The PlayStation 4 is not backward compatible with any previous PlayStation consoles, but it is still capable of playing these older games through other methods. Sony has used thePlayStation Now serviceto make it possible for fans to play select PS3 games on PS4 and PlayStation 5, whereas it has re-released some classic PS2 games for individual download as well.
Thanks to thePS5 being backward compatible with PS4, these downloadable PS2 games are available to play on Sony’s next-generation console as well. They oftentimes come with bells and whistles not available in their original versions, like slightly improved visuals and PlayStation trophy support. Sony has released a variety of these PS2 classics on the PlayStation Store over the years, though it stopped releasing them in 2019 withAce Combat 5: The Unsung War.
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It’s unclear why Sony stopped re-releasing PS2 games on the PlayStation Store, but there are some genuinely great games available in the lineup that should keep retro gaming fans busy for some time to come. Here are the best options for those looking to buy digital PS2 games to play on their PlayStation 4 or PS5 consoles.
Grand Theft Auto Trilogy
In many ways, Rockstar Games dominated the PlayStation 2 library. Its most popular games on the console are undoubtedly theGrand Theft Autotrilogy of games, consisting of the landmarkGrand Theft Auto 3, its acclaimed sequelGrand Theft Auto: Vice City, and what remains one of the absolute best open world video games of all time,Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. All three games are available to play on PS4 and PS5, with higher resolution visuals, generally better performance, and PlayStation trophy support.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreasis perhaps the most notable part of the lineup. As some may recall, a version ofGrand Theft Auto: San Andreaswas released for PS3 and Xbox 360, and was at the time one of the only ways to experience the game in “HD.” However, it was based on the mobile port of the game, which meant that it was missing some important features, includingSan Andreas' popular local co-op mode. So this version is really the best way to experienceGrand Theft Auto: San Andreason new consoles.
Twisted Metal: Black
TheTwisted Metalfranchisewas one of the first PlayStation exclusive series, successfully building a name for itself on the PS1.Twisted Metal: Blacksaw the series come to the PlayStation 2 with some major innovations. The game earned widespread critical acclaim from critics at the time, with many impressed by the storylines written for the various playable characters on the roster, and the exciting vehicular combat.Twisted Metal: Blackis widely considered to be one of the best vehicular combat games ever made, and so having it readily available to play on PS4 and PS5 is definitely appreciated.
Bully
As mentioned previously, Rockstar Games had a significant presence on the PlayStation 2. While it may be best known for theGrand Theft Autotrilogy of games, Rockstar released a number of other PS2 titles that are also available to play on PS4 and PS5. This includes the likes ofManhunt, an ultra-violent stealth game, andThe Warriors, a co-op brawler based on the classic film of the same name. However, the cream of the crop has to beBully.
Bully, for the uninitiated, essentially translates theGrand Theft Auto-style open world gameplay and humor to a private school setting. The game was notable for its charm, great cast of characters, and signature Rockstar-quality storytelling. Fans have been asking for aBullysequelfor years, though it doesn’t seem like they’ll be getting their wish anytime soon.
Jak Series
Before Naughty Dog was winning awards with serious cinematic games likeUnchartedandThe Last of Us, it was firmly rooted in the 3D platformer genre. Naughty Dog rose to prominence with theCrash Bandicootfranchise, and it followed those games up with theJak and Daxterseries on the PS2. Almost every game in the series is available to play on PS4 and PS5, with the exception of the handheld spin-offDaxterandJak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier.
While those games aren’t available, Naughty Dog fans can still play all of theJak and Daxtergames that were actively developed by Naughty Dog on the PS4 and PS5. This includes the celebrated original game,Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy, as well as its action-packed sequel,Jak 2.Jak 3rounds out the original trilogy, but fans can also check out thevehicular combat/racing game spin-offJak X: Combat Racing, which was the last game Naughty Dog released before it turned its attention to makingUncharted: Drake’s Fortunefor the PlayStation 3.
Resident Evil Code: Veronica X
There were a number ofResident Evilgames that released on the PS2 during the console’s lifespan, but only one of them has made it to the PS4 and PS5 digital library. This is none other thanResident Evil Code: Veronica X, the enhanced version of the originalCode: Veronicawhich includes some extra content and game modes for fans to try out. While aResident Evil Code: Veronicaremakemay or may not ever happen, fans can thankfully still play through the game on modern consoles.
