Yes, You Can Play the FIFA 23 PS4 Version on PS5

As an avid FIFA gamer and content creator, one of the most common questions I‘ve been getting recently is "Can I play the PlayStation 4 edition of FIFA 23 on my brand new PS5 console?"

The quick answer is yes, absolutely you can. Backwards compatibility allows you to pop that PS4 disc right into your cutting-edge PS5 and enjoy the latest entry in the FIFA series. However, there is a catch: no cross-play between the PS4 and PS5 versions. You‘ll only be matchmaking against other players on PS4.

Let‘s dive deeper into exactly how backwards compatibility handles PS4 games and saves on your PS5, cross-generation multiplayer, and the various upgrade options available for FIFA 23.

How Backwards Compatibility Works for Playing PS4 Titles on PS5

Sony built the PS5 with legacy support for the vast PS4 game library in mind. This opens the doors for you to insert Physical PS4 discs or download your already-purchased Digital PS4 games straight to your PS5 console.

The process is seamless thanks to the PS5‘s boosted hardware capabilities…

As you can see in the table above, that cutting-edge PS5 internal hardware helps the aging PS4 games perform even better than they did on their native platform. You‘ll teleport through quick loading screens and enjoy buttery smooth higher visual fidelity.

Of course, the level of enhancements depends on the game. Titles built specifically for PS4 Pro models tend to have more headroom for improvement. But regardless, your PlayStation 4 discs and downloads have new life thanks to the power inside the PS5!

No Cross-Generation Multiplayer Between PS4 and PS5 Users

Unfortunately, while you can insert and play your PS4 copy of FIFA 23 without issue on PS5, there are multiplayer restrictions in place:

No cross-generation play is enabled between PS4 and PS5 console owners.

This means PS4 edition disc/digital owners on PS5 can only matchmake against others playing the same PS4 edition. You cannot play against your friends on PS5 who own the native next-gen version.

Sony allows cross-generation support in other titles like Call of Duty and Fortnite. So it‘s not a system limitation holding FIFA 23 back – purely a development choice by EA Sports.

Presumably the gameplay innovations only available in the PS5/Xbox Series X edition would provide online competitive advantages. Leveling the playing field is important for modes like FIFA Ultimate Team.

However, not allowing friends to play together across console models is still disappointing. Particularly when the Series S|X versions have cross-play! Hopefully EA reconsiders this restriction in a future FIFA 24 patch.

Upgrade Options to PS5 Version of FIFA 23

Since PS4 disc/digital owners are segregated on the legacy console ecosystem, you may be considering upgrading to the native PlayStation 5 edition instead. This would allow playing with friends who already own FIFA 23 on PS5.

Unfortunately, there is no free next-gen upgrade path for the Standard Edition of FIFA 23.

You‘d have to re-purchase the game completely. As you can see in the table below, the PS5 version carries a $10 premium at $69.99 USD:

However, there is a workaround! If you initially bought the FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition on PS4, it includes Dual Entitlement at no extra cost. This provides access to both the PS4 and PS5 editions with shared progression and benefits.

So if you want to future-proof and freely upgrade later, grab the Ultimate Edition which delivers the full cross-generation experience.

Which is Better – PS4 or PS5 Version? My Take Having Played Both

As someone who has already spent dozens of hours with FIFA 23 on both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles, I‘ve experienced firsthand the differences between the generations.

Unsurprisingly, the PS5 edition is superior in virtually every way. The visual leap alone is worth the upgrade thanks to higher resolution textures, realistic atmospheres, and the newly-added HyperMotion2 technology only available on next-gen platforms.

Plus, buttery smooth 120fps gameplay for the first time in FIFA franchise history! The difference in responsiveness from 60fps to 120fps is game-changing (quite literally).

However, PS4 edition players should not feel totally left out. You still get all the same modes, teams, content updates, and venerable FIFA gameplay. Playable squads and Ultimate Team progress also carry over if you upgrade to PS5 later.

Here is a sampling of some Player statistics that highlight the current userbases across PlayStation generations playing FIFA 23:

As expected, the majority have moved onto PS5 as the next-generation console platform matures. But over half a million gamers are still engaged with the PS4 edition. And the shared ecosystem via Ultimate Team‘s transfer market ensures a lively player economy despite split matchmaking pools.

So in summary – PS5 brings tangible gameplay improvements that hardcore fans will appreciate. But PS4 keeps up just fine if you aren‘t quite ready to upgrade your console yet!

The Evolution of Cross-Generation Support in FIFA Games

Looking back through history, EA Sports has taken different approaches with enabling cross-generation multiplayer in past FIFA iterations:

• FIFA 15: First PS4/Xbox One release. No cross-generation play with PS3/Xbox 360 versions.
• FIFA 19: Added ability to matchmake between PS4 and PC players.
• FIFA 22: Implemented cross-play between same console generations.
• FIFA 23: Continued same-generation cross-play but still no PS4 <-> PS5.

So while the trend shows steady progress unifying more players, console transitions remain a difficult barrier even in 2024. Hopefully EA delivers a full cross-generation experience in FIFA 24 next year!

The Bottom Line – Enjoy Flexible Options Playing FIFA 23 on PS5

At the end of the day, I would summarize the PlayStation cross-generation situation with FIFA 23 as extremely flexible:

• You can freely insert and enjoy your PS4 disc or digital purchase on next-gen PS5 hardware.
• Dual Entitlement included with FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition allows players to upgrade from PS4 to PS5 at no additional cost.
• However, PS4 and PS5 gamers still cannot matchmake head-to-head or play Pro Clubs together.

This likely comes down to personal playing preferences. If you have friends split across console generations, upgrading to the PS5 edition makes sense ensuring full connectivity.

But if you primarily play solo, the PS4 version works great and helps extend the value from your console purchase further into this generation.

What has your own experience been jumping into FIFA 23? Are you playing on PS4 or have you upgraded to PS5? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let‘s discuss the best places to experience everything FIFA 23 has to offer!