Do l need a PS5 to play PS5 games?

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:

  • Physical PS5 game discs require a PS5 Disc Edition

  • 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:

  • Returnal

  • Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

  • 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:

  • PS5

  • PS4

  • PC (via browser or app)

🎮 This is the only official way to play PS5 games without owning the console directly.

But:

  • Only select games are supported

  • 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:

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.