Can You Play PS3 Games On PS5? [How To Do It]

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So, you’ve bought a new PS5 and still want to enjoy classic PS3 entries such as Resident Evil, Smash Cars, and Motorstom. The PS5 is known for its backward compatibility, especially with the PS4. But can you play PS3 games on PS5? 

PS5 Unsupported Disc Interface

Can You Play PS3 Games On PS5?

Yes, you can play PS3 games on PS5, but not as you usually do with console-compatible games. Instead, you must stream PS3 games digitally on PS5 using a PlayStation Plus subscription through the cloud. 

The PS5 is backward compatible. It can play games from old-generation consoles, allowing it to access PS3 games. You can also play almost all PS4 discs and digital games on PS5. 

PS Plus subscriptions have three membership tiers – Essential, Extra, and Premium, ranging from $9.99 to $159.99. You can opt for a monthly, quarterly, or annual plan. The subscription has numerous benefits, including cloud storage, online multiplayer games, a share plan, and exclusive content.

Check out how to stream on PS5 if you have any doubts about what’s it or how to do it.

How To Play PS3 Games On PS5

Here are the steps to play PS3 games on PS5: 

Step 1: Subscribe to PS Plus

Any subscription plan will work for accessing PS3 games using your PS5.

Step2: Go to the Game Library

Open “PlayStation Store > Subscription > PlayStation Now. You can then browse through the available games or hit the “Sort by” option and click on “Platform > PS3” to display all the available PS3 games.

Step 3: Select and Play a PS3 Game

There are hundreds, if not thousands of PS3 games that you can access through your PS Plus subscription, so you’ll never run out of games to play!

Issues You May Face While Playing PS3 Games On PS5

Some of the issues gamers may face while playing PS3 games on the PS5 console are:

  • Inconsistent internet speed or bad connection.
  • Games are not downloadable.
  • Backward compatibility.
  • Game streaming lag and stutter.

If you have issues using PS Plus, check out why your PS Plus is not working.

Compared to older and later generations, the PS3 has the best collection of games. Even though you can’t play physical PS3 discs on the PS5, you can still access some of the console’s greatest hits via PS Plus.

PS3 Games Catalog

Here is a list of PS3 games that can be streamed on PS5 that might change your mind:

  • God of War 2 HD
  • The Last of Us
  • Bioshock
  • Yakuza 5
  • Resident Evil 4
  • Devil May Cry
  • Batman: Arkham Origins
  • Resistance 3
  • F.E.A.R.
  • Uncharted 2
  • Demon’s Soul
  • Infamous
  • Red Dead Redemption

Playing PS3 Games On PS5 Console: Yes, But Only Streaming

All things considered, the answer to the question “Can you play PS3 games on PS5?” is a conditional yes. The unique cell architecture with which PS3 was developed makes it impossible to play PS3 games natively on the PS5.

The PS5 console will not support PS3 games on its own. Therefore, PlayStation lovers need to get a PlayStation Plus membership. However, despite the PlayStation Plus membership, you cannot purchase or download digital games or run PS3 games from game discs on the PS5 console.

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