Can a PS5 User Add a PS4 User? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is: Yes, a PS5 user can absolutely add a PS4 user as a friend on PlayStation Network (PSN). However, the ability to play games together online isn’t always as straightforward. This article delves into the intricacies of cross-generation play between PS5 and PS4, covering everything from adding friends to playing specific games together. While friend lists are shared between the consoles, game compatibility for cross-play varies significantly from title to title. Let’s unpack how this works in more detail.
Cross-Generation Friendships on PlayStation Network
The PlayStation Network ties your gamer tag, friends list, and purchase history to your account, not to a specific console. This means that when you use the same PSN account on both a PS4 and a PS5, your friend list remains the same on both consoles. This makes it exceptionally easy for PS5 users to add and interact with their PS4 friends. You can send messages, view their online status, and even see what games they are currently playing.
The process of adding a friend is identical regardless of which console they’re using:
- Search via their PSN ID: Use the PSN ID search functionality to find your friend’s account, whether they’re using a PS4 or PS5.
- Send a friend request: Once you find them, simply send a friend request. Once they accept, they’ll be added to your friend list.
- Accepting requests: You’ll receive notification of incoming friend requests, irrespective of whether they were sent from a PS4 or PS5.
This seamless integration of the PSN account is a significant benefit for users who own both consoles, or have friends with different console generations.
The Complexity of Cross-Play Gaming
While adding friends across console generations is easy, actually playing games together is another matter. This is where the concept of cross-play comes in, and this varies based on individual game design. There are three main scenarios to consider:
- Games with Full Cross-Play: Some titles, like certain multiplayer games, have been explicitly designed to allow cross-play between PS4 and PS5. In these instances, it doesn’t matter which console your friends are on; you can play together online seamlessly.
- Version-Specific Cross-Play: Many games offer separate versions for PS4 and PS5. In these cases, players can only connect with others using the same version of the game. For instance, if you’re playing the PS4 version of a game on your PS5, you will only be able to play with other PS4 users. Similarly, if you own the PS5 version you’ll only play with other PS5 players.
- No Cross-Play: Some games do not support any cross-play functionality between PS4 and PS5. In these situations, you simply won’t be able to play with friends on a different generation console.
It is important to note that, in many cases, games that offer a PS4 version and a PS5 version often allow players to download both versions of the game, if they purchase the appropriate edition (such as Ultimate Editions) or upgrades. This gives them the option to switch between versions, depending on who they want to play with.
FIFA and the Issue of Cross-Generation Play
The FIFA franchise, for instance, highlights how cross-play can be implemented and is a good example of version-specific cross-play.
- FIFA 23 introduced cross-platform play, but it’s limited to consoles within the same generation. Meaning PS4 players can only play against each other, and PS5 players can only play against other PS5 players, also including PC and Xbox Series X/S players.
- FIFA 24 (EA Sports FC 24) continues this pattern. While it offers cross-platform play across PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, it does not allow cross-play between PS4 and PS5 users. This means if you are on a PS5 version, you can’t play with your friend on a PS4 version.
This limitation emphasizes the need to always check individual game specifications to know whether cross-play is supported and between which platforms or versions.
Navigating the Cross-Play Landscape
The most important takeaway is that while adding friends across console generations is straightforward, cross-play functionality is heavily dependent on individual game developers’ decisions. Some titles embrace it fully, others limit it to specific versions, and some avoid it completely.
To determine if a game supports cross-play between PS4 and PS5:
- Check the game’s official website or forums: The most reliable place to get the latest details is from the game’s developer or publisher.
- Read online reviews and forums: Gamers usually discuss whether cross-play is supported.
- Test it out: See if you can invite friends using their username directly from within the game.
Remember that the ability to play together will be influenced by the specific game you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to help clarify other aspects of PS4 and PS5 interaction:
1. Can I use the same PSN account on a PS4 and PS5?
Yes, you can use the same PlayStation Network (PSN) account on both a PS4 and a PS5. Your account information, including your gamer tag, friends list, and purchase history, is tied to your account, not a specific console.
2. Can PS4 and PS5 users play GTA 5 together?
It depends on the version you’re playing. If you are playing the PS4 version of GTA Online on a PS5, you can only connect with other PS4 players. However, if you upgrade to the PS5 version, you’ll only connect with other PS5 players.
3. Can I share PlayStation Plus with a friend on another console?
No, you can only share your games and PlayStation Plus benefits with accounts on one PS5 console with Console Sharing and Offline Play activated and your primary PS4 console.
4. Can PS5 users play FIFA 23 with PS4 users?
No, FIFA 23’s cross-play is only available within the same generation. PS5 players can only play with other PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC players, while PS4 players are limited to playing with other PS4 and Xbox One users.
5. Can I have multiple accounts on my PS5?
Yes, you can have up to seven accounts on a single PS5 console, including child accounts with parental controls.
6. What is the difference between the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition?
The primary difference is that the PS5 has a disc drive, whereas the PS5 Digital Edition does not, and is designed for gamers that download their games. The PS5 is typically more expensive because it does have a disc drive.
7. Can I play PS4 games on my PS5?
Yes, PS5 is backward compatible with PS4 games, meaning you can play both physical and digital PS4 games on your PS5.
8. Can I transfer two PS4 accounts to one PS5?
You can only transfer data from one PS4 console or PS5 console to one PS5 console.
9. How many PlayStation consoles can my account be logged into?
You can log into your account on multiple consoles, but the license for your games will only work on your main console, and one other console that has been activated as your primary.
10. Can I play a PS5 game on a PS4?
No, PS5 games are not forward compatible with PS4. You cannot play PS5 games on a PS4 console.
11. Is there a PS5 slim?
Yes, the PS5 Slim is available and released in November 2023.
12. How do I link two PlayStation accounts on PS5?
From the home screen, select Settings > Users and Accounts > Linked Services. Choose the service to link, and follow the on-screen instructions.
13. Can I play PS3 games on PS5?
While PS5 is backwards compatible with PS4 games, it does not have a similar capability for PS3 games.
14. Why can’t I play with my friend on FIFA 23 cross-platform?
Co-op mode is not supported for cross-play between different console generations. Try fully exiting and relaunching the game on both consoles.
15. Does EA FC 24 have cross-play?
Yes, EA FC 24 has cross-play, but, like FIFA 23, it’s only within the same generation. Meaning PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC players play together and PS4 and Xbox One players play together. They do not connect across the two generations.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while adding a PS4 user as a friend on PS5 is straightforward, cross-play gaming is not always a given. It’s essential to check the compatibility and cross-play features of each individual game to fully understand whether you can play with your friend from a different console generation. As long as you keep this in mind, the world of PlayStation can be a truly interconnected one, no matter which console your friends may own.