❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).

Can you play PS3 games on PS5? How to access classic titles

Stream everything from Alone in the Dark to Zombie Tycoon - here's all 300-plus games available.

Published: Thursday, 4 January 2024 at 4:20 pm

Listen to our new Gaming podcast, One More Life

One of the great bonuses of buying a new console is when platform holders add the ability to play classic games, such as having the option to play PS3 games on the PS5.

Ad

Not everyone has access to these retro titles, so the more places they're available, the better.

While the PS5 is known for its backwards compatibility with PS4 titles — by simply inserting the disc or purchasing the game digitally — the ability to play PS3 games is slightly more complex.

For one, backwards compatibility is done via streaming, rather than the physical games themselves.

Loving gaming? Listen to our podcast, One More Life!

Thankfully, it's worth the effort to gain access to a tremendous library of classic PS3 games, with entries in popular franchises like Castlevania, Ratchet & Clank, Ninja Gaiden, Star Wars, Dynasty Warriors, Resident Evil, LEGO, Sam & Max, Motorstorm, Devil May Cry, Fallout and many, many more.

In fact, there are more than 300 PS3 games available, as of January 2024.

Taking this all into consideration, we've laid out the details of how to play PS3 games on PS5, as well as listing out every single title that is currently available.

Can you play PS3 games on PS5?

PS3 console and controller in front of a blue background

PS3. Sony

While the PS5 cannot play PS3 discs directly, a selection of PS3 games can be played digitally.

This works via a PS Plus Premium subscription, which costs £13.49 per month, £39.99 per quarter or £119.99 per year.

Once an internet connection is established, numerous PS3 games can then be streamed to the PS5 console.

How to play PS3 games on PS5

PS Plus Tiers against a grey background

PS Plus tiers. Sony

To play PS3 games on PS5, you need to first sign up for a PS Plus Premium subscription before following the below steps:

There's no specific PS3 filter on the PS5 console, so it's best to just scroll through the selection of PlayStation games until you find the one you want. That's at least good for providing some inspiration as to what to play next.

Alternatively, you can find the list on the official PlayStation website.

From our experience, a decent internet speed is required to enjoy streaming to its fullest. It's fine for single-player experiences, but can be restrictive in anything multiplayer or fast-paced.

This was taken from the average download speed as of March 2023 (via Ofcom) of 69.4 Mbps in the UK. If you want the best streaming experience, we'd recommend investing in higher speeds.

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Google reCAPTCHA. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Google reCAPTCHA may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Google reCAPTCHA and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

Which PS3 games are on PS5?

Beyond Two Souls character standing looking dishevelled, with a man lying in the background

Beyond Two Souls. Quantic Dream

The following list is compiled of all the PS3 games available on PS5 via a PS Plus Premium subscription. As of January 2024, there are 352 games in total. See below for the complete list:

Remember, only these specific games can be played on PS5, with PS3 discs incompatible with the next-gen console. This list is also updated regularly, so check out the official PlayStation website for further information.

Listen to our One More Life podcast and subscribe to our gaming newsletter for all the latest intel.

Looking for something to watch? Check out our TV Guide or Streaming Guide.

Ad

Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

Authors

Matt PoskittFreelance Writer

Matt Poskitt is a freelance journalist who specialises in arts and culture – be that movies, TV, video games, tech or otherwise. Matt headed up the games and entertainment section at T3 (Future Publishing), alongside being found across The Guardian, CNET, PC Gamer Mag, GamesIndustry.biz, Insider, iNews, IGN, TechRadar, PC Gamer Mag, NME and many more.

Ad

Ad

Get the Christmas double issue

Too much to watch at Christmas? Let Radio Times do the choosing to find something the whole family will enjoy.

Subscribe by 3 Dec

Loading...

Ad

Loading...