Can You Play PS3 Games On PS5? The Ultimate UK Guide To Compatibility, Streaming & Alternatives

Table of Contents

The PlayStation 3 era brought us iconic titles like Metal Gear Solid 4, Red Dead Redemption, The Last of Us, and Resistance: Fall of Man. Now that the PlayStation 5 dominates living rooms across the UK, many gamers are asking the important question: can you play PS3 games on PS5?

With new generations of gaming consoles often raising backward compatibility concerns, Sony’s decision regarding PS3 game support on the PS5 has sparked plenty of debate. Whether you’re looking to replay a classic or just curious about your old collection, this guide explains everything UK gamers need to know, from physical disc limitations to cloud streaming options.

Why PS3 Games Don’t Work Natively on the PS5

The short answer to can you play PS3 games on PS5 directly is: not natively. Unlike PS4 games, which are mostly plug-and-play on the PS5, PS3 titles are not supported on disc or digital download. The reason is rooted in technology. The PS3 was built with a unique and complex Cell processor architecture, which makes emulating its games extremely difficult on the newer console’s hardware.

Sony decided against including full PS3 backward compatibility in the PS5, focusing instead on ensuring seamless integration for PS4 games. This has left many wondering what to do with their PS3 collections. If you insert a PS3 disc into your PS5, it simply won’t read it. Likewise, if you’ve previously purchased PS3 games digitally on your old account, they won’t be available to download again on the PS5 console—unless they’re part of a specific subscription service.

How to Play PS3 Games on PS5 via Streaming

The only official way to play PS3 games on your PS5 is through cloud streaming. This is available via PlayStation Plus Premium, the highest tier of Sony’s revamped subscription service. Instead of downloading the game, your PS5 streams it from a Sony server—just like Netflix, but for games.

To make this work smoothly, you’ll need a stable internet connection, preferably 15Mbps or higher, to avoid lag or interruptions. The feature is available in the UK and includes a selection of classic PS3 games, such as Ratchet & Clank: Tools of Destruction, God of War: Ascension, MotorStorm, and more. While this doesn’t give you ownership of the game, it’s the most practical solution if you’re wondering can you play PS3 games on PS5 in 2025.

What About Your Old PS3 Discs and Digital Games?

One of the most disappointing aspects for long-time PlayStation fans is that your original PS3 discs won’t work on PS5. If you’re holding onto titles like Resistance 2 or Killzone 3, they will remain just that—collector’s items. Similarly, digitally purchased PS3 games are not transferable unless Sony has re-released them as remastered or streaming versions in the PS Plus Premium library.

So, can you play PS3 games on PS5 if you’ve already bought them digitally on PS3? Not exactly. Even if you’re logged into the same PlayStation Network account on PS5, these games will not appear in your PS5 game library unless included in the streaming service. This move has disappointed fans hoping for broader backwards compatibility in the same way Xbox supports past generations.

PS5 Compatibility with Other Console Generations

Let’s address the broader compatibility picture. Many gamers also ask, can you play PS4 games on PS5? The answer here is a resounding yes. The PS5 supports nearly all PS4 games, both on disc and digital download. Performance is often enhanced with faster load times and improved frame rates. If you’re still finishing up titles like The Witcher 3 or Spider-Man, you can continue seamlessly on the PS5.

But can you play PS2 games on PS5 or even PS1 games? In limited cases, yes—through PS Plus Premium. Sony has begun adding a selection of classic PlayStation titles to the service, though it’s nowhere near comprehensive. These games are often upscaled and enhanced for modern displays, offering a nostalgic trip with modern convenience.

List of Popular PS3 Games Available on PS Plus Premium

If you’re planning to subscribe to PlayStation Plus Premium, here’s a sample of PS3 games you can stream on PS5 in the UK:

The Last of Us
Red Dead Redemption
Infamous and Infamous 2
Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time
God of War III
MotorStorm Apocalypse
Demon’s Souls (original version)

This list is continually updated, and while it’s not exhaustive, it includes many critically acclaimed classics. Sony continues to rotate titles in and out, so it’s wise to check the catalogue frequently.

Other Useful Features on the PS5 for Managing Games

Even if you can’t play PS3 games on PS5 directly, the console offers many features to help manage your growing game collection. For example, you can delete games on PS5 easily to make space for new titles. The console’s user interface allows for quick uninstalls and cloud saves ensure your progress is not lost.

You can also share games on PS5 using features like game sharing or game gifting, although gifting is limited to digital wallet top-ups or gift cards. Sony doesn’t yet allow direct game gifting through the PlayStation Store. Additionally, understanding how to refund games on PS5 is essential—players in the UK can request refunds for eligible games under specific conditions, usually within 14 days of purchase.

Can You Expect Full PS3 Compatibility on PS5 in the Future?

There’s growing speculation that Sony might eventually allow native PS3 emulation on PS5, especially as technology advances. While nothing official has been confirmed, insiders and patent filings suggest that Sony is at least considering expanding its backward compatibility offerings. Until then, cloud streaming remains the only viable answer to can you play PS3 games on PS5.

In the meantime, fans can look out for PS3 remasters released for PS4 and PS5. Titles like The Last of Us Remastered, Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection, and Batman: Arkham Collection bring PS3-era games to modern systems with updated visuals and features.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Playing PS3 Games on PS5?

If you’re still wondering can you play PS3 games on PS5, the final answer is: yes, but only via streaming with PlayStation Plus Premium. It’s not as simple as popping in a disc or downloading an old title, but it’s better than nothing—especially if you missed out on key PS3 exclusives.

For UK gamers with fast broadband, PS Plus Premium offers a solid way to experience beloved PS3 classics again. It also provides access to PS1 and PS2 titles, as well as PS4 and PS5 games, making it a worthwhile investment for many players. As technology evolves, we can only hope for even better backward compatibility from Sony in the near future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you play PS3 games on PS5 without PlayStation Plus Premium?
No, PS3 games are not supported natively and require a subscription to PS Plus Premium for streaming access.

Can I insert a PS3 disc into my PS5 and play it?
No, the PS5 does not recognise or play PS3 discs.

Are PS3 games downloadable on PS5?
Currently, PS3 games are only available via cloud streaming. They cannot be downloaded.

Can you play PS4 games on PS5?
Yes, the PS5 supports almost all PS4 titles, both on disc and digital.

Will PS5 support PS3 games in the future?
There is no official word yet, but many hope for native support or improved emulation in future updates.

Can you play digital PS3 games bought on PS3 on your PS5?
Only if they are included in the PS Plus Premium streaming catalogue.

Bullet Speed Summary: