PS5 cannot play PS3 games, even though both are PlayStation consoles

The PS5 is not backward compatible with PS3 discs or digital PS3 games. Sony built the PS5 with a different processor architecture than the PS3, which means the console's hardware cannot read or run PS3 software. This is a hard technical limit, not a setting you can change or a feature Sony disabled to push sales.

The PS5 does play most PS4 games, and it plays PS1 games through the PlayStation Store. But PS3 sits in a gap between those two — your PS3 games will not work on PS5, and there is no official way to bridge that gap.

Key Takeaways

  • PS5 hardware cannot run PS3 games because the two consoles use different processor designs that are not compatible with each other.
  • The PS5 plays the vast majority of PS4 games and some PS1 games through the PlayStation Store, but PS3 is not supported.
  • If you own PS3 discs, you can still play them on a PS3 console, which remains available used and relatively affordable.
  • Some PS3 games have been remastered or re-released for PS4 and PS5, so checking the PlayStation Store may show a newer version of a game you own.

Why the PS5 and PS3 are not compatible

The PS3 used a processor called the Cell, which was complex and difficult for developers to work with. The PS4 and PS5 both use x86 processors, which are the same type found in most computers. Because the Cell and x86 are fundamentally different architectures, software written for one cannot straightforward run on the other.

Sony could have built PS5 emulation software to translate PS3 games on the fly, the way some older gaming systems do. But PS3 emulation is resource-intensive and unreliable — it would require significant processing power and would not work smoothly for most games. Sony decided the cost and complexity were not worth it, especially since PS4 backward compatibility was already a major selling point.

What PS5 does play from older PlayStation generations

The PS5 plays more than 4,000 PS4 games. Sony maintains a list on its website of the small number of PS4 games that do not work on PS5, but the vast majority run without any changes needed. You can use your existing PS4 game discs in the PS5 (if you have the disc-drive model) or read PS4 games you own digitally.

The PS5 also plays some PS1 games through the PlayStation Store. These are not your original PS1 discs — they are digital versions that Sony has re-released. You can browse the store to see which PS1 titles are available, and they run natively on PS5 hardware.

Remastered and re-released PS3 games on PS5

Many popular PS3 games have been remastered for PS4 or released as new versions for PS5. These are not the same as playing your original PS3 copy — they are new versions built from the ground up for modern hardware. Examples include the God of War series, The Last of Us Part I, and Demon's Souls.

Before you assume your PS3 game is unplayable on PS5, check the PlayStation Store to see if a remastered or re-released version exists. If it does, you may need to purchase it separately, though some games offer discounts if you own the original version. This is not the same as backward compatibility, but it is often the closest option for playing a PS3 game on modern hardware.

Playing PS3 games on original PS3 hardware

If you want to play your PS3 games, the most straightforward option is to keep or buy a PS3 console. Used PS3 systems are widely available on the secondhand market and are relatively inexpensive. The PS3 Slim model (released in 2009) and the PS3 Super Slim model (released in 2012) are both reliable and can play the full PS3 library.

PS3 consoles are no longer manufactured, so availability depends on the secondhand market. Check local listings, online marketplaces, or specialty game stores. Make sure the console comes with the power cable and a controller, and test it if possible before buying. Prices vary widely depending on condition and model, but you should expect to spend between $80 and $150 for a working system.

Digital PS3 games and licensing

If you own PS3 games through the PlayStation Store (digital purchases), those licenses are tied to your PlayStation Network account and the PS3 console. You cannot transfer them to PS5 or any other console. You can re-read them on any PS3 you own, but they will not work on PS4 or PS5.

Sony shut down the PS3 PlayStation Store in July 2023, which means you can no longer purchase new PS3 games digitally. If you already own digital PS3 games, you can still read them to a PS3 console, but the store itself is closed. This makes owning a PS3 console more important if you have a digital library you want to access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play PS3 games on PS5 if I buy them again?

No. Even if you purchase a PS3 game again, it will not work on PS5 because the hardware is incompatible. The only exception is if the game has been remastered or re-released for PS4 or PS5 — in that case, you would be buying a different version of the game, not the original PS3 version.

Will Sony ever add PS3 backward compatibility to PS5?

Sony has not announced any plans to add PS3 support to PS5. The technical challenges and the cost of emulation make it unlikely, though Sony could change its mind in the future. For now, PS3 games require a PS3 console to play.

What if I have PS3 game discs but no console?

Your discs are not compatible with PS5, but you can buy a used PS3 console to play them. The PS3 Slim and Super Slim models are the most common and affordable options on the secondhand market. Alternatively, check if the game has been remastered for PS4 or PS5.

Can I stream PS3 games from a PS3 to my PS5?

No. PS5 does not support remote play from PS3 consoles. Remote play on PS5 works only with PS5 games and some PS4 games played on a PS4 console.