How to play PS4 games on PS5 without disc

Owners of the new PlayStation 5 will be glad to know that it's backward compatible with the PlayStation 4. This means that, if you own both consoles, you'll be able to play your favorite PS4 games on the PS5.

While most of the 4,000+ PS4 games are playable on the PS5, there are some exceptions (which are detailed here). These include Afro Samurai 2 Revenge of Kuma Volume One, We Sing, and Just Deal With It!

Some PS4 games will even run better, with a higher or smoother frame rate, thanks to the PS5's Game Boost. On the flip side, while most PS4 games can be played on the PS5 console, some functionalities may not be available on the PS5. Some PS4 games might even show errors or unexpected behavior when played on the PS5.

Here's what you need to know about PS5 backward compatibility and how to play PS4 games on the newer console. 

How to play PS4 game discs on a PS5

Since the PS5 is backward compatible with the PS4, PS4 games can be played on the new console. 

To play a physical PS4 game disc on a PS5, simply insert the PS4 game disc into the PS5 console. You may be prompted to download an update. Then, select the game hub from your Games home page. 

Quick tip: If you have a PS5 Digital Edition, you won't be able to use physical game discs since it does not have a disc drive to read them. 

How to play digitally purchased PS4 games on a PS5 

The PS5's backward compatibility also extends to digital games.

To play PS4 games you've purchased from the PlayStation Store on a PS5, make sure you use the same account on both consoles. This way, you will have access to your PS4 purchases on your PS5. You can also play PlayStation Plus games with an active subscription.

You can transfer digital games and game data from a PS4 to a PS5 via a WiFi data transfer. Alternatively, you can access PS4 games on a PS5 using a compatible USB storage drive.

To install a PS4 digital game on a PS5 console:

1. Select the game library from your Games home page.

2. Pick the game you want to play. If it isn't already downloaded, select Download. 

How to transfer saved game data from PS4 to PS5

1. Turn on your PS4 and PS5. Make sure they're connected to the same WiFi network.

2. On the PS5, go to Settings.

It was a bold move from Sony to introduce a console that will not accept regular discs any more. However, while that might sound bonkers for many players, it is actually expected that such a thing has been introduced.

The main reason I say this is because many of the last-gen console players have rarely used DVDs in order to play their favorite games.

Play PS5 Games Without a Disc

As I said, there have been many people who have moved away from regular physical copies and they’ve went fully digital. The whole industry is now making a shift, and many predict that by 2024, there will be no more physical copies of games.

Whether that will be a reality or not, the figures a favorable for digital game buyers. The all-new PS5 Digital edition has no slot to insert a disc, and to Sony’s credit, they’ve made it cheaper than the other version.

The short answer to the question on whether you can play PS5 games without a disc is a resounding yes. You can enjoy digital games on both the PS5 Digital version and the disc version.

How to Play Games Without a Disc?

It is relatively simple to play your favorite games digitally. Instead of buying a physical copy of the game, and then installing it to your system, what you need to do is buy a digital version.

To buy games on the PlayStation, there are two ways. Either from the official PS Store, of from third-party digital sellers, in the form of a code that you can use to acquire the game on your system.

So, all you need to do is either buy a game from the official store or buy it from a third-party seller. After which point you can download and install the game on your PS5, despite what version of it you have.

Beware that while the disc edition PS5 accepts both digital and disc games, the Digital version, of course, only supports digital games.

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