Table of Contents

Do You Have to Rebuy All Games for PS5? A Comprehensive Guide to PS5 Game Compatibility

The short answer is no, you absolutely do not have to rebuy all your games for the PlayStation 5 (PS5). Thanks to backward compatibility, the PS5 supports the vast majority of PlayStation 4 (PS4) games, allowing you to enjoy your existing library on the new console. However, the situation gets a bit more nuanced when considering older PlayStation systems and potential upgrades. This guide will delve into the specifics of PS5 game compatibility, upgrades, data transfers, and answer frequently asked questions to help you navigate the world of PS5 gaming.

Understanding PS5 Backward Compatibility

The PS5’s backward compatibility is a significant feature for gamers transitioning from the PS4. It means you can play many of your PS4 games on the PS5 without needing to repurchase them. This is a considerable advantage, allowing you to continue enjoying your favorite titles while taking advantage of the PS5’s enhanced hardware.

How PS4 Games Work on PS5

Digital Games: If you own digital PS4 games, they will appear in your PS5 game library, ready for download. Simply sign in to your PlayStation Network (PSN) account on your PS5, and your purchased games will be available.
Disc-Based Games: You can play PS4 game discs on your PS5, provided you have the standard PS5 model with a disc drive. Insert the disc, and the game will install on your console, just like on the PS4.

Limitations to Backward Compatibility

While the PS5 boasts impressive backward compatibility, there are a few limitations to consider:

A Small Number of Incompatible Games: A handful of PS4 games are not compatible with the PS5. The list is relatively small, but it’s worth checking before assuming all your games will work. At the time of this article, games like Afro Samurai 2: Revenge of Kuma Volume One, Hitman Go: Definitive Edition, Just Deal With It!, Robinson: The Journey, Shadwen, and We Sing were listed as incompatible.
Older PlayStation Games: Backward compatibility is primarily focused on PS4 games. Playing games from older PlayStation consoles (PS3, PS2, PS1) on the PS5 is more complicated and not natively supported. Some older titles may be available through PlayStation Plus Premium, Sony’s subscription service.

PS4 to PS5 Upgrades: What You Need to Know

For some games, you might have the option to upgrade your PS4 version to the PS5 version. This can offer enhanced graphics, performance improvements, and additional features. However, upgrade options vary by game.

Types of Upgrades

Free Upgrades: Some developers offer free upgrades to the PS5 version for owners of the PS4 version. This is the ideal scenario, allowing you to enjoy the enhanced experience at no extra cost.
Paid Upgrades: Other games may require a purchase to upgrade to the PS5 version. The cost can vary, so check the PlayStation Store for details on specific games.
Upgrade Availability: Upgrade availability might be limited, either temporarily or permanently. Always check the game’s details on the PlayStation Store to see if an upgrade is currently offered.

Important Considerations for Upgrades

Disc vs. Digital: The upgrade process can differ depending on whether you own the game on disc or digitally. For disc-based upgrades, you usually need to insert the PS4 disc into your PS5 to verify ownership.
Region Compatibility: When upgrading a PS4 game disc to the digital PS5 version, your PS4 game disc needs to have originated from the same country as your account for PlayStation Network.
Spider-Man Upgrade: The upgrade path for Spider-Man from PS4 to PS5 has been a point of confusion for many. Only those who paid for a digital copy of Marvel’s Spider-Man are eligible for the upgrade. Players with the PS4 Marvel’s Spider-Man disc can purchase an upgrade to Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered.

Transferring Data from PS4 to PS5

Moving your progress and saved data from your PS4 to your PS5 is a straightforward process, ensuring you don’t lose your hard-earned achievements.

Methods of Data Transfer

WiFi Data Transfer: You can transfer digital games and game data from a PS4 console to a PS5 console using WiFi. Ensure both consoles are connected to the same network.
USB Storage Device: You can access PS4 games and game data on a PS5 console directly from a compatible USB storage drive. This is particularly useful if you already use an external hard drive with your PS4.
PlayStation Plus Cloud Storage: If you have a PlayStation Plus subscription, you can use cloud storage to transfer your save games. Upload your save data from your PS4 and download it to your PS5.

Troubleshooting Transfer Issues

If you encounter problems transferring data, consider the following:

Sign-In to the Same Account: Ensure you’re signed in to the same PlayStation Network account on both consoles.
Game Compatibility: Some PS4 games are not compatible with the PS5 and will not transfer.
Game Updates: Check for any available updates on the PS5 for the games you’re transferring.

What Happens to Your PS4 After Getting a PS5?

Once you’ve transitioned to the PS5, you have several options for your PS4:

Keep It as a Second Console: The PS4 can be used as a second console in another room or for other family members.
Use Remote Play: Sony added a feature to the PS4 to stream directly from your PS5, giving you a second console to access content from your new system. Use the Remote Play options in the system settings to pair the two consoles.
Trade It In or Sell It: Depending on its condition, you can trade in your PS4 at a retailer or sell it privately.

FAQs: Your PS5 Game Compatibility Questions Answered

1. Do I have to rebuy Spider-Man on PS5?

Yes, The PS5 console will be able to play the PS4 Marvel’s Spider-Man disc via backward compatibility. Or, you can purchase an upgrade to Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered.

2. Is Spider-Man a free PS5 upgrade?

No. Only those who paid for a digital copy of Marvel’s Spider-Man are eligible for the upgrade.

3. Why can’t I upgrade Spider-Man to PS5?

To upgrade a PS4 game disc to the digital PS5 version, your PS4 game disc needs to have originated from the same country as your account for PlayStation Network.

4. Should I transfer PS4 games to PS5?

Yes, if you have PS4 games you want to play on your Sony PS5, there’s no reason to start from scratch. You have a few ways to transfer your save files to the new console. The PlayStation 5 has some great-looking games, but there are also plenty of PS4 games that will run better than ever on the new hardware.

5. Do you lose progress from PS4 to PS5?

No, you don’t have to lose progress. If you have an active PlayStation Plus subscription, you can use the cloud save storage to get your save game over to the PS5. The manual method is that you copy the saves from a PS4 to an USB stick and import them onto your PlayStation 5.

6. Does everything carry over from PS4 to PS5?

You can transfer (copy) data from a PlayStation®4 console or another PlayStation®5 console to your PS5™ console. The console that you’re transferring data from is the source console. The PS5 console that you’re transferring data to is the destination console.

7. Why didn’t all my games transfer to PS5?

Make sure that you are signed in to the same PlayStation Network account on both the PS4 and the PS5. Check to see if the game is compatible with the PS5.

8. Do PS4 games look better on PS5?

While some PS4 games may have an upgrade patch, allowing for improved visuals and gameplay on the PS5, most PS4 games will look the same whether you play them on the PS4 or PS5.

9. Will I lose everything if I delete games on PS5?

Uninstalling a game on your PS5 does not delete your saved data unless you delete your game files.

10. What if I accidentally bought a game on PS5?

You should send a refund request within 14 days of purchasing the game from the PlayStation store to be eligible. You must not have streamed or downloaded the game to qualify for a refund.

11. Do my games still be there if I restore my PS5?

When restoring data, your PS5 console will erase all data saved on your console. Erased data cannot be restored.

12. What happens if you don’t transfer PS4 to PS5?

You will need to start from scratch on your shiny new PS5 and you lose all your game data like updates and DLCs. However, some games might support cross-save via cloud storage, so do check for that!

13. Can I upgrade Spider-Man PS4 to PS5 for free?

Players will be able to purchase it standalone or, if you own Marvel’s Spider-Man on PlayStation 4, then you can pay to upgrade to Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered on PS5.

14. Is Spider-Man 60fps on PS5?

Experience the critically acclaimed hit with updated graphical assets and in stunning dynamic 4K/HDR. And experience swinging through New York and combat as an experienced Spider-Man with an optional performance mode that takes advantage of Insomniac’s temporal injection for dynamic 4K/60fps.

15. Will there be a PS6?

Based off a 2021 job listing from Sony that suggests the development of a new console, we can assume that the PS6 release date will be around 2026.

The Future of Gaming and Learning

As gaming technology advances, so does its potential for education and skill development. Organizations like the Games Learning Society are exploring how games can be used as powerful tools for learning and engagement. To learn more about this exciting field, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.

Upgrading to the PS5 doesn’t mean abandoning your existing game library. With its robust backward compatibility, data transfer options, and upgrade paths, you can seamlessly transition to the next generation of gaming while still enjoying your favorite titles.

Do you have to rebuy all games for PS5?