It’s been the missing piece of the puzzle for quite some time, but Sony has finally detailed exactly how PS4 backwards compatibility works on PS5.
Sony has confirmed that 99% of your PS4 games will work on PS5. It’s as simple as putting the disc in or re-downloading the game from the PlayStation Store and installing the necessary updates. In terms of your game saves, they’ll work perfectly as well.
You’re able to get your digital games, game data and saves from a PS4 console to a PS5 by using a LAN cable or by Wifi. If you’ve got an external hard drive that you’re using with your PS4 for PS4 games, then you’re also able to plug this into your PS5 as well.
It was referenced on the PS5 website some time ago but it’s now been confirmed, that similarly to how the Xbox Series X enhances Xbox One games, the PS5 will see the same benefits including enhanced load speeds, games with unlocked frame rates will run better and games that use dynamic resolution up to 4K will see higher fidelity. Sony also says that PS4 games will take advantage of PS5 UX benefits, but they’re not talking too much about that yet.
Sony has published a list of games that will remain PS4 only, and honestly I’m surprised at how small it is. I haven’t even heard of the majority of the games on the list. They include:
Just like PS4 games, PlayStation VR games will also work. You just need a PlayStation VR headset, a PlayStation camera and the previously mentioned PlayStation Camera Adaptor for PS5.