Can I Delete the PS4 Version of My Game After Upgrading to PS5?
Yes, you absolutely can delete the PS4 version of a game after upgrading to the PS5 version. This is a common question among PlayStation users transitioning to the newer console, and the good news is that removing the PS4 version will not affect your ability to play the upgraded PS5 version. This functionality allows you to free up precious storage space on your console. However, there are a few nuances you should be aware of to ensure a smooth experience.
Understanding the Dual-Version Dilemma
When you upgrade a PS4 game to its PS5 counterpart, you essentially have two separate installations on your console: the original PS4 version and the enhanced PS5 version. This is because the PS5 treats them as distinct entities with different game files and often different save data. The benefit of this system is that you can continue playing your PS4 version if you prefer, or if, for some reason, the PS5 version is not working as expected. However, it can also be confusing and can lead to unnecessary storage consumption.
The key to understanding this lies in recognizing that the PS5 does not simply “patch” the PS4 game to become a PS5 game. It downloads and installs the PS5 version separately. This means your original PS4 game data remains untouched and is still available to you. Once you’re certain the PS5 version is running correctly and you no longer need the PS4 version, you are free to delete it.
The PS4 Disc Issue
One common glitch that can occur, particularly with disc-based games, is the PS5 attempting to reinstall the PS4 version even after you’ve upgraded and deleted it. This often happens when you reboot your system or insert the PS4 game disc into the console. It’s not a sign of something wrong with your system; it’s just a quirk of how the PS5 handles these dual-version upgrades.
To work around this issue, it’s recommended you take immediate action after booting up or inserting the disc. Go directly to the Downloads/Uploads section of your PS5 menu and manually cancel and delete the PS4 installation before it fully re-downloads. This will prevent the system from re-installing the unwanted PS4 version, allowing you to enjoy the PS5 version without added storage issues.
Why Delete the PS4 Version?
The primary reason to delete the PS4 version of your game is to free up valuable storage space on your PS5 console. PS5 games often have larger file sizes, and every gigabyte counts. By removing the unnecessary PS4 game version, you can create more room for new game downloads or additional PS5 titles.
Moreover, keeping both versions installed is simply redundant. You are not losing any playability by deleting the PS4 install, since you will still be able to play the PS5 version you upgraded to. Therefore, it makes logistical sense to delete the PS4 version and keep just the one, more superior and optimized PS5 game.
Deleting Games on PS5
Deleting games on the PS5 is a straightforward process. Simply navigate to your Game Library, highlight the game you wish to remove (ensure it’s the PS4 version you’re targeting), press the Options button on your controller, and select “Delete”. Confirm your decision, and the PS4 version will be uninstalled, freeing up storage space. Remember, this action only removes the game installation, not the game from your account.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to deleting PS4 games after upgrading to PS5, to further clarify the process:
1. Will deleting a game on PS4 delete it on PS5?
No. Deleting a game from either the PS4 or PS5 only removes the installed game files from that specific console. Your game purchases are tied to your PlayStation Network (PSN) account. You can re-download any purchased game from your game library at any time, regardless of which console you are using.
2. When you upgrade a PS4 game to PS5, do you lose everything?
No. You won’t lose your game ownership or the ability to re-download. Digital games are linked to your PSN account, and will always be available for download and reinstallation as long as you are signed into the correct PSN account on any PlayStation console.
3. Will I lose all my progress if I delete a game on PS5?
Uninstalling a game on your PS5 will not delete your saved data. Unless you specifically choose to delete your saved files, your game progress remains intact, even if you delete the actual game. This is because save files are typically stored separately from game files.
4. Will my PS4 digital games be deleted if I buy a PS5?
No, buying a PS5 will not delete your digital PS4 games. These games remain part of your PSN account and can be downloaded and played on your PS5. Upgrading to the PS5 simply allows access to these games on the new console.
5. Do you lose PS4 games on PS5?
No. You do not lose your PS4 games when you transition to a PS5. They can be accessed directly from your game library, either digitally or by inserting the corresponding PS4 disc. You can even transfer your game data from the PS4 to the PS5 using a WiFi data transfer method.
6. Can you permanently delete PS4 games?
You can easily uninstall games from your PS4 to free up storage space by navigating to the game in the Games Menu, selecting it, pressing the Options button, and selecting Delete. This does not delete your ownership of the game itself.
7. How do I stop the PS4 version from automatically installing on PS5?
As mentioned above, if the PS4 version is automatically reinstalling upon boot or disc insertion, go immediately to the Uploads/Downloads section and cancel and delete the PS4 installation. This will prevent the auto-installation from reoccurring, without removing the PS5 version.
8. Why do I have 2 versions of a game on my PS5?
The PS5 separates game files based on generation. PS4 and PS5 versions of a game are treated as different applications by the system, with separate save zones. This ensures backward compatibility and allows you to play both versions, if desired.
9. How do I delete a disc version of a game on PS4?
After playing a game disc, an icon for it appears in the content area. To delete the game, select the icon, press the OPTIONS button, and then select [Delete]. This removes the game installation.
10. Is there a difference between PS4 and PS5 versions of games?
The PS5 versions of games generally feature improved visuals and performance, thanks to the console’s advanced hardware. However, many PS4 games also run better on PS5, even without a dedicated upgrade patch, but not with the same level of improvement seen in dedicated PS5 releases.
11. Is there any point in keeping a PS4 if you have a PS5?
Yes, there can be. The PS4 can act as a remote play device, allowing you to continue your PS5 games from another room, or even another location. This, coupled with the many exclusive games to the PS4, mean it still has viability, depending on your own needs and situation.
12. Should I store PS4 games on PS5?
You can store and play PS4 games directly from a USB extended storage drive on your PS5, saving the internal storage for PS5 games. For PS5 games, however, you will need to copy the game data from the USB drive back onto the PS5 internal SSD for optimal performance.
13. Do you keep trophies if you delete a game on PS5?
Yes, you keep your earned trophies if you delete a game. Trophies are associated with your PSN account and are not deleted when you uninstall the game. However, you can delete trophy information for a game if you have no earned trophies in that game, but not once you have any trophies attached.
14. Do I keep all my games on PS5?
Yes, you keep access to all the games you have bought on your PSN account. The games are stored in the cloud, and you can re-download them to any PlayStation console as long as you are logged into the account used to purchase them.
15. Is it OK to leave a game disc in the PS5?
It’s generally good practice to remove discs when they are not being used to help prevent accidental damage and reduce power consumption. However, it is not necessary or mandatory, and will not harm your console to leave the disc inside.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you can definitely delete the PS4 version of a game after upgrading to PS5 to free up storage space. Just be aware of the occasional auto-install issue and take preventative measures when booting your console. By understanding how PS5 handles game upgrades, you can efficiently manage your console’s storage and enjoy the best possible gaming experience.