If you’ve been wondering whether your old PS4 can join the party with a shiny new PS5, you’re not alone. The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no, but Sony has built a system that lets both consoles work together in many ways—from playing the same games online to chatting in the same party.
PS4 games playable on PS5: over 99% of 4000+ titles ·
PS4 games not playable on PS5: less than 1% (10 titles) ·
Crossplay support for PS4 and PS5: depends on game developer ·
Party chat between PS4 and PS5: yes, via PlayStation Network
Quick snapshot
- PS5 plays over 99% of PS4 games (PlayStation Support (official compatibility page))
- Party chat works between PS4 and PS5 (IGN (gaming wiki citing Sony FAQ))
- Share Play works between PS4 and PS5 (PlayStation Support (cross-gen features page))
- PS4 disc games require PS5 with disc drive (PlayStation Blog (launch FAQ))
- Whether PS4 will be discontinued in 2026 (no official confirmation)
- Which future games will add crossplay support
- Exact number of players using crossplay features
- Nov 2020: PS5 launches with backward compatibility (PlayStation Blog)
- 2023: Sony confirms over 99% PS4 games playable on PS5 (PlayStation Support)
- 2026 (rumored): Speculation about PS4 discontinuation (PlayStation Blog)
- More games expected to add crossplay as PS5 install base grows
- Sony may update the list of incompatible PS4 games
- PS4 will likely remain supported for online services for years
The table below shows the key compatibility metrics at a glance.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Backward compatibility rate | Over 99% of PS4 games |
| Number of incompatible PS4 games | Approximately 10 |
| Crossplay availability | Per-game decision by developer |
| Party chat cross-gen | Yes, supported |
| PS4 disc games on PS5 Digital Edition | Not possible |
| Share Play cross-gen | Yes, requires PS Plus |
Can you play PS4 and PS5 together?
Yes, PS4 and PS5 can play together online in games that support crossplay. Sony explicitly states that PlayStation Support (official cross-gen page) “game creators now have the option to enable online multiplayer game matches between PS5 and PS4 players.” This means it’s not automatic—each game developer decides. The same source confirms that “PS4 players can be seamlessly invited to play with PS5 players, and vice versa in supported games.”
Which games support crossplay between PS4 and PS5?
Major franchises have embraced cross-generation play. According to IGN (gaming wiki citing Sony FAQ), players can send and receive invitations for games that support cross-gen play. Popular examples include GTA 5, FIFA 24, NBA 2K24, and FC 25—all confirmed by community reports and developer announcements. The key is that both players must own the same game version (PS4 or PS5) in most cases.
Do PS4 and PS5 players need separate game copies?
In many cases, yes. If a game has separate PS4 and PS5 versions, crossplay may require both players to be on the same version. However, some titles offer a “cross-gen bundle” that includes both versions. Always check the game’s store page for details.
The pattern: Crossplay is a developer choice, not a console feature. Sony provides the infrastructure; publishers decide whether to flip the switch. For the biggest games, the answer is increasingly “yes,” but you should verify before buying.
Gamers who own a PS5 and a PS4 can play together in many popular titles, but only if the game’s developer enabled cross-generation support. Always check the game’s official details before assuming it works.
Can PS4 and PS5 players be in a party together?
Yes, PS4 and PS5 users can voice chat in parties via PlayStation Network. According to IGN (gaming wiki, citing Sony FAQ), “PS4 and PS5 players can communicate via voice chat in Parties.” No additional steps are required beyond adding each other as friends. In-game chat can also work across versions, depending on the game.
How to join a PS4 party from a PS5
On PS5, open the Party Chat app, select “Friends,” and choose the PS4 friend you want to join. The PS5’s Party Chat app works seamlessly with PS4 users. PlayStation Support (cross-gen features page) confirms that PS4 players can be invited to play with PS5 players, and vice versa.
Can PS4 and PS5 use voice chat together?
Yes. Both consoles support voice chat through the same party system. The sound quality may differ, but the functionality is identical. No extra hardware or subscription beyond PlayStation Plus (for online play) is needed for party chat.
The implication: Party chat is one of the smoothest cross-generation experiences Sony offers. It just works, with no extra steps—a welcome contrast to the game-by-game lottery of crossplay.
Can you put PS4 games in a PS5 and play them?
Over 99% of PS4 games are backward compatible on PS5, according to PlayStation Support (official compatibility page). The PS5 (Standard, Slim, Pro) with a disc drive can play PS4 disc games. The PS5 Digital Edition cannot play disc-based PS4 games because it lacks a disc drive—digital PS4 games from your library are available after signing in to the same account, as PlayStation Support (cross-gen features page) explains.
Which PS4 disc games work on PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro?
Any PS4 disc game that is in the backward-compatible list will work on the PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro disc editions. PlayStation Editorial (official editorial page) confirms “thousands of PS4 games” are playable. The only exceptions are the roughly 10 titles identified as “PS4 only” by Sony.
Can you play PS4 disc games on PS5 Digital Edition?
No. The PS5 Digital Edition lacks a disc drive, so it cannot read physical PS4 discs. However, any digital PS4 games you own will appear in your library and can be downloaded and played.
The trade-off: If you have a large collection of PS4 discs, the disc version of PS5 is essential. The Digital Edition locks you into a purely digital library, but saves you the initial cost if you’re all-digital anyway.
Before buying a PS5 model, consider your PS4 game library. If you own more than a handful of disc games, the standard PS5 with a disc drive will save you from repurchasing digital versions.
What PS4 games can’t play on PS5?
PlayStation Support (official compatibility page) lists six PS4 games that are playable on PS4 only: Afro Samurai 2 Revenge of Kuma Volume One, Just Deal With It!, Robinson: The Journey, We Sing, Hitman Go: Definitive Edition, and Shadwen. These are marked “Playable on: PS4 only” in the PlayStation Store. Incompatibility is due to software or hardware limitations. Sony maintains this list and updates it periodically.
List of PS4 games not compatible with PS5
Beyond the six official titles, some PS4 games may have minor issues like frame drops or missing features, but they still run. CNET (tech news site, citing Sony) independently reported the same list. The number of fully incompatible games is extremely small—less than 0.15% of the library.
Why some PS4 games don’t work on PS5
Reasons include emulation challenges, licensing issues, or the game’s reliance on older software architectures that the PS5’s emulator cannot handle. Sony has not provided detailed explanations for each title.
The catch: While the list is tiny, it’s still worth checking before you trade in your PS4. If you own any of these six, hold onto your old console.
Can a PS4 share play with a PS5?
Yes, Share Play works between PS4 and PS5 consoles. According to PlayStation Support (cross-gen features page), PS4 and PS5 users can use Share Play, which allows one player to share their screen or pass control to the other. Both users need a PlayStation Plus subscription.
How to use Share Play between PS4 and PS5
Start a party, then select Share Play from the party menu. Choose whether to share your screen or let the other player take control. The feature is available across generations, but the host must be playing a game that supports Share Play.
Requirements for Share Play cross-generation
- Both users must have an active PlayStation Plus subscription.
- Both consoles must be connected to the internet.
- The game being shared must allow Share Play.
The pattern: Share Play is a rare example of a feature that works identically across generations, giving PS4 owners a way to try PS5 games through a friend’s screen.
“Yes. More than 99 percent of the 4000+ games available on PS4 are playable on PS5.”
— PlayStation Support (official cross-gen page)
“You can install PS4 games from disc or download digital games purchased from PlayStation Store onto PS5.”
— Sony FAQ (PlayStation Blog)
“Cross-generation the community can enjoy the games together.”
— Sony executive, quoted by TechRadar (tech news site)
For PS4 owners considering a PS5, the message is clear: your library travels with you, and your friends on PS4 aren’t left behind. The ability to play together, chat, and share experiences across generations is one of Sony’s strongest selling points. The only real friction comes from game-by-game crossplay decisions and the disc drive limitation on the Digital Edition. For anyone in the market, the question isn’t “can I play with PS4 friends?”—it’s “which games will let me?”
Related reading: **PS5 Ireland 2025: Should You Buy Now or Wait for PS6?** · **PS5 i Irland: Pris, levetid og om du skal vente på PS6**
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Frequently asked questions
Can PS4 and PS5 play GTA 5 together?
Yes, GTA 5 supports crossplay between PS4 and PS5. Players on both consoles can join the same online sessions. (IGN)
Do I need two copies of a game for PS4 and PS5 crossplay?
Not necessarily. Some games offer cross-gen bundles that include both versions. Others require separate purchases. Check the game’s store page for details.
Can PS4 players join a PS5 game lobby?
Yes, if the game supports crossplay. The PS4 player can receive an invite from the PS5 player and join the lobby. (PlayStation Support)
Will PS4 games look better on PS5?
Many PS4 games benefit from improved loading times and stable frame rates on PS5, but graphical enhancements depend on the game. Some titles receive free PS5 upgrades.
Can I transfer my PS4 game saves to PS5?
Yes, you can transfer saves using PlayStation Plus cloud storage or a USB drive. (PlayStation Support)
Does PS5 support PS4 controllers for PS4 games?
Yes, the DualShock 4 works with PS4 games played on PS5, but not with PS5 games. (PlayStation Support)
Can PS4 and PS5 use the same PlayStation Plus subscription?
Yes, a single PlayStation Plus subscription covers both consoles on the same account. Benefits like cloud saves and online multiplayer apply to both.
About Emily Reed
Emily covers betting products, payments, odds technology and the tools shaping modern sportsbooks. She writes explainers and analysis for readers who want practical context rather than promotional language.
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