Playing games on PlayStation consoles has become one of most favorite things. There are a lot of games offered by PlayStation. Some of them can be played on several types of PlayStation consoles. Playing PS3 games on PS3 consoles or playing PS4 games on PS4 consoles is easy and normal. Then, what about playing PS3 games on PS4? Is it possible to do it?
Unfortunately, the short answer to the question is no as PS4 is not backward compatible with PS3 games. Inserting a PS3 disc into the PS4 is unlikely and there is no way for you to download the digital versions of PS3 games from the PlayStation Store onto your PS4. Keep in mind it is the same case with every edition of PS4, including the slim PS4 and PS4 Pro.
The main reason why it happens is because the system architectures of PS3 and PS4 are different, just like most compatibility situations. Since there is no hardware of the PS3 in the PS4 consoles, PS4 cannot run the older games natively. Besides, Sony took a decision that it is not worth it to build a software emulator with the function to handle the older games, that’s why the PS4 is only able to play the PS4 games. Not only PS3 games, it can also play the PS2 or original PlayStation discs.
Actually, it is still possible to play PS3 games on PS4. However, due to the fact that PS4 is not backwards compatible, you have to get creative. One of the things that you can do to play PS3 games on PS4 is to use PS Now. PS Now refers to the cloud gaming service created by Sony. This one is available on PS4, PS5, and Windows. With it, you are allowed to stream PS3 games. Not only PS3 games, you are also able to stream PS4 and PS2 games.
If you want to get PS Now, you can use a free trial. There are two things that you need to get it. The first one is a new email address and the second one is a new PlayStation account. In order to get PS Now, here is step by step to follow:
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- As stated before, the first thing that you have to do is to make an email address and new PlayStation account.
- Then, sign into your main account and then switch to the new account.
- The next thing that you need to do is to sign up for a 7 day PS Now free trial.
- After that, load up PS Now and find the game that you want to play on the app. You can play it by clicking on the Play Download button that should be there once you have clicked on the game.
- Lastly, go back to your main account. In this account, you will be able to load the game straight from the home screen.
When using this method, please remember to load up the game first on your second account and then switch to your main account.
Is using PS Now the only way to play PS3 games on PS4? Is there another way that you can do to be able to play PS3 games on PS4? If your PS Now free trial runs out and you do not have enough money or if you just do not want to use PS Now to play PS3 games on PS4, the good news is that there are some other methods for you to try. One of them is by playing remasters and remakes of PS3 games.
Now, you have a chance to enjoy games that are made for the older systems on the current console thanks to video game remasters and remakes. It is stated that sometimes they show up in compilations, making you get multiple games from a series in just one package. Here are several examples of PS3 games that are able to be play remastered on PS4:
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- Borderlands: The Handsome Collection is known as a remaster of Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, along with loads of DLC.
- The Last of Us Remastered is known as an enhanced version of the monumental PS3 game.
- BioShock: The Collection is known as the bundle of the BioShock, BioShock 2, and BioShock Infinite.
Technically, you are playing a PS4 game and not a PS3. However, it is still fine as these games are as effective as the ones on the PS3. What makes them different compared to the ones in PS3 is that they have small enhancements. For those who missed out the best of the PS3 generation and want to try it on PS4, these games are worth trying.
The second thing that will make it possible for you to play PS3 games on PS4 is cross buy and cross gen offers. With these, you will be able to get access to a game on multiple systems when you purchase it on one. For instance, if you purchased the game named Doki-Doki Universe on PS3, you will be able to automatically get access to the PS4 version of the game. On top of that, there is no need for you to pay for anything as there is no extra cost.
Likewise, when the PS4 generation started, a few cross generational games also offered upgrades to the new system. While the above one is free, this one costs a small fee. For example, if you purchased the game called Battlefield 4 on PS3, you could upgrade to the PS4 of the game by paying $10 from your pocket. In order to activate the offer, physical copies of the games had a code found inside. As for the digital purchases, it automatically discounted the next gen versions. If you want to see if you have access to any of these, please check your game library on PS4. While the codes are likely to be expired already, the digital offers could still be valid.
AUTHOR BIO
On my daily job, I am a software engineer, programmer & computer technician. My passion is assembling PC hardware, studying Operating System and all things related to computers technology. I also love to make short films for YouTube as a producer. More at about me…
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