Best answer: We can’t know for sure just yet, but we can assume yes, especially because the PS5 is planned to support backward compatability in some form. The concern over used games came to a peak during the launch of the PS4 and Xbox One, where Sony famously mocked the Xbox One’s rumored inability to play used games, by stating that they could be played on the PS4. Since that’s the case now, it seems like a no-brainer for the PS5.
- Pick up a game: PlayStation Store Gift Card (From $20 at Amazon)
- Preorder soon: PlayStation 5 (See at Amazon)
What’s this about used games?
When the Xbox One was initially announced in 2013, a considerable uproar followed since Microsoft had announced heavy restrictions on physical games. Specifically, players would have games tied to their accounts, meaning that lending or selling games would be near impossible. When Sony announced the PS4 shortly after, it famously took a jab at the company when it announced players would have no restrictions on any games.
While the present-day landscape of games is extremely digital, and while Xbox did end up changing its policies, players have since been cautious about how companies will handle this going forward. Fortunately, it seems highly likely that Sony will not be placing any type of restrictions on physical games for the PS5. Not only is everything mostly done digitally now, but it would just result in a massive backlash from the fans who still rely on renting or buying used games.
Will there be any restrictions?
Much like it is in present-day, the PS5 should allow players to use any type of physical game they want in the PS5, granted that it stays in the disc tray and is compatible with the console. Players looking to wait to pick up some of the new releases for the PS5 shouldn’t have to worry at all on this front.
Will the PS5 support backward compatibility?
According to Sony, there will be backward compatibility. Early in the PS5’s announcement history, lead console architect Mark Cerny said that the PS5 would be backward compatible with PlayStation 4 games, due in part to the console using some of the PS4’s architecture. This marks a big step for the console, as the PS4 did not feature any backward compatibility for PS3 games.
Should the PS5 be able to live up to its promise of supporting backward compatibility, it will help keep the vast library of PS4 games alive, which is likely the goal for Sony. Not only would you still be able to visit some of the classics of the PS4, but any late releases games for console could still be enjoyed on the newer PS5.
Our pick
PlayStation Store Gift Card
From $20 at Amazon
From $50 at Best Buy
From $20 at Walmart
Easy to stock up
PlayStation gift cards are an easy way to grab currency for games, add-ons, themes, and more on the PlayStation Store. They also come in a wide variety of denominations.
Holiday 2020
PlayStation 5
See at Amazon
See at Best Buy
See at Walmart
Sign up for notifications
The PS5 isn’t available for preorder just yet, but select retailers are allowing fans to sign up early for notifications, so they don’t miss out.
