PlayStation 5 players can download and play The Sims 4 through backward compatibility with the PS4 version. While there is no dedicated native PS5 version, the game runs exceptionally well on Sony's next-gen console thanks to the enhanced hardware power. The performance boost is immediately noticeable from the moment you launch the game.
To download on PS5, go to the PlayStation Store from your console dashboard and search for The Sims 4. Select the game and click "Download" — it's completely free. The PS5 will automatically run the game in backward compatibility mode, which means faster loading times and more stable performance compared to the PS4 version.
The PS5's SSD dramatically reduces loading screens, so entering and exiting lots feels significantly snappier. The DualSense controller's enhanced haptics also add a new level of immersion. If you already own the PS4 version, the download is automatically available on your PS5 at no extra cost through your PlayStation account library.
Players upgrading from PS4 will notice the difference immediately. Build mode loads in seconds rather than minutes, and the game runs at a more consistent frame rate during busy household moments. The Activities feature on PS5 also lets you jump directly into your saved households from the console's home screen without launching the full game first.