PS5 Digital Edition, it becomes a different story. While the gaming library available for PS4 remains accessible, users are limited to digital versions of these games. The PS5 Digital Edition does not support any physical media, including PS4 game discs. Therefore, you won’t be able to play your PS4 disc-based games on this model.

Why Can’t You Use PS4 Discs in the PS5 Digital Edition?

The primary reason behind this limitation lies in the absence of a disc drive in the PS5 Digital Edition. Discs are a form of Digital Rights Management (DRM); they serve as proof that the user owns a given copy of the game. When you insert a disc into a console, the system verifies your ownership and allows you to play the game. Without a disc drive, there is no way for the PS5 Digital Edition to access or validate a physical disc.

Moreover, those intending to upgrade from a PS4 disc version to the digital version of a game must have a PS5 console equipped with a disc drive. The upgrade process is designed to work by inserting the disc into the PS5 Standard Edition, which then allows digital access to the game on your console.

What Are Your Options?

If you already own a collection of PS4 disc games and plan to get a PS5 Digital Edition, you have a few options:

1. Consider Getting the PS5 Standard Edition: If playing physical copies of games is essential to you, investing in the PS5 Standard Edition is the way to go. This model will allow you to continue using your existing collection of PS4 discs seamlessly.

2. Purchase Digital Copies: If you decide to stick with the PS5 Digital Edition, you can look into purchasing digital versions of the PS4 games you wish to play. These can be found on the PlayStation Store, and many titles often go on sale.

3. Trade or Sell Your Discs: Another option is to consider trading or selling your PS4 disc games. This way, you can use the proceeds to buy digital versions that are compatible with your PS5 Digital Edition.

Conclusion

In summary, if you own PS4 disc games and are considering the PS5 Digital Edition, it’s essential to understand that you will not be able to play those discs due to the lack of a disc drive. While the backward compatibility allows for many PS4 digital games, the physical versions will remain inaccessible without the Standard Edition, which is equipped to handle disc-based media.

As you make your decision on which PS5 model to purchase, consider how you plan to engage with your game library. Whether you lean towards the convenience of digital games or value the physical copies you’ve amassed over time, knowing these details will help you make the most informed choice for your gaming experience.