Let me guess – you bought the new PS5 gaming console but still can’t get over the old but classic PS3 games. The good news is that the PS5 is backward compatible.
So, can you play PS3 games on PS5? And what does backward compatibility have to do with it? These are some of the questions I’ve answered in this post. Read on to find out more about how the PS3 games are playable on PS5.
Can You Play PS3 Games on PS5?
Yes! You can play PS3 games on PS5 with the PS Plus Premium account. This service allows you to play games from multiple generations of PlayStation consoles through cloud streaming. However, the physical copies of PS3 games won’t work on PS5.
PS5 comes with backward compatibility, which means that it is compatible with some hardware (PS4 game discs, in this case) of the older versions/models. So, you can play more than 4000 PS4 games on the PS5. In fact, for some PS4 games, you get higher and smoother frame rates on the PS5.
But the story becomes a little different when it comes to PS3. You can play PS3 games on PS5 through the PS Plus Premium account. However, you can’t use the physical copies of your PS3 games on the PS5. This is because the only game discs that work on the PS5 are its own and of the PS4.
How Much Does PS Plus Cost Now?
As of 2023, the cost of a PS Plus varies depending on the length of the subscription. A one-month subscription costs $9.99, a three-month subscription costs $24.99, and a 12-month subscription costs $59.99. However, the prices may vary based on your region or country.
Currently, you can subscribe to three PS Plus plans which are Premium, Extra, and Essential. The cost details of these plans are as follows:
- Premium: 1-month subscription for $17.99, 3-month subscription for $49.99, and 12-month subscription for $119.99.
- Extra: 1-month subscription for $14.99, 3-month subscription for $39.99, and 12-month subscription for $99.99.
- Essential: 1-month subscription for $9.99, 3-month subscription for $24.99, and 12-month subscription for $59.99.
Each plan slightly differs in the services and rates. So, you can visit the official site of PS Plus and choose the one that suits your gaming needs. But if you are a casual gamer, you should consider the Essential plan because it pretty much has every game that you would enjoy.
How to Play PS3 Games on PS5?
To play PS3 games on PS5, you need to get the PS Plus Premium membership via your console or the PlayStation store. Open your PS5 account on your Playstation > Launch PS Plus Premium > Collection > Classic Catalog > Select PS3 > Choose a game > Press Stream to play.
You can only play PS3 games on PS5 through the PS Plus Premium service. So, you would need to create a PS Plus Premium account through your console or by visiting the PlayStation store. Once you have created an account, make sure you fulfill the requirements below to log in to your PS Plus Premium account on PS5.
- A compatible controller such as the DualSense and DUALSHOCK 4 controller.
- A stable internet connection of 5 Mbps or higher.
- A Network account on PlayStation with verified payment details.
Once you have fulfilled the requirements mentioned above, you can then follow the steps below to play PS3 games on your PS5:
- Sign in to your PS5 account on your console.
- Launch the Premium Plus App.
- Move to the Collection section.
- Choose PS3 from the options
- Scroll through the games and find the one you like.
- Click on the game and select Stream to play.
And that’s it! you can now play PS3 games on your PS5 gaming console. However, the number of games available depends on the plan you choose during the PS Plus subscription process.
5 Best PS3 Games to Play on PS5
The best PS3 games to play on PS5 are those that have been optimized for the PS5’s backwards compatibility feature. This feature allows players to play select PS3 games on the PS5 using the PS5’s hardware, which can provide improved performance and features such as faster loading times and improved graphics.
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the PS3 has the best collection of games throughout all the PlayStation generations. This is why we can see several PS3 games on PS Plus Premium.
Among all PS3 games available on PS Plus Premium, some outrank all other games and are still in the favorites list of many gamers. Below I have listed some of those games so you can check them out too.
It’s worth noting that not all PS3 games are compatible with the PS5, and some may not perform as well as others. However, these games have been optimized for the PS5 and are considered to be some of the best to play on the system.
1. The Last of Us
The Last of Us is an action-adventure game developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 3 in 2013, and later for PS4. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by infected creatures. It follows the story of Joel, a hardened survivor, and Ellie, a young girl, as they embark on a journey across the United States to find a group of resistance fighters.
The game features a third-person perspective, and gameplay combines elements of survival, stealth, and combat. You must scavenge for resources and craft weapons and items to survive, while also using stealth and violence to overcome hostile infected enemies. The game’s story is emotionally impactful and well-written, with players forming a strong attachment to the game’s protagonists as the game progresses.
2. God Of War III
God of War III is a critically acclaimed action-adventure game developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 3 in 2010. The game is the fifth installment in the God of War series and serves as the conclusion to the Greek era of the franchise.
This game offers a third-person perspective and a mix of puzzle-solving and exploration. You have to navigate through a variety of environments, from the heights of Mount Olympus to the depths of the underworld. It follows the journey of the Spartan warrior, Kratos, as he seeks revenge against the Greek gods who have betrayed him. It’s a fast-paced, brutal combat using a variety of other weapons and magic abilities.
3. Yakuza 5
Yakuza 5 is an action-adventure video game developed and published by Sega for the PlayStation 3 in 2012. The game is the fifth main entry in the Yakuza series. It follows the story of Kazuma Kiryu, a former yakuza who is pulled back into the criminal underworld after a series of events.
In this game, you’ll have five playable characters, each with their own unique storylines that intertwine throughout the game. Plus, you can explore a large open-world environment set in five different cities across Japan. Complete side quests and participate in a variety of minigames such as karaoke, darts, and golf. Overall, Yakuza 5 is an action-packed, story-driven game that offers a deep and immersive experience.
4. Bioshock
BioShock is a first-person shooter video game developed by Irrational Games and published by 2K Games for the Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows in 2007. But this game is also available on the PlayStation 3 as a port of the original game that was developed by 2K Marin and published by 2K Games in 2008.
The game is set in the fictional underwater city of Rapture, which was built in the 1940s as a utopia for society’s elite, but has since descended into chaos. You take on the role of Jack, a man who is the sole survivor of a plane crash and discovers Rapture while searching for a way out. You can use a variety of weapons, items, and plasmids, which are genetically-engineered abilities that grant unique powers such as telekinesis and elemental attacks.
5. Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil 4 is a survival horror game developed and published by Capcom for the Nintendo GameCube in 2005, and later released for other platforms. The game is the fourth main installment in the Resident Evil series.
It features a new protagonist, Leon S. Kennedy, who is sent to a remote village in Spain to rescue the President’s daughter. The game also introduces a new enemy type, the Ganado, who are infected with a mind-controlling parasite and display advanced intelligence behavior. You must navigate through the village and its surrounding areas to fight off hordes of enemies using an array of weapons and items.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t you play some PS3 games on PS5?
PS5 isn’t fully backward compatible with PS3 games as it is for PS4. The main reason is that physical discs on PS3 do not work on PS5. So, the only PS3 games that you can play on PS5 are the ones that are available on PS Plus Premium.
Do you need a PS Plus subscription service to play PS3 games on PS5?
Yes, you need a PS Plus subscription to play PS3 games on PS5. Since PS5 doesn’t support the physical discs of PS3, you’d rely on a virtual version of the game, for which you’d need to have a PS Plus Premium Subscription.
Are PS3 and PS4 games playable on PS5?
The short answer is YES. You can play the PS3 and PS4 games on the PS5 console. However, you can not run the physical or digital copies of PS3. You’ll need to purchase the PS Now plan and use the PS3 library to stream games.
Can you play PS3 games on PS5?
Yes, however, the PS5 has some backwards compatibility features that allow you to play select PS3 games on the new console. So, not all PS3 games are supported and available. Before getting a PS3 game to play on your PS5 gaming console, you should check if the specific game you want to play is playable on the PS5 console.
