I don’t think the question should be how to play PS3 games on PS4 rather you should be concerned about if PS3 games work on PS4.
Note that what matters in every video game console is backward compatibility – the ability to play your old games on a new system, and this by extension, increases the value of the video game.
At the end of this article, you will find out if you can play PS3 Games on PS4, if PS3 has the backward compatibility that we just spoke about, and what the answers to these questions entail.
Can You Play PS3 Games On PS4?
As I earlier stated, backward compatibility is what determines if a PlayStation can run older games, and sadly, PS4 is not backward-compatible with PS3 games.
This means that they both have different system architectures (PS4 consoles don’t have the hardware of the PS3), and as a result of that you can’t insert a PS3 disc, PS2 disc, or even the original PlayStation disc into the PS4, and expect it to work.
Furthermore, irrespective of the edition of the PlayStation 4, you can’t download digital versions of PS3 games from the PlayStation Store onto it.
However, don’t be sad as there are other ways to play your favorite PS3 games on PS4.
Other Ways To Play PS3 Games On PS4
Consider the methods below as alternatives to play your favorite PS3 Games on PS4, they include
1. Stream PS3 Titles On PS4 Through PlayStation Now
This Sony cloud gaming service is available on PS4, PS5, and Windows allowing gamers to enjoy PS4, PS3, and PS2 games by streaming.
This means that with PlayStation Now, you can enjoy as much the best old titles of the console family as long as you have a stable internet connection, and you are not concerned about the cost of streaming.
Interestingly, this service alone has more than four hundred S3 games available on it, so, what are you waiting for to subscribe to PlayStation Now, and enjoy these games?
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How To Set Up For PlayStation Now On Your PS4
The steps below will guide you on how to set up PlayStation Now on your PlayStation4, follow the instructions below:
Step 1: You need a fresh PS Now account if you don’t have one already, so go to the following website “https://www.playstation.com/en-us/ps-now/,” and sign-up in a web browser on your console or your PC, however, if you already have the PlayStation Now app installed on your PS4, open it.
Step 2: Use the account that you have created on the website of PlayStation Now. to log into the app.
Step 3: Under the “PS NOW COLLECTION” scan through the PS2 games or PS3 games, and choose the game you want to play.
Step 4: Click the “X” button on your Dualshock 4 controller to run the game.
Step 5: Choose either “Download Game” or “Stream Now”. Note that if you choose the “Download Game” option, you will be able to play the game offline but if you select “Stream Now,” the reverse is the case as you will need a steady internet connection to play the game.
Step 6: If you have selected the “Download Game” option, wait for it to completely download, and when that is done, start the game.
Please, if you are streaming, ensure you have a high-speed, steady internet connection so as to enjoy the game, if not, you will get image compression and lag in return.
Another important factor to consider is the availability of the PlayStation Now subscription service in your country.
Take a look at the list of countries where you can buy this subscription:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Canada
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Luxembourg
- Norway
- Portugal
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- The Netherlands
- UK
- USA
2. Play Remasters And Remakes Of PS3 Games
You can now enjoy games made for older systems on a current PS console as well as multiple games from a series, and this is because of the large number of video game remasters and remakes launched which sometimes, come in compilations.
Although these games are PlayStation 4 games and not PlayStation 3 titles, they are the same with just little enhancements. So, if you have a PS4 but wish to play the best of the PS3 generation, this is for you.
Some examples of PS3 games you can play remastered on PS4 include:
- Borderlands
- The Last of Us Remastered (an improved version of the monumental PS3 title).
- BioShock
3. Use Cross-Buy And Cross-Gen Offers
Cross-buy promotions offer gamers an opportunity to play PS3 titles on their PS4.
With Cross-buy promotions, when you buy just a game, it gives you access to that game on various systems at no additional cost.
This is to say that if you bought a game on PS3, you can automatically access the PS4 version of that game.
Additionally, certain cross-generational games offered upgrades to the new system for a token when the PS4 was launched, so if you bought a game on PS3, you can upgrade to the PS4 version of it at probably the cost of $10.
As for the physical copies of the games, there is a code inside that you can use to activate the offer.
That being said, if you check your game library on PS4, and any of the codes have already expired, you can try digital offers as such purchases are automatically discounted for the next-generation versions.
What PS3 Games Can I Play?
As the days pass by, the number of games on Sony’s PlayStation Now catalog keeps increasing such that there are more than 800 playable PS2 and PS3 titles combined.
You just need a subscription to access them as the titles are available.
Below is a list of some of the popular games released on the PS3 that you can play on the PS4:
- Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare series
- Portal 2
- Dishonored
- Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
- Killzone 2
- Red Dead Redemption
- Tomb Raider 2013
- Batman: Arkham Knight
- Castlevania Lord of Shadows series
- Mass Effect 3
- Demon’s Souls
- The Elder Scrolls IV: Morrowind
- Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows
- inFamous 2
- Fallout 3
- Grand Theft Auto: IV
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
- Dead Space 2
- Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
- Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception
- Far Cry 3
- Limbo
- BioShock 2
- Heavy Rain
- Dragon’s Age: Inquisition
- Bayonetta
- Diablo III
…and hundreds of other titles you can choose from.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Someone With A PS3 Play With Someone With A PS4?
PS3 does not support crossplay, so it is impossible to play from PS3 with someone on a PS4.
Can You Play PlayStation 3 Games On A PlayStation 5?
Can I Transfer PS3 Games To PS4?
Is It Still Worth Buying A PS3?
Yes, PS3 was designed to take advantage of the incredibly advanced and powerful cell architecture. One of the best games you can play on any system and have the pleasure of playing any critically regarded title are the exclusives launched on the PS3.
If gameplay and story are more important to you than visuals. The PS3 is still a powerful platform that you can purchase for a low price.
Does PS3 Online Still Work In 2022?
Yes, Sony still offers online support for the PlayStation 3, and you can still play multiplayer games on servers that are still up and operating.
In 2018 and 2019, the majority of game servers were shut down, although some game servers are still operational. You can still sign in to your PS3 account and access an online game without any problems in the year 2022.
Is the PS3 Store Still Open In 2022?
Yes, Sony just declared that players would still be able to use their PS3 or PSVita to visit the PlayStation shop. Initially, the firm intended to discontinue the PlayStation Store for PS3 and PSVita, but it rapidly changed its mind.
The PS3 and PSVita store will remain open till further notice. After July 2, 2021, the shop services for PSP will be discontinued.
Are PS3 Games Still Being Made?
A few years ago, PS3 game development came to an end. FIFA 19, which was made for the PlayStation 3 in September 2018, was the most recent title to be ported to it.
Since then, no other game has been released for the PlayStation 3, and for good reason. It’s quite doubtful that any business will create a PlayStation 3 game in the future or even right now.
Conclusion
From all I have said, you can deduce that it’s impossible to play PS3 games on PS4 due to the backward compatibility, however, there are alternatives you can employ to play your favorite PS3 games on PS4.
In case of further questions, feel free to ask in the comment section.
