Can You Play PS1 Games on PS4 Legally?
PS1 Game Compatibility on PS4
To legally play PS1 games on a PS4, you can purchase them through the PlayStation Store. However, it’s important to note that not all PS1 titles are available. Some classic and remastered PS1 games, such as Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy VIII, can be downloaded if you have an Extra or Deluxe PlayStation Plus membership, which provides access to the Classics Catalog.
The PS4 does not natively support PS1, PS2, or PS3 discs due to its hardware limitations. Instead, you can play certain PS1 games through PlayStation Plus or by purchasing classic and remastered versions from the PlayStation Store, where select titles are available. Additionally, remastered versions of classic games, often featuring enhanced graphics and new features, can be explored. Notable examples include the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy.
To download a PS1 game on your PS4, navigate to the PlayStation Store, search for the game by name, and if available, add it to your cart and purchase it. Keep in mind that the availability of specific titles may vary, so checking the store frequently is advisable.
The PlayStation 4 can play PS1 games through emulation and cloud-based streaming. The official PS1 emulator for the PS4 is called ps1hd. Once you purchase a PS1 game from the PlayStation Store, it will be added to your library on all devices that support it. The PS4 package file (.pkg) for each PS1 game contains the emulator.
However, the PS4 will only be able to play PS1 games through a PS Now subscription, where a collection of games can be streamed or downloaded. Unfortunately, it will never be able to browse or play PS1 discs or CD-ROMs.
Game Performance on PS4
- Total Games: 427
- Playable: 215 Games
- Minor Issues: 66 Games — Small issues like flickering, frame drops, or glitching graphics; however, the game itself is still completable without major disadvantages.
- Major Issues: 29 Games — Includes impactful problems like stronger flickering, massive frame drops, and glitching graphics, making gameplay potentially frustrating.
- Unplayable: 80 Games
- Available through PlayStation Plus: 37 Games
For performance:
- The game works perfectly, lacking noticeable errors and runs indistinguishably from real PS1 hardware.
How to Use Emulators to Play PS1 Games on PS4
To play PS1 games on PS4 using emulators, here are the current options and methods:
- Exploits and Jailbreaks: Thanks to the newest exploits and jailbreaks for the PS4 on System Firmware 6.72, Developer @Vitt0xLar_YT was able to find a native PS1 Emulator within the PS4 Remaster “MediEvil”. He successfully dumped all the necessary files needed to create your own PS1 Fake PKGs (FPKG) for your old PS1 game titles. This allows you to relive those nostalgic classics on your PS4, including the original boot screen.
- PSX 2 PS4 Script: Scene developer Markus95 released an update to his PSX 2 PS4 script, which converts PS1 games for PS4. The script creates PS4-compatible PKG files from PlayStation ISOs. Version 1.6 adds Libcrypt support and other features. To create an FPKG, you hijack a donor PS1 PKG file (Siphon Filter 3 is recommended) and replace its contents with your game.
- Libcrypt Protection: Some PS1 games protected with Libcrypt will require a key during the FPKG creation process. Version 1.6 of PSX2PS4 adds support for Libcrypt decryption. You can obtain most of the required keys by clicking on the magnifying glass icon in Markus95’s tool, which directs you to a helpful site.
- Embedded Emulator: Each PS1 game PKG file on PS4 includes an embedded PS1 emulator (internally named ps1hd). Emulation on PS4 is distinct from PS3, as there is no separate emulator in the PS4 firmware.
- Updated Features: The whole app for the new PS-Plus PS1 emulator has been rewritten from scratch, improving game compatibility and adding features like save-states and gameplay rewind. This emulator operates on firmware 5.05 and up, tested successfully on 9.00.
- RPCS4 Emulator: RPCS4 is an experimental multi-platform open-source PS4 emulator that allows you to launch PS1 ISOs on your PS4. However, it comes with some restrictions.
Overall, while emulation on PS4 has evolved, it still presents challenges compared to older consoles, as Sony has not prioritized backward compatibility fully.
What are the Limitations of Playing PS1 Games on PS4?
Playing PS1 games on the PS4 comes with several limitations:
- No traditional support: None of the PS1 games are available to purchase through the PS Store. Additionally, you cannot insert a PS1 disc into the PS4, as this feature was removed with the PS3.
- Limited availability: While some PS1 games have arrived on the PS4 through digital downloads, not all titles are available. Consequently, your favorite game may not be accessible.
- Performance issues: Some PS1 games may not run smoothly on the PS4 due to compatibility issues. This can result in glitches or performance problems, making it crucial to check the list of supported games prior to purchasing or playing.
- No physical disc support: The PS4 does not have the built-in hardware or software capabilities to run PS1 game discs. It is not backwards compatible with PS1 discs.
- Game saves incompatibility: PS1 game saves are not compatible with the PS4. The architecture and file formats differ between the two systems, meaning you will need to start fresh and create new game saves on the PS4.
- Technical limitations: Factors such as hardware compatibility, software emulation, and licensing agreements affect the playability of PS1 games on the PS4. The hardware is not natively designed for PS1 games, which can impact overall performance.
- Future prospects: The PS4 will never be able to read or play PS1 discs or CD-ROMs. Any playability will rely on Sony developing a software emulator to distribute games digitally.
- Overall assessment: In summary, while you can play some PS1 games on the PS4, the experience is limited and comes with several significant restrictions.
