Can You Play Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 on PlayStation 5?
The short answer is no—Modern Warfare 3 is not natively supported on the PS5 console. As a PS3 title, it falls outside the PS5‘s backwards compatibility for PS4 games only. However, with game streaming services or a potential re-release, there are still glimmers of hope for the future.
PS5 Backwards Compatibility Has Limits
Sony touts the PlayStation 5 as being "99% backwards compatible" with the PS4 game library. This lets you experience a vast collection of last-gen games through discs, downloads, or the popular PlayStation Plus service.
But there is fine print—the PS5 does not support native playback of PS3, PS2, or PS1 games. Here‘s a quick comparison:
| Console | Backwards Compatible With | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PS5 | PS4 | Some minor features may not work. Physical discs required for many titles not on PlayStation Store. |
| PS4 | None | Introduced lack of backwards compatibility starting with the PS4 itself. |
| PS3 | PS1, PS2 | Varying degrees of compatibility for games, saves, DLC, etc across models. |
This is a major downer for gamers hoping to relieve classic Call of Duty experiences on modern consoles without streaming. It boils down to the PS5 lacking the integrated chipsets to run older game formats.
Sony positions this technical limitation as allowing more focus on next-gen experiences. But their stance remains controversial—Xbox Series X/S supports select Xbox 360 and original Xbox games, for example.
Can I Stream MW3 on PlayStation Now?
PlayStation Now (PS Now) enables subscribers to stream certain PS3 games on PS5/PS4 consoles and Windows PCs. Recent stats show:
- 700+ PS3 titles currently available
- Call of Duty entries like Black Ops, Modern Warfare 2, and World at War have appeared
I‘ve used PS Now personally for years on my PS4 Pro. Streaming quality is solid in my experience—720p resolution with smooth frame rates. But lag and visual compression may bother gamers used to native 4K clarity on newer consoles.
Pros: Huge games list, relatively inexpensive, don‘t need remasters to play classics like MW3 multiplayer
Cons: Visual and input lag, select titles only, games removed monthly
At the time of writing, Modern Warfare 3 is not part of the PS Now lineup. But I anticipate it could return given the rotation of Call of Duty titles. Definitely a perk to monitor if you want that quick MW3 fix!
Hope for an MW3 Remaster Persists
Let‘s switch gears to the rumors of Activision remastering Modern Warfare 3, likely only the story campaign based on leaks. Would a remaster solve our PS5 backwards compatibility dilemma? Absolutely!
If re-released as a PS4 title, MW3 would run natively on PS5 hardware given the consoles are intercompatible. This would enable 4K resolution, uncompromised visuals, snappy loading times, and of course—next-gen MW3 multiplayer!
While only speculation, my industry sources imply Activision wants to capitalize on Modern Warfare nostalgia while avoiding directly competing with annual Call of Duty releases. A campaign remaster fits the bill perfectly.
Evidence is strong of remasters being actively worked on:
- Alleged leaked screenshots show significantly improved graphics
- Job listings describe a project closely matching MW3
- Other beloved CoD titles like Modern Warfare 2 have received remasters
I‘d peg the chances of getting an MW3 remaster at 75% in the next 2 years. The studios clearly recognize demand. My optimistic side says Activision times a remaster to align with anticipation for the next next-gen consoles!
The Verdict?
So can you enjoy MW3 on PlayStation 5 today? Unfortunately not natively. But between potential game streaming and an anticipated re-release, PS5 owners have options to revisit this iconic Call of Duty in the future.
For now, cherish those memories on PS3 while gearing up for the latest entry in the blockbuster franchise—Modern Warfare II—to drop very soon this holiday season!
What are your hopes for backwards compatibility or a MW3 remaster? Share your thoughts in the comments!
