How to Play PS3 Games on the PS4

Written by Travis Boylls

Last Updated: August 26, 2024 Fact Checked

Since the PlayStation 4 (PS4) isn’t backwards-compatible, users with PlayStation 3 (PS3) games are unable to insert PS3 discs into the PS4 console or re-download PS3 games from PlayStation Network to play on the PS4. However, users can access and play over 800 PS2, PS3, and PS4 games through a streaming service called PlayStation Now. This wikiHow teaches you how to sign up for PlayStation Now.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Getting a PlayStation Now Subscription

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Connect your PS4 to the Internet. If you haven't already done so, connect your PS4 to the internet. In order to use Playstation Now, you need a broadband internet to connect.^{[1]
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Sign up for a PlayStation Network account. If you haven't already done so, you need to sign up for a PlayStation Network account. You can do so on your PS4 or through the PlayStation Store website.^{[2]
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Select the PlayStation Store icon. It's the first icon on the PlayStation 4 dynamic menu. It has an icon that resembles a shopping bag. Press X on the controller to select the PlayStation Store. This is where you can purchase and sign up for PlayStation Now.
It's near the bottom of the sidebar menu on the left.
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Select Start 7-day free trial. It's the orange button in the center of the screen. You get a free 7-day trial to PlayStation Now. After that, it is $17.99 plus tax per month.^{[3]
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- You can explore the PlayStation Now library online. Just click the blue button that says See All Games.
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Select Subscribe. It's the blue button below "7 Days free trial" to the left. Press the X button to select it.
- If it says Not available for purchase you may have already used your PS Now free trial.
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Select Confirm Purchase. It the third button on the right. Use the directional buttons or left stick to navigate to the button and press X to select it.
- You can also select Connection Test to test if your internet connection is fast enough for PlayStation Now.
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Enter your PlayStation Network password. In order to confirm your purchase, you need to enter the password associated with your PSN account. Use the controller to navigate the on-screen keyboard and enter your PSN password and press X. This starts your free PS Now trial.
- If you decide not to continue your subscription after the 7-day free trial, you will need to turn off auto-renew before the trial is over. To turn off auto renew on your PlayStation 4, navigate to Settings. Then select Account Management. Select Account Information, and select PlayStation Subscriptions. Select PlayStation Now Subscription and select Turn Off Auto-Renew.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Playing PS3 Games on PS Now

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It's the button with the PlayStation logo in the center of your DualShock controller. This opens the dynamic menu on the PS4.
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Open the PS Now app. It has an icon that resembles the PlayStation logo in a curvy triangle. Use the controller to navigate to the PS Now app on the dynamic menu and press X to open the app.
- If you don't see the PS Now app on your main dynamic menu, navigate all the way to the right and select Library. Then select Applications in the sidebar to the left, and select PS Now in the Applications menu.
It's below the PlayStation Now icon to the right. This launches the app.
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Select Browse. It's the third tab at the top of the screen. Use the left stick or directional buttons on the controller to navigate to it and press X.
- Alternatively, if you know of a specific game you want to play, select Search instead. Select Type to search and use the on-screen keyboard to type the name of the game you want to search for.
It's the fourth box in the browse menu. This displays a list of all available PS3 games.^{[4]
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Use the left stick or directional buttons on the controller to navigate to a game you want to play. Then press X to open the game.^{[5]
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Select Stream Now. It's the blue button below the game title. This starts the game. Allow a few moments for the game to finish loading.
- Press the PS button on the controller to access the PS Now menu.
- Press the right side of the touchpad to press Start.
- Press the left side of the touchpad to press Select.

Part 3

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Troubleshooting

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Switch to using a wired connection. A wired connection is usually more reliable than a wireless connection. If PlayStation Now fails to stream or connect properly through a wireless connection, try switching to a wired connection.^{[6]
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- Sony recommends using a wired connection with an Ethernet cable for the best results when using PlayStation Now.
Suspend or cancel any large downloads and other streaming services. If your connection is poor when using PlayStation Now, you may be using too much bandwidth. Make sure that there aren't any large downloads or streaming services (such as Netflix, or YouTube) running on any other devices connected to your wireless network. Large downloads and streaming services running on smartphones and other computers can interfere with the streaming speed for PlayStation Now on your PS4.^{[7]
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Community Q&A

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Question

Can I play a ps4 disc on a ps3?

Community Answer

No, you cannot as it will not work.

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Question

How do you connect a PS3 disc to a PS4 console?

Community Answer

You can't do that; you need to buy the games on PS now to play PS3 games and also be connected to the internet.

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Can I play a PS3 disc on a PS4?

Community Answer

No. Playstation Now is the only way to play Playstation 3 games currently. Some PS3 games are not on the Playstation Now service currently, just so you know.

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