The first major PS5 update was released today, bringing a variety of important tweaks to Sony's flagship gaming console, but perhaps the most impressive is that the patch makes PS5 games playable on the PS4.

Naturally, PS5 games cannot be played natively on PS4, but the ability to play next-generation games on older hardware will be possible thanks to Share Play. This system allows PS5 users to share screens and chat with users playing on PS4.

But this is more than just screen sharing. Share Play adds a generational feature, allowing PS5 users to (virtually) hand over their controller and let the player playing on PS4 control the game. This was confirmed in a post on the PlayStation blog.

Of course, this system is not perfect. First, you need a friend who already owns a PS5 (which is not an easy task given the availability of PS5s), then you need to allow that friend to take over your console. And finally, for share play to work without input lag or stuttering, both people need to have a fairly solid internet connection.

Sony has also not revealed how this system will work in games like Astro's Playroom, which relies heavily on the adaptive triggers and haptic feedback that are features of the PS5's DualSense controller. Presumably, certain games that require PS5-specific technology will be blocked from the program.

Overall, however, this is pretty exciting news for those eager to play upcoming next-gen exclusive titles like Returnal and Ratchet and Clank: Returnal and If you really want to play next-gen exclusive titles like "Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart" but don't have a PS5 in stock, you can theoretically play all of these games through Share Play.

If you still want a PS5 because you want to play PS5 games through Share Play on an actual PS5 instead of on a PS4, be sure to check out our guide to where to buy a PS5 with the latest availability information.