Are Older Games Digitally Available on PlayStation 5?

Whether you were lucky enough to get a PlayStation 5 when it was released in November 2020 or picked one up over the recent Holiday break, you might be surprised at the relatively low number of next-generation exclusives there are. COVID really did a number on the games industry and forever changed how video games are developed.

In 2022 especially it felt like games were being delayed every other week as over 60 release dates, for all platforms, were pushed back (via IGN). The good news for PlayStation 5 owners is, while they wait for the latest incredible-looking game to drop, the PlayStation Store has an extensive catalogue of games from all eras of the PlayStation brand for them to check out.

 

The Classic Collection

Digital PS1, PS2, and PSP games are available from the Classics Catalogue on the PlayStation Store. They can be purchased individually for a range of prices; however, Sony also offers the full catalogue as part of PlayStation+ Premium. PlayStation+ Premium is the most expensive tier of Sony’s revamped subscription service but the best way to play older games on PS5. For Star Wars fans there are a number of tie-in games in the catalogue including Star Wars: Bounty Hunter and Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter, likewise there are recognizable franchises including Resident Evil, Ape Escape and Syphon Filter. Unfortunately, as of writing, the selection is a little lacklustre considering the number of iconic games released on the PS1 and PS2. On the plus side, these older games can now be downloaded and played by nostalgic and younger alike on their PS4/PS5.

PlayStation 3

Also available via PS+ Premium is the PS3 Catalogue. It features more than double the number of games than the Classics Collection and has a much broader range of genres to choose from. These include everything from LEGO Batman The Videogame to F.E.A.R to Dynasty Warriors 8. PlayStation 3 games can only be played on PS5 by Cloud streaming them, and most are not available to buy individually.

PlayStation 4

It wouldn’t be inaccurate to say that PlayStation 4 titles make up the bulk of the PlayStation 5’s library of games. Whether it is through a subscription service like PlayStation+ and the EA Player, or straight from the PlayStation Store; there are many games available to download. What’s more, a lot of digital PS4 titles also have PS5 editions available that will optimize the game for the latest hardware.

 

Alex Johnson (@AlexJohnWriting)
News Editor, NoobFeed