Can You Still Get the Free PS5 Upgrade?
In short, the answer is yes, but it depends on the game. While a blanket “free upgrade” policy doesn’t exist for all PS4 games, many titles released close to the PS5’s launch, or those specifically designated by publishers, offered a free upgrade path. However, the availability of these free upgrades is becoming increasingly selective, and many publishers now charge a fee for the PS5 version. Let’s delve into the details of how upgrades work and what you need to know.
Understanding the PS4 to PS5 Upgrade Landscape
When the PlayStation 5 launched, Sony and various publishers aimed to ease the transition for players who hadn’t yet made the leap to the new console. This resulted in some generous upgrade programs, allowing owners of PS4 versions of certain games to obtain the PS5 version at no additional cost. The rationale was to allow gamers to purchase games with the confidence that they could enjoy them on either platform without having to repurchase.
Digital vs. Physical Copies
The upgrade process differs slightly depending on whether you own a digital or physical copy of the PS4 game.
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Digital Copies: If you purchased a digital copy of an eligible PS4 game, you can usually find the PS5 version on the PlayStation Store. Simply search for the game, and if an upgrade is available, you’ll see an option to download the PS5 version, often labeled as a “free upgrade.”
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Physical Copies: For physical copies, the process is a bit more involved. You’ll need a PS5 console with a disc drive to insert the PS4 game disc. Once inserted, navigate to the game hub on your PS5, and you should see an option to claim the free PS5 upgrade. It’s crucial to keep the PS4 disc inserted whenever you want to play the upgraded PS5 version, as it serves as verification that you own the game.
When Free Isn’t Free
It’s important to note that some publishers no longer offer free upgrades. In some cases, they require you to purchase the PS5 version outright, or pay a fee to upgrade. This shift has largely been driven by financial considerations. Developing and optimizing games for a new generation of hardware requires significant investment, and publishers seek to recoup these costs.
The Case of Cyberpunk 2077
Referring back to the example mentioned in the intro, Cyberpunk 2077 is a prime example of a game that did offer a free PS5 upgrade. If you own the PS4 version, you are entitled to upgrade to the PS5 version at no cost. This is one of the key reasons the author is now returning to Cyberpunk on their PS5.
How to Check for Upgrade Availability
Here’s a step-by-step guide to checking if a free upgrade is available:
- On Your PS5: Navigate to the PlayStation Store.
- Search for the Game: Type the name of the PS4 game you own.
- Check the Game Hub: Once you find the game, go to its game hub page.
- Look for Upgrade Options: On the game hub page, look for an upgrade offer. It might be labeled as “Free Upgrade,” “PS5 Upgrade Available,” or something similar. If you don’t see an upgrade option, it’s likely that a free upgrade is not available, or you need to first install the PS4 version before it appears.
- Download/Purchase: If an upgrade is available, follow the instructions to download it. If a fee is required, you’ll be prompted to make a purchase.
Is it Worth Upgrading?
Absolutely. The PS5 offers a superior gaming experience compared to the PS4, with faster loading times, improved graphics, and enhanced features like haptic feedback through the DualSense controller. Upgrading enhances not only visual fidelity but also the overall immersion into the game.
The Future of PS5 Upgrades
While the trend seems to be moving away from free upgrades, it’s still possible to find them for certain titles. Keep an eye on announcements from publishers and Sony, as they occasionally offer promotions or limited-time free upgrades. As the lifecycle of the PS5 continues, it’s reasonable to expect fewer and fewer games will offer free upgrades from the previous generation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about PS4 to PS5 upgrades:
1. Will every PS4 game have a free upgrade to PS5?
No, not every PS4 game offers a free upgrade. It depends on the publisher’s policy. Some publishers offer free upgrades, while others require a purchase.
2. What happens if I buy a used PS4 game? Can I still upgrade it to PS5?
If the game offers a free upgrade, you should be able to upgrade a used physical copy of the PS4 game to the PS5 version. You will need to insert the disc into your PS5 to play the game.
3. I have the PS5 Digital Edition. Can I upgrade a physical PS4 game?
No, you cannot. The PS5 Digital Edition does not have a disc drive, so you cannot use a physical PS4 game disc to upgrade to the PS5 version.
4. How much does it usually cost to upgrade a PS4 game to PS5 if it’s not free?
The cost of upgrading a PS4 game to PS5 varies by publisher and title. Some upgrades may cost around $10, while others may require you to purchase the PS5 version at full price.
5. Can I upgrade a PS4 game I got through PlayStation Plus?
If you claimed a PS4 game through PlayStation Plus, you typically cannot upgrade it to the PS5 version for free unless it is specifically stated. The PS5 versions of games offered on PlayStation Plus are usually offered as separate entitlements.
6. Will upgrading my PS4 game to PS5 delete my progress?
No, upgrading your PS4 game to PS5 should not delete your progress. Game saves are usually transferable between versions. You may need to manually transfer the saves, but progress is generally preserved.
7. How do I transfer my PS4 game saves to the PS5 version?
You can transfer your saves through various methods:
- PlayStation Plus Cloud Storage: Upload your save from the PS4, then download it on the PS5.
- USB Drive: Copy the save to a USB drive from your PS4 and then copy it to your PS5.
- In-Game Transfer: Some games have a built-in save transfer feature.
8. Is there a way to know which games offer free PS5 upgrades?
Check official announcements from Sony and game publishers. Websites and gaming news outlets also compile lists of games that offer free upgrades.
9. If I upgrade my game, can I still play the PS4 version?
Yes, upgrading your game to the PS5 version does not remove your access to the PS4 version. For physical copies, you’ll always have the disc. For digital copies, both versions will remain in your library.
10. Can I revert back to the PS4 version after upgrading to the PS5 version?
Yes, you can always revert back to the PS4 version. The PS5 version is treated as a separate game, so you can delete it and reinstall the PS4 version if you prefer.
11. Do PS4 controllers work with PS5 games?
No, PS4 controllers are not fully compatible with PS5 games. You can use them to play PS4 games on the PS5, but for PS5 games, you’ll need to use a DualSense controller to take advantage of the new features.
12. Does the PS5 Digital Edition offer any upgrade paths?
The PS5 Digital Edition can only upgrade games that are digital. You cannot upgrade any physical PS4 games to PS5, as there is no disc drive.
13. Will there be a PS6? When is it coming out?
Based on trends and hints from Sony, a PS6 is likely to be released sometime around 2026. However, this is just an estimate.
14. What are the storage limitations on the PS5?
The PS5 comes with a built-in SSD. If you fill the storage you can either delete older games or upgrade the storage using an internal or external SSD. You can realistically store 10-15 games on the drive at a time.
15. Are there any PS4 games that cannot be played on the PS5?
Yes, a small number of PS4 games are not compatible with the PS5. They include:
- Afro Samurai 2 Revenge of Kuma Volume One
- Hitman Go: Definitive Edition
- Just Deal With It!
- Robinson: The Journey
- Shadwen
- TT Isle of Man – Ride on the Edge 2
- We Sing
Final Thoughts
While the era of widespread free PS5 upgrades may be waning, it’s still possible to snag them for select titles. Always check the PlayStation Store and announcements from publishers to stay informed. And remember, upgrading to the PS5 offers a significant improvement in the overall gaming experience. For those interested in the educational and social aspects of gaming, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.