Can I Upgrade My FIFA 23 to PS5 Without Ultimate Edition?
The short answer is: no, you cannot freely upgrade the Standard Edition of FIFA 23 from PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5. This is a critical point for gamers who purchased the standard edition and later acquired a PS5. Unlike some other games that offer free next-gen upgrades, EA Sports implemented a system where the Dual Entitlement feature, which allows a free upgrade, is exclusively tied to the Ultimate Edition of FIFA 23. This means if you initially bought the Standard Edition on PS4, you’ll need to purchase the PS5 version separately to play it on your new console.
Understanding Dual Entitlement and its Limitations
The Catch with the Standard Edition
Many gamers find this frustrating. The Standard Edition of FIFA 23 is designed for a single console generation. This means that if you bought it for your PS4, you only own that specific version. There is no automatic or free pathway to acquire the PS5 version. When you try to play the Standard Edition of the game on the PS5 it’ll simply be the PS4 version of the game. It is not an upgraded version, and many of the benefits of a PlayStation 5 version will be missed, such as faster loading times and superior graphics.
The Ultimate Edition Advantage
The FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition, on the other hand, comes with Dual Entitlement. This crucial feature permits players to download and play both the PS4 and PS5 versions of the game with just one purchase. This means that if you bought the Ultimate Edition on your PS4, and later upgraded to the PS5, you could download the PS5 version without incurring additional costs. The ability to switch between versions is a key selling point for the Ultimate Edition, particularly for those planning a console upgrade.
How to Get the PS5 Version with Standard Edition
If you own the Standard Edition of FIFA 23 on PS4 and now have a PS5, your only option to play the upgraded version is to purchase the PS5 version separately. There is no upgrade path within the game or through the PlayStation Store that provides a free upgrade for Standard Edition owners. Therefore, if you want the best experience on your new console, purchasing the PS5 version is the only pathway.
What About Upgrading from Standard to Ultimate Edition?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to upgrade directly from the Standard Edition to the Ultimate Edition. The only way to acquire the Ultimate Edition is by purchasing that version outright. This means you can’t simply pay the difference between the two editions. This makes it important to understand the differences before you make a purchase decision.
Dual Entitlement: What It Means in Practice
Dual Entitlement is the mechanism that allows players who buy the Ultimate Edition to access both the current and the previous-gen versions of the game. This feature is not available for Standard Edition owners. With Dual Entitlement, your game progress and content within FIFA 23 Ultimate Team (FUT) and VOLTA FOOTBALL are generally transferred seamlessly between the PS4 and PS5 versions. Therefore, it adds value to the Ultimate Edition for those who plan on playing on both console generations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly does Dual Entitlement mean for FIFA 23?
Dual Entitlement allows you to upgrade your copy of the FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition from PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5 (or Xbox One to Xbox Series X|S) at no additional cost. This means you can play both the PS4 and PS5 versions of the game with a single purchase. It is exclusive to the Ultimate Edition.
2. I bought the Standard Edition. How do I play FIFA 23 on PS5?
If you bought the Standard Edition of FIFA 23 for your PS4, you must purchase the PS5 version separately to play it on your PS5. There’s no free upgrade path available.
3. Can I upgrade from the Standard Edition to the Ultimate Edition for FIFA 23?
No, you cannot upgrade directly from the Standard Edition to the Ultimate Edition. The only way to get the Ultimate Edition is by purchasing that specific version of the game.
4. Does all progress carry over from the PS4 version to the PS5 version?
Yes, progress in FIFA 23 Ultimate Team (FUT), including players, items, coins, and match record, and progression in VOLTA FOOTBALL are transferred when you switch between console generations within the same family (PS4 to PS5). However, progress is console-locked and cannot be transferred between different platforms (e.g. PlayStation to Xbox).
5. Do I need PlayStation Plus (PS Plus) to play FIFA 23 on PS5?
Yes, a PS Plus subscription is required for online gameplay, including modes like Seasons, Pro Clubs, and online portions of Ultimate Team. You can play offline game modes without a PS Plus subscription.
6. Can I play the PS4 version of FIFA 23 on my PS5?
Yes, you can play the PS4 version of FIFA 23 on your PS5. However, you will not benefit from any of the PS5’s enhanced features or graphical improvements and will be playing the PS4 version of the game.
7. What’s the difference between the Standard Edition and Ultimate Edition of FIFA 23?
The Ultimate Edition includes Dual Entitlement, allowing you to play on both PS4 and PS5 (or Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S). It also comes with additional in-game perks for FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT), such as extra items and players. The Standard Edition does not have Dual Entitlement and only works on one specific console generation.
8. If I have the Ultimate Edition, can I play with friends on PS4 while I’m on PS5?
Yes, if you and your friends own the Ultimate Edition, you can play together. The game can be played on either the PS4 or PS5 versions of the game from the same account.
9. How do I get the Ultimate Edition content I purchased?
You need to redeem any single-use code, log in to FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT), and create a Career Mode save while connected to EA servers to access the Ultimate Edition content.
10. Can I transfer my Ultimate Team from Xbox to PS5?
No, progress is console-locked and cannot be transferred between different platforms. If you switch from Xbox to PS5, you will have to start with a brand-new Ultimate Team.
11. Is the Ultimate Edition worth it for casual players?
It depends on your playing style. If you are primarily interested in Ultimate Team and want a head start with more perks, the Ultimate Edition is worth it. If you play casually or are not interested in Ultimate Team, the Standard Edition is likely a better value.
12. Is there a disc version of the FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition?
No, the FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition is only available digitally. This means you cannot purchase a physical disc.
13. Why isn’t my FIFA 23 downloading on PS5?
You can try restarting your download by going to Downloads/Uploads in the control center, and selecting pause and then resume. If issues persist you can cancel, delete the game, and then try downloading it again from your game library.
14. Can I play online matches in FIFA 23 without PlayStation Plus?
No, you cannot play online matches in FIFA 23 without a PS Plus membership. A PS Plus subscription is necessary for online multiplayer game modes.
15. What PS4 discs work on the PS5?
The vast majority of PS4 games are playable on PS5, but it’s always best to check if a game is compatible on Sony’s support website. Some PS4 games may even benefit from the PS5’s Game Boost feature.
In conclusion, while the prospect of upgrading from the Standard Edition of FIFA 23 to the PS5 version for free is appealing, it’s simply not possible. Only the Ultimate Edition comes with the Dual Entitlement needed for a free upgrade. If you want to experience FIFA 23 on your PS5 in its enhanced glory, you’ll have to purchase the PS5 version separately. Knowing these distinctions can help you make an informed purchase decision.