For fans who grew up on Metal Gear Solid and Silent Hill, the question is always: Can I play PS1 games on PS5? The answer is a resounding Yes, thanks to the PlayStation Plus Premium subscription service. Sony has officially embraced its legacy, integrating a growing catalog of PS1 games into its modern console ecosystem.
This guide provides the definitive look at the PS1 classics available on the PS5, the unique features that enhance these retro titles, and how the official method compares to external emulation. To find out which of the available titles are the absolute best, refer to our definitive list of the 50 Best PS1 Games of All Time.
The Official Method: Playing PS1 Games on PS5 via PS Plus Premium
Access to the official library of PS1 games on PS5 is granted exclusively through the highest tier of Sony’s subscription service: PlayStation Plus Premium.
What You Get with PS Plus Premium
PS Plus Premium provides access to the “Classics Catalog,” which bundles PS1, PS2, and PSP titles. These games are not streamed; they are downloaded directly to your PS5 console, ensuring a low-latency, consistent experience.
Enhanced Features: Better Than the Original
Sony has added critical quality-of-life features to the entire catalog of PS1 games on PS5:
- Save States: You can create an instant save point anywhere in the game, circumventing the original console’s restrictive memory card and save-point systems.
- Rewind Feature: You can literally roll back gameplay by a few seconds to fix a fatal jump or missed command—a feature previously only available on emulators.
- Modern Display Options: Games run with better texture filtering and resolution options, making the low-poly models of PS1 games look far cleaner on a 4K television.
Key PS1 Games Available on PS5 (The Catalog)
While the catalog is always expanding, it includes many of the most essential titles that defined the console. Note: Catalog availability varies by region.
Top Tier Titles to Look For:
| Game Title | Genre | Status/Note |
| Metal Gear Solid | Stealth Action | Often requires the user to ‘switch discs’ mid-game via the menu. |
| Resident Evil: Director’s Cut | Survival Horror | The original that launched the genre. |
| Tekken 2/3 | Fighting | Excellent performance, often includes graphic filters. |
| Syphon Filter Series | Third-Person Action | Features trophies for the first time. |
| Wild Arms | JRPG | A unique JRPG with a massive following. |
The Noteworthy Absences
Crucially, Final Fantasy VII, VIII, and IX are often available, but they are typically the modern remasters or ports of the PC versions, not the original PS1 code running in an emulator shell. True PS1 emulation is reserved for titles where no modern port exists.
Playing with the Right Controller for PS1 Games on PS5
When playing PS1 games on PS5, you have two main options:
1. The DualSense Controller (Performance)
The modern DualSense is fully compatible and is the best option for performance. The haptic feedback and adaptive triggers are not utilized, but its superior analog sticks and comfortable ergonomics make it the ideal choice for long sessions of classic PS1 games.
2. The Retro Controller (Nostalgia)
Some manufacturers offer retro controllers that connect to the PS5 via a dongle. These provide the iconic feel of the original DualShock controller. However, you must ensure the controller is fully licensed and compatible with the PS5’s operating system.
PS5 vs. Emulation: Which is the Best Way to Play?
When considering PS1 games on PS5, you are choosing between convenience and customization.
| Feature | PS Plus Premium (PS5) | PC Emulation (e.g., DuckStation) |
| Convenience | Plug-and-Play, single subscription. | Requires setup, file sourcing, and BIOS files. |
| Graphics | Good quality, official filters, locked resolution. | Best quality, user-set 4K/8K resolution, custom shaders, and texture packs. |
| Cost | Subscription Fee (PS Plus Premium). | Free software, upfront cost for PC/Controller. |
| Verdict | Best for Casual Nostalgia and convenience. | Best for Enthusiasts seeking maximum graphical fidelity. |
The convenience of having PS1 games on PS5 is hard to beat for the casual player, but the ultimate in graphical fidelity and customization still rests with PC emulation (which you can learn about in our dedicated guide on the Best PS1 Emulator [INTERNAL LINK TO EMULATOR CLUSTER HERE]).
Conclusion: The Official Gateway to Retro Gaming
The availability of PS1 games on PS5 via PlayStation Plus Premium is a huge win for retro gaming fans. It provides a legal, stable, and feature-rich way to experience the classics without dealing with old hardware or complex setup processes.
If you are a nostalgic gamer with a PS5, the Premium tier is a worthwhile investment. It is the best official way to explore our list of the 50 Best PS1 Games of All Time and ensure those revolutionary titles are never forgotten.