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 the PlayStation Now service to 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 the PS5 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 with Ace 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

Grand Theft Auto Remaster Trilogy

In many ways, Rockstar Games dominated the PlayStation 2 library. Its most popular games on the console are undoubtedly the Grand Theft Auto trilogy of games, consisting of the landmark Grand Theft Auto 3, its acclaimed sequel Grand 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 Andreas is perhaps the most notable part of the lineup. As some may recall, a version of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was 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, including San Andreas' popular local co-op mode. So this version is really the best way to experience Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas on new consoles.

Twisted Metal: Black

best ps2 games on ps4 and ps5

The Twisted Metal franchise was one of the first PlayStation exclusive series, successfully building a name for itself on the PS1. Twisted Metal: Black saw 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: Black is 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

Bully

As mentioned previously, Rockstar Games had a significant presence on the PlayStation 2. While it may be best known for the Grand Theft Auto trilogy of games, Rockstar released a number of other PS2 titles that are also available to play on PS4 and PS5. This includes the likes of Manhunt, an ultra-violent stealth game, and The Warriors, a co-op brawler based on the classic film of the same name. However, the cream of the crop has to be Bully.

Bully, for the uninitiated, essentially translates the Grand 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 a Bully sequel for years, though it doesn't seem like they'll be getting their wish anytime soon.

Jak Series

Jak And Daxter gameplay screenshot

Before Naughty Dog was winning awards with serious cinematic games like Uncharted and The Last of Us, it was firmly rooted in the 3D platformer genre. Naughty Dog rose to prominence with the Crash Bandicoot franchise, and it followed those games up with the Jak and Daxter series on the PS2. Almost every game in the series is available to play on PS4 and PS5, with the exception of the handheld spin-off Daxter and Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier.

While those games aren't available, Naughty Dog fans can still play all of the Jak and Daxter games 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 2Jak 3 rounds out the original trilogy, but fans can also check out the vehicular combat/racing game spin-off Jak X: Combat Racing, which was the last game Naughty Dog released before it turned its attention to making Uncharted: Drake's Fortune for the PlayStation 3.

Resident Evil Code: Veronica X

best ps2 games on ps4

There were a number of Resident Evil games 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 than Resident Evil Code: Veronica X, the enhanced version of the original Code: Veronica which includes some extra content and game modes for fans to try out. While a Resident Evil Code: Veronica remake may or may not ever happen, fans can thankfully still play through the game on modern consoles.

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