If you've been eyeing the latest PS5-exclusive titles like Spider-Man 2, Final Fantasy XVI, or Demon's Souls, you may be wondering:
Do I actually need a PlayStation 5 console to play PS5 games?
Let’s break down the answer with a full explanation — and some surprising alternatives.
✅ The Short Answer: Yes — in most cases, you need a PS5.
PS5 games are designed specifically for the PlayStation 5 hardware, including its ultra-fast SSD, advanced GPU, DualSense controller, and next-gen features like ray tracing. This means:
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Physical PS5 game discs require a PS5 Disc Edition
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Digital PS5 games require a PS5 console logged into your PlayStation Network account
But there's a catch — some exceptions and workarounds exist.
🧩 Can You Play PS5 Games on a PS4?
In a limited way, yes — through Remote Play or cross-generation releases:
1. Remote Play (Streaming from a PS5)
If someone else owns a PS5, you can use your PS4 to stream their PS5 gameplay using Sony’s Remote Play app.
🎯 Requirements:
Both PS4 and PS5 consoles powered on
Same PlayStation Network account
Stable internet connection
But this is not the same as owning the PS5 yourself — it’s just mirroring gameplay.
2. Cross-Gen Versions
Some games release both PS4 and PS5 versions (e.g. Call of Duty, FIFA, Hogwarts Legacy). You can still play these titles on PS4 — just with lower performance and graphical fidelity.
☁️ Can I Play PS5 Games on PC?
Not natively — but Sony is gradually releasing some PS5 exclusives on PC, such as:
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Returnal
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Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
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Horizon: Forbidden West (coming soon)
These versions are fully optimized for Windows and sold via Steam or the Epic Games Store.
🌐 Can I Stream PS5 Games via the Cloud?
Yes — if you have a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription, Sony allows some PS5 titles to be cloud streamed to your:
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PS5
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PS4
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PC (via browser or app)
🎮 This is the only official way to play PS5 games without owning the console directly.
But:
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Only select games are supported
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You need a strong internet connection (minimum 15Mbps, ideally 25Mbps+)
🛒 Where to Get a PS5 Console
If you want the full experience, getting a PS5 is still the best option.
You can buy PS5s here:
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Amazon
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Walmart
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Best Buy
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Sony's official PlayStation store
Tip: Choose the Disc Edition if you have PS4 games on physical discs.
🧠 Conclusion
| Platform | Can Play PS5 Games? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PS5 Console | ✅ Yes | Full support |
| PS4 Console | ⚠️ Limited | Only via streaming or cross-gen |
| PC | ✅ Some | Only select titles released on Steam/Epic |
| Cloud (PS Plus Premium) | ✅ Limited | Requires subscription and fast internet |
✅ To fully access all PS5 games, you need a PlayStation 5 console.
🧩 But options like cloud streaming or PC ports provide limited ways to play without it.