Video Games Compatibility Guide

The following compatibility chart outlines the compatibility of PlayStation console games between generations.

As a general rule, older PlayStation games require their original launch console to play. Backwards compatibility is limited to a few exceptions:

• The original PlayStation 2 was backwards compatible with most PlayStation games. There is a small number of games that are incompatible with the 'fat' PlayStation 2, and another small group added to this list that are incompatible with the PlayStation 2 Slim.
• The original PlayStation 3 20 GB and 60 GB models are backwards compatible with PlayStation 2 games. These consoles are now exceedingly rare due to their fragility and the lack of available repair options.

Sony has also released two handheld consoles, the PlayStation Portable and PlayStation Vita. Games made for these consoles can only be played on the launch console, with no other compatibile options available.

The following compatibility chart outlines the compatibility of Xbox console games between generations.

Xbox users enjoy a large amount of backwards compatibility. Generally, most popular titles have been optimised for use of the consoles succeeding them at this point. Microsoft publishes a list of compatible games and updates it regularly, so be sure to check the list for the if you aren't sure if your game is compatible with your console.

The following compatibility chart outlines the compatibility of Nintendo handheld console games between generations.

The following compatibility chart outlines the compatibility of Nintendo home console games between generations.

With the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 sporting a different cartridge-based system, no previous disk or cartridge games are backwards compatible on these systems. They have also been included on both tables as systems that 'switch' between handheld and home.

Nintendo DS’s of any variety can usually enjoy games from previous generations. A few exceptions apply:

• The Nintendo DSi line is not compatible with Game Boy or Game Boy Advance games, as the larger cartridge slot is not present in these systems.
• The Nintendo DSi XL included a region lock that prevented it from playing DSi-only titles from other regions using a different standard. This means an Australian PAL system is not compatible with a NTSC title. However, few games were released as DSi-only, with straight DS titles unaffected.

Microsoft & Windows OS Families

The below compatibility chart breaks down Microsoft Windows releases into 5 categories. The 5 categories are:

• MS-DOS
• DOS Shells: Windows 1.0 to 3.0
• Windows 9x: Windows 95, 98, 2000, Me
• Windows NT (Unsupported)¹: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1
• Windows NT (Supported)²: 10, 11

¹ These operating systems using the NT kernel are no longer supported by Microsoft.

² These operating systems are still supported by Microsoft, and as such are noted as ‘modern’ operating systems for the purpose of this guide.

The below tables refer to “plug-and-play” compatibility, where little or no additional set-up is needed to run the game. However, with the right technical knowledge and skill, all games requiring Windows can be played on modern operating systems, albeit sometimes with the use of third-party programs. Please see the note below for further options.

Apple-made Operating Systems

Apple-made operating systems can be broken two major categories: classic Mac OS, which groups pre-Mac OS X systems, and the current macOS family of systems.

To play titles only released for Windows, Apple users could consider using a virtual machine or emulator if they don't have access to a Windows computer. Please see the note below for further information.

Linux (and other Unix) Operating Systems

Given the sheer number of available Linux distributions, ranging in various capabilities, configurations, and complexity, it is unrealistic to provide guidance on compatibility. However, most Linux users requiring the use of programs only compatible with Windows and Apple products should be well versed in alternative options. With older titles, Linux users may find much more success than their Windows and Apple counterparts in achieving a smooth gaming experience.

A note on Virtual Machines and Emulators

To play older computer games on modern computers, a virtual machine or emulator may be required to imitate the game’s native operating system system. Windows and Mac users enjoy built-in virtual machine software, with Microsoft Hyper-V and Apple Boot Camp. Instructions for these, and many more options like VirtualBox or the more specific DOSBox, can be found with a quick Google search.