Table of Contents

Can Both PS5s Play Digital Games? A Comprehensive Guide to PlayStation 5 Digital Sharing

Quick answer

This page answers Can both PS5 play digital games? quickly.

Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.

Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.

Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.

▶

The short answer is yes, both PS5s can play digital games. However, the specifics of how you achieve this depend on whether you’re talking about playing the same game simultaneously on two consoles, sharing your entire library with another user, or simply accessing your purchased digital games on multiple devices. Let’s delve into the nuances of digital game sharing and access on the PlayStation 5.

Understanding Digital Game Access on PS5

The PlayStation ecosystem is designed to offer flexibility in how you enjoy your digital purchases. Understanding the system’s rules and features is crucial for maximizing your gaming experience, especially when multiple PS5 consoles are involved.

Console Sharing and Offline Play

One of the key features that facilitates digital game access on multiple PS5s is Console Sharing and Offline Play. This setting allows you to designate one PS5 as your primary console. When activated, anyone who uses your primary PS5 can:

Play your digital games and watch media content even when the console is offline.
Access your purchased and downloaded games and media.
Benefit from some of your PlayStation Plus membership advantages, such as online multiplayer (provided they also have a PSN account).

This means if your household has multiple users, setting the console most frequently used by family members as your primary PS5 allows them to enjoy your digital library.

Playing on a Non-Primary PS5

You can still access your digital games on a second PS5 that isn’t designated as your primary console. Here’s how:

Log in to the PlayStation Network with your account on the second PS5.
Go to your Game Library and download the games you want to play.
You will need an active internet connection to launch and play these games, as the system needs to verify your license.

Keep in mind that only your account can play the downloaded games on the non-primary console. Other users on that console won’t be able to access them unless you enable console sharing.

Game Sharing: Sharing Your Library with a Friend

Game sharing on PS5 is a feature that allows you to share your digital game library with one other person. It’s a bit different from the PS4’s system and requires careful setup. Here’s the gist:

Share account information: You’ll need to share your PSN login credentials (email and password) with the friend you want to gameshare with. This carries inherent security risks, so only share with someone you trust implicitly.
Activate Console Sharing and Offline Play: On your friend’s PS5, log in with your account. Then, navigate to Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Console Sharing and Offline Play and select Enable. This makes your friend’s PS5 your primary console.
Your friend logs in: Your friend then logs back into their account on their PS5. They can now download and play games from your library, even when you’re playing on your own PS5.
Reverse the process: Your friend must then share their credentials so you can enable console sharing on your PS5. Now you are both able to play each other’s games.

Important considerations for game sharing:

Simultaneous Play: You can usually play the same game at the same time, as long as each player is using their own account. However, some games might have restrictions, so it’s not a guarantee.
One Person at a Time: You can only gameshare with one other person at a time.
PlayStation Plus: To play online multiplayer, both you and your friend will need a PlayStation Plus subscription.

Restrictions and Considerations

Despite the flexibility, there are some restrictions to be aware of:

Account Ownership: Digital games are tied to the account that purchased them, not the console.
Simultaneous Logins: You generally can’t be logged into the same account on two PS5s simultaneously. This can trigger error messages and prevent gameplay.
PlayStation Plus Benefits: Not all PlayStation Plus benefits are shareable through console sharing. For instance, cloud storage and exclusive discounts might only be available to the account holder.
Security: Sharing your account details carries security risks. Always use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication.

The PS5 Digital Edition vs. The Standard PS5

It’s important to understand the difference between the standard PS5 and the PS5 Digital Edition. The Digital Edition lacks a disc drive, meaning you can only play games downloaded from the PlayStation Store. The standard PS5 can play both physical discs and digital downloads, offering more flexibility in how you acquire and play games. Both consoles are identical regarding internal specs and performance when playing digital games.

Game Upgrades from PS4

If you own a PS4 version of a game (digital or disc), you may be eligible for a free or paid upgrade to the PS5 version. The availability and cost of these upgrades vary depending on the game publisher.

Managing Storage

PS5 consoles have limited internal storage, meaning you’ll eventually need to manage your installed games. You can delete games you’re not currently playing to free up space and re-download them later. You can also expand your storage by installing an internal SSD. The article referenced, the Games Learning Society, studies the benefits of gaming on a student’s academic progress and storage will always need to be kept up to date. Be sure to check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more research.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about playing digital games on PS5:

Can I play the same digital game simultaneously on two PS5 consoles using the same account? Usually no. You cannot log in with the same account at the SAME TIME.
Can I share my digital game library with my family members on different PS5s in my house? Yes, using the “Console Sharing and Offline Play” feature, you can share your digital library with users on your primary console.
If I buy a digital game, can my two sons play it on their respective PS5s? Yes, if one of their PS5s is designated as your primary console. Your son who has access to the primary console can play it directly. The other son will need you to log in to their PS5 with your account, download the game, and maintain an internet connection to play (unless you enable console sharing on their device and they share their credentials with you).
Can I put my PlayStation Plus subscription on both of my sons’ accounts? No, a single PlayStation Plus subscription is tied to one account. Each son will need their own subscription to enjoy its benefits on their respective accounts.
Can I give a digital PS5 game as a gift? The best way to gift a digital PS5 game is to purchase a PlayStation Store gift card for the recipient.
Why are my digital games locked on my PS5? Possible causes include: Parental controls, license issues (try restoring licenses), or problems with your PlayStation Plus subscription.
Is the PS5 Digital Edition slower than the standard PS5 when playing digital games? No, both consoles have the same internal specifications and performance. The only difference is the absence of a disc drive on the Digital Edition.
How many digital games can the PS5 hold? This depends on the size of the games. With the standard 825GB SSD, you can realistically store around 10-15 large PS5 games.
If I upgrade from a PS4 to a PS5, do I have to rebuy my digital games? Not necessarily. Many games offer free or paid upgrades from the PS4 version to the PS5 version. Check the game’s details on the PlayStation Store.
What does “restoring licenses” do on PS5? Restoring licenses verifies that you own the digital content you’re trying to access. It’s a troubleshooting step for when games are locked or not launching correctly. It won’t affect your game data.
How do I expand the storage on my PS5 for digital games? You can install an internal SSD (NVMe) that meets Sony’s specifications.
Is console sharing and offline play the same as game sharing? Console sharing and offline play allow users on a single PS5 to access your library. Game sharing, as described above, allows you to share your library with one other person on a separate console, requiring a sharing of login details.
Can a PS5 be blacklisted by Sony? Yes, a PS5 can be blacklisted if you violate Sony’s terms of service, such as attempting to bypass security features. This will prevent the console from connecting to the PlayStation Network.
Why is the PS5 disc version more expensive? The PS5 disc version includes a Blu-ray disc drive, allowing you to play physical games and movies. This adds to the manufacturing cost.
Can I play my PS4 discs on the PS5 Digital Edition? No, the PS5 Digital Edition lacks a disc drive and therefore cannot play physical games.

In conclusion, accessing and sharing digital games on the PS5 is possible, but understanding the features, restrictions, and security implications is essential for a smooth and secure gaming experience.