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Buying Games on PS5: A Comprehensive Guide for Gamers

So, you’ve got your hands on a PlayStation 5, the hottest gaming console on the market, and you’re itching to dive into the latest and greatest titles. But how exactly do you buy games on this sleek machine? Don’t worry, it’s a straightforward process, whether you prefer physical discs or the convenience of digital downloads. Let’s break it down.

The core process of buying games on the PS5 involves visiting the PlayStation Store, browsing the available titles, selecting your desired game, accepting the terms and conditions, completing the purchase using your preferred payment method, and then downloading the game to your console. You can buy either a physical copy or a digital one, and in some instances, you may be able to upgrade your existing PS4 games to the PS5 version.

Understanding Your Options: Physical vs. Digital

Before we dive into the step-by-step process, it’s essential to understand the two primary ways to buy games on the PS5:

Physical Discs: This is the classic method. You purchase a physical game disc from a retailer (online or brick-and-mortar), insert it into your PS5 (assuming you have the standard edition with the disc drive), and install the game. The disc then needs to stay in the console while you play.
Digital Downloads: You purchase the game directly from the PlayStation Store, download it to your PS5’s internal storage, and play it without needing a disc. This offers convenience and eliminates the need to physically handle and store game cases.

Buying Games from the PlayStation Store: A Step-by-Step Guide

The PlayStation Store is your one-stop shop for digital games, demos, and other content. Here’s how to navigate it and make a purchase:

Access the PlayStation Store: From your Games home screen, locate and select the PlayStation Store icon. It’s easily recognizable by its iconic PlayStation logo on a blue background.
Browse or Search for Games: Once in the store, you can browse through various categories like “New Releases,” “Top Sellers,” “Deals,” and more. Alternatively, use the search function (usually located at the top of the screen) to find a specific game.
Select Your Game: Once you’ve found the game you want to purchase, select it to view its details. This page provides information such as game trailers, screenshots, a description of the game, the file size, and user reviews.
Add to Cart or Purchase Directly: You might see an “Add to Cart” option if you want to browse more games before checking out, or a direct purchase button with the game’s price listed.
Review and Confirm Your Purchase: If you choose “Add to Cart,” you’ll need to navigate to your cart (usually in the top right corner of the screen) to review your selected items. Double-check that you’ve selected the correct game and edition (standard, deluxe, etc.).
Accept the Terms and Conditions: Before proceeding, you’ll be presented with the terms and conditions. It’s always a good idea to skim through them, though most people just accept them without reading.
Order & Pay: Select the “Order & Pay” button to proceed to the payment screen.
Choose Your Payment Method: You can use a credit card, debit card, PayPal, or PSN wallet funds to complete your purchase. If you don’t have a payment method set up, you’ll be prompted to add one.
Complete the Transaction: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the payment process. You may need to enter your card details or log in to your PayPal account.
Download Your Game: After the purchase is complete, you can immediately start downloading the game. You’ll typically find the option to download the game either directly from the confirmation screen, within the PlayStation Store, or in your Game Library. The game will install automatically once the download is finished.

Downloading Games from Your Game Library

If you’ve already purchased a game and need to download it, or if you are downloading it later, follow these steps:

Go to Your Game Library: From the Games home screen, select Game Library.
Find Your Purchased Game: Navigate to the “Purchased” section of your library.
Select the Game and Download: Select the game you want to download, and then choose the “Download” option.
The game will install automatically.

Taking Advantage of PS Plus

PlayStation Plus (PS Plus) is a subscription service that offers several benefits, including access to a library of games, online multiplayer functionality, exclusive discounts, and cloud storage for game saves. Each month, PS Plus subscribers receive a selection of free games that they can download and play as long as they maintain their subscription. It’s an economical way to broaden your game collection!

PS4 Games on PS5: Compatibility and Upgrades

One of the best features of the PS5 is its backward compatibility with most PS4 games.

Playing PS4 Games on PS5: The majority of PS4 games are playable on the PS5. If you own the physical disc, simply insert it into your PS5. If you own the digital version, you can download it from your Game Library.
PS4 to PS5 Upgrades: Some games offer free or paid upgrades from the PS4 version to the enhanced PS5 version. Keep an eye out for these upgrade options on the PlayStation Store. These upgrades often include improved graphics, performance, and other enhancements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions related to buying and playing games on the PS5:

Do you keep games you buy on PlayStation Store?

Yes, games you purchase from the PlayStation Store stay in your online library and are accessible for you to play whenever you wish. They are tied to your account, not just your console.

Do you have to buy games separately for PS5?

Not necessarily. The PS5 is backward compatible with most PS4 games. If you own the disc version, you can use the PS4 disc. If you own the game digitally, it will work on either version of the PS5.

Do you have to rebuy all games for PS5?

In many cases, no. Some games offer free upgrades from the PS4 to the PS5 version. Others may require a purchase for the upgrade. This depends on the game publisher.

Which is better PS5 disc or PS5 Digital?

It depends on your preferences. The PS5 Digital Edition is cheaper but can’t play physical discs. The standard PS5 with a disc drive offers the flexibility to buy, sell, and trade physical games, and also to use it as a 4K Blu-ray player.

Does the PS5 automatically download games?

Yes, if you turn on Auto-Download in your system settings, the PS5 will automatically download updates and pre-ordered games in the background.

How many PS5 games can you store on the console?

The number of games you can store depends on their file sizes. With roughly 667GB of usable storage, you can typically store around 10-15 PS5 games.

Why are my games locked on PS5?

If a game is locked, it could be due to parental controls restricting access, or because your PlayStation Plus subscription has expired for a game you obtained through the service.

How do I keep my PS Plus games forever?

You only keep PS Plus games for as long as you maintain an active PS Plus subscription. If you cancel your subscription, you will lose access to the games.

Can you still buy digital games on PS5 console?

Yes, you can buy digital games on both the standard PS5 and the Digital Edition. However, the Digital Edition is limited to only digital games.

Can you install games on PS5 and play without a disc?

Yes, once a game is fully installed, you can usually play it without the disc, unless the game specifically requires the disc to be present as a form of copy protection. Some updates unifies previously two separate entities into one game.

What happens if I buy a game in the PlayStation Store?

After buying a game in the PlayStation Store, the game is added to your account and you can download it to your PS5 console to start playing.

Why won’t PS5 let me buy games?

Possible reasons include PSN server issues, problems with your payment method, insufficient funds in your PSN wallet, or regional restrictions.

Why can’t I play my own games on PS5?

Possible reasons include game incompatibility, corrupted game data, issues with your PlayStation Plus subscription, or problems with your console’s system software.

Can a PS5 be blacklisted?

Yes, Sony can blacklist a PS5 console for violating their terms of service, such as attempting to bypass security features or engaging in fraudulent activities.

Is it OK to leave PS5 in rest mode all the time?

Yes, it’s generally safe to leave your PS5 in rest mode. It allows the console to download updates and charge controllers while using minimal power.

Conclusion

Buying games on the PS5 is a user-friendly process, whether you opt for physical discs or the convenience of digital downloads from the PlayStation Store. With a clear understanding of the steps involved and the various options available, you can easily build your game library and enjoy the immersive gaming experience that the PS5 offers.

For more insights into the world of gaming and its educational potential, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

How does buying games on PS5 work?