While the PS5 is now Sony’s flagship console, there will be new releases available on both the PS5 and the PS4—called cross-generation titles—for the foreseeable future.
So, what are the fundamental differences between the PS4 and PS5 versions of a game? Let’s look at the three main ones.
1. Performance—How the Game Runs
The first big difference you’ll notice between the current-gen and last-gen versions of a game is its performance.
From what we’ve seen so far, there’s a norm of pushing current-gen games to 60 FPS (frames per second), with the PS5 version of games such as Marvel’s Spiderman: Miles Morales offering a performance mode that favors 60 FPS over visuals and a graphics mode that caps the frame rate to 30 FPS with increased visuals.
This is a tremendous step up from last-gen, where the aim for PS4 games was usually 30 FPS (with select games aiming for 60 FPS), a feat we’ve seen the last-gen console struggle to maintain throughout its life cycle.
It’s worth mentioning that while the PS4 Pro can reach 60 FPS with its own performance mode, it’s still an inconsistent experience when you compare it to the PS5, which sticks to 60 FPS a lot closer with improved visuals.
The PS5 version of some games such as Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War also features frame rates up to 120 FPS, something the PS4 Pro isn’t even capable of.
You’ll find that the jump to 60 FPS from 30 FPS is like night and day. While you might find it unnatural at first, you’ll no doubt experience a smoother, more responsive game that’s just a massive improvement overall.
Likewise, with 120 FPS over 60 FPS, you’ll find a supremely responsive game that might just give you the edge during competitive multiplayer sessions.
2. Graphics—How the Game Looks
Alongside increased performance, the PS5 version of a game will also aim to run at 4K resolution, with the PS5 even supporting 8K resolution.
The PS4 version of that same game will go up to 1080p with the PS4 Pro being able to reach 4K, but again you’ll still find a lesser experience when compared to the PS5.
Besides this bump in gaming resolution, the PS5 version of a game is going to output at a higher visual fidelity compared to its PS4 version, showcasing powerful effects such as ray-tracing, that add a wonderful visual boost.
The PS4 and PS4 Pro do not support ray-tracing, and graphical effects such as texture quality, anti-aliasing, draw distance, particle effects, tessellation, and more are going to downgrade noticeably.
3. AI Systems—What a Game Can Do
With its more sophisticated hardware, the PS5 should be capable of running more complex AI (artificial intelligence) systems in its games compared to the PS4 and PS4 Pro.
While you can notice increased performance and better graphics in current cross-gen titles, future cross-gen games might showcase this AI disparity.
For example, in the last console transition, Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor came out on both the PS4 and the PS3 (as well as on the Xbox 360, Xbox One, and PC).
However, the PS3 (and Xbox) version was a shell of the game, featuring a scaled-back version of the game’s standout feature, the Nemesis System, which created a dynamic enemy hierarchy and bosses unique to the player.
It’s likely that you could experience this in upcoming cross-gen titles such as Horizon Forbidden West, which might feature a more complex and engaging gameplay experience on the PS5.
What About Backwards-Compatible Titles?
The PS5 is backwards-compatible with 99% of all PS4 games, save for a few select titles, meaning that you can play most, if not all, of your PS4 games on Sony’s current-gen console.
The worst-case scenario when playing backwards-compatible PS4 games on PS5 is that you get a consistent 30FPS, 1080p experience—essentially a flawless PS4 experience.
However, the PS5 also has a Game Boost feature on select titles, which ups the frame rate and resolution of PS4 games beyond the PS4’s capabilities.
With games such as God of War, Days Gone, and Ghost of Tsushima, you can now experience them at 60FPS and up to 4K resolution on the first two titles.
If there’s a PS4 game you haven’t played yet, it might be worth your time to wait till you get a PS5 in order to experience that game at its best.
Will You Wait to Play the PS5 Version of a Game?
Cross-gen titles will keep on going for at least a few more years, but that doesn’t mean you won’t notice big differences between the current-gen and last-gen versions of a game.
Even if you have a PS4 Pro, the PS5 version of cross-gen games will feature a far superior experience, in terms of graphics, performance, and potentially in how complex and engaging that game is.
While it’s proved tricky to get a PS5 since launch, it might just be worth waiting for one if you have the patience.