Skip to main content

Sony confirms the PS4 will play used games

PS4Leading up to the PlayStation press event, one of the most asked questions in regards to the PS4’s capabilities wasn’t what its power was like or what its online connectivity would be, but rather would it play used games. This stems from an old rumor – or more likely rumors – that can probably trace their origins to as far back as when the first online passes required people to pay to take used games online. But then in January a patent filed by Sony clearly showed that the manufacturer was at least exploring the option of blocking used games. The Internet erupted.

Yoshida
Shuhei Yoshida Image used with permission by copyright holder

Everyone from anonymous commenters to the CFO of GameSpot had an opinion on the matter. But until the PS4 was officially confirmed, it was all speculation. That speculation can now be put to rest, as Sony’s Shuhei Yoshida, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios has confirmed that the PS4 hardware will play any PS4 discs.

“When you purchase the disc based games on PS4, that should work on any hardware,” Yoshida confirmed.

That should put that controversy to rest. Of course, publishers may still decide to add things like online passes, but that is nothing new.

The ball is now firmly in Microsoft’s court. Rumors of the next Xbox blocking used games have been equally prevalent. If Microsoft does follow through – and to be fair there is no evidence that it will beyond rumors – then Sony have have just gained a huge advantage.  

Editors' Recommendations

Ryan Fleming
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ryan Fleming is the Gaming and Cinema Editor for Digital Trends. He joined the DT staff in 2009 after spending time covering…
3 underrated PS Plus games you should play this weekend (May 3-5)
The main character of Tales of Kenzera: Zau stands with two elemental items.

PlayStation Plus Premium and Extra have been around for almost two years, and during that time the subscription service has established itself as an ample competitor to Xbox Game Pass. That means there is a wealth of great games for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 owners to check out if they're looking for something to play this weekend. I think PS Plus subscribers should be looking toward some of the more underrated games in the subscription service this weekend too.

I have three particular picks in mind. The first is an enjoyable Metroidvania that came to PS Plus' game catalog when it launched just a couple of weeks ago and deserves a lot more attention than it's getting. After that, there's an action-platformer that pays homage to series like Ninja Gaiden that you should check out before it leaves the catalog. Finally, there's a PS2-era Star Wars game that fills the niche a recently canceled game would have.
Tales of Kenzera: Zau

Read more
3 Xbox Game Pass games you need to play this weekend (May 3-5)
Senua in Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice.

Another weekend is upon us, and you're probably looking for some games to kill time with over the course of it. We're in a bit of a lull right now ahead of a flurry of releases starting next week, so it's a great time to dip back into the Xbox Game Pass catalog and check out some games that you may have missed. There are three games in particular that I think you should check out this weekend if you're looking for something to play.

One is an unsettling adventure that's getting an Xbox-exclusive sequel later this month. The next is a finely animated roguelike indie that recently made its way to Microsoft's gaming subscription service. Finally, there's a relaxing adventure that gives players a lot of freedom, yet is short enough to beat in a weekend. If you're having trouble deciding what to play this weekend, give one of these games a shot.
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

Read more
The best accessories to use with Delta game emulator
A table holding a DualSense controller, a DualSense Backbone, a regular Backbone, and an Xbox Series X controller.

Once Apple opened the floodgates and allowed emulators onto the App Store, Delta was one of the first on the scene. This Nintendo emulator allows you to load up your ROMs for all the classic systems, from the NES and Game Boy to the N64 and DS. With so much nostalgia suddenly available right on your phone, it's no wonder that Delta has become one of the most downloaded apps on the store. And while the emulator itself is fantastic, none of these games were intended to be played on your iPhone -- and more specifically, with the touchpad. Even the old Game Boy games can feel cramped and cluttered when you are blocking parts of the screen with your thumbs, but there are plenty of handy accessories to make your iPhone the perfect platform for Delta games.
Backbone Controller

The Backbone controller has been around for a few years and is the perfect combination of convenience and quality. It easily slides onto your iPhone and adds two thumbsticks, a D-pad, four face buttons, and two pairs of triggers. It's more than enough for any game you could emulate with Delta. The best part is that it allows you to view your screen with no obstructions so you can fully enjoy your gaming experience.
Razor Kishi Ultra

Read more