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The design of both consoles makes it impossible to play PS3 games on PS4. We explain why and what you can do to keep playing.
Some consoles allow game compatibility even if the games were made for earlier versions. But, for example, some game consoles like PlayStation are not backward compatible with certain models of the same brand. So if you want to play your PS3 games on PS4, you won’t be able to do it the usual way, but don’t worry, there are always alternatives!
Compatibility of PS3 games on PS4
If you just bought a PS4 console and tried to insert a game from the previous version, you will have noticed they are not compatible. Despite this, there are different options so you can relive the best games in a different way.
Programming on PS3
The problem with the games and the console comes from the design of both, that is, how the PS3 and PS4 were originally made. The first was created with a Cell chip and SPU that formed its architecture. This technology established the unique features of the machine. Because it was built on this, the programming was special and did not allow compatibility with others. This also meant that when new games appeared intended for use on different platforms, they had to be optimized to work on the PlayStation 3 model from Sony.
Programming on PS4
The processor and CPU of the new PlayStation 4 are very different from its predecessor, aiming for features similar to a computer. It has an AMD 8-core processor and an x86-64 Jaguar CPU. Because of this, game compatibility became impossible. This processor and the setup of previous games make the emulation process unable to be done automatically and natively, as happens with other earlier models like the PS2. Knowing this drawback, Sony could not fix it due to the high cost that would involve adding a Cell chip to the PS4.
Don’t despair: there are solutions
But don’t worry, you can play your PS3 games on PS4 thanks to some solutions developed to make both compatible.
PlayStation Now
The PlayStation Now platform seems to be one of the best options to solve the problem. It is a streaming game service through which you can access many titles via your Internet connection and your PS4.
It is a paid platform that will interest you if you want to play any game both on your console and on your computer (as long as it has Windows operating system). After years of not working in all countries, it has arrived in Spain to let you access all the games it offers for a price of 14.99 euros per month or 99.99 euros per year (at the time of this article’s publication). You can find up to 600 different titles there.
Remastering
The remastering of some of the best PS3 games for PS4 has allowed many players to enjoy them again on their new console. These include new extras and additional material; the main problem with this solution is that to play these games again you will need to buy the new version since the old one will still not be compatible.
Also, not all the games that PlayStation 3 had have been remastered, which means these can only be played exclusively on the original PS3. If you still have it, you can keep enjoying them.
