Can You Play PS3 Games on PS5

Do you play PS3 Games on PS5? This is a feature that many players have, as they want to experience the classics but don’t want to keep an extra console. In this guide, we will look at what the issue is, how backwards compatibility works, and what options we have.

Does the PS5 Support PS3 Discs?

Gamers first check if PS3 discs will play on the PS5. What we have instead is that you can’t just put in a PS3 disc and expect it to run on the PlayStation 5. While the PS5 does play most of what the PS4 has to offer, Sony did not include support for PS3 disc games. What we see as a limitation is the large-scale difference in console architecture. The PS3 had the “Cell” processor, which is different from what we see in today’s machines, which in turn makes it hard for newer systems to support the old format without some extra hardware or software emulation.

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Can you play PS3 Games on PS5?

While at present you are not able to play PS3 games on PS5, that doesn’t mean you have no access to PS3 titles at all. We do have what works for you to enjoy those games, which is via PlayStation Plus Premium, Sony’s subscription service. By joining the subscription, you gain access to a library of classic PS3 games, which you are able to stream on your PS5. So, sure, you are able to play PS3 games on PS5, but via cloud streaming, which is a requirement for seamless play. This will include a very reliable and high-speed internet connection.

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Using PlayStation Plus Premium

PlayStation Plus for members is how Sony gives players access to classic games. We see in this service that you are able to play PS3 games on PS5, along with PS2 and PSP favorites. The collection features popular titles such as Infamous, Ratchet Clank, and Resistance. However, in those that are cloud-based, you are not able to download them to your console. Instead, what you do is you stream them as you would with movies on Netflix or Disney+.

Why Can’t PS5 Run PS3 Discs?

Gamers put forth the question as to why Sony did not go the easy route of making a disc-compatible. What transpires is that PS3’s special system design is what makes it very hard to emulate on new hardware. Unlike the PS4, which has a PS5-compatible architecture, the PS3 was designed in a way that does not play nice. As a result, what we see is that play PS3 games on PS5, the best option is cloud streaming.

Alternative Ways to Play PS3 Games

If you are not a fan of streaming, we have a few other options for your classic games.

• Keep your PS3Console: Still, the best option is to use the original console.
• Remastered Version: Many PS3 favorites, like The Last of which include The Last of Us, and Uncharted, are available on PS4 and PS5.
• Digital Reissues of PS3 Games: We have seen some of the classic PS3 titles made available on the PlayStation Store for today’s consoles. These choices allow you to enjoy PS3 classics in many ways, of which direct disc play may not be one.

Future Possibilities

Sony has been incrementally adding to its backward compatibility. Although there is no official word on it, users still hold out hope that at some point we may see the ability to play PS3 games on PS5 directly. In the meantime, PlayStation Plus Premium is the primary solution.

Conclusion

So, can you play PS3 games on PS5? The answer is yes, but in a different way. You can’t put PS3 discs in your PS5 and have them play. What you do instead is use PlayStation Plus Premium to stream PS3 games. For many, that is still a great solution for playing classic games on the new hardware. Also, if you are looking for an alternate option, you can get the remastered editions or keep your PS3 console. In the right environment, you are still able to play PS3 games on PS5, which in turn means that we are seeing classic games making a comeback.