Putting Digital Games on Your PS4 from Your PS5: A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is: you cannot directly transfer a digital game purchased for the PS5 onto a PS4. The PS5 and PS4 architectures are different, and PS5 games are generally not designed to run on the older console. However, there are a few workarounds and important details to consider, which we’ll explore in detail.
Understanding Compatibility and Transfer Limitations
While direct transfer isn’t possible, understanding the limitations and possibilities is crucial. Sony doesn’t support forward compatibility, meaning you can’t just take a PS5 game and play it on a PS4. This is different from backward compatibility, where newer consoles can play older games.
Workaround Options: Remote Play and Account Sharing
While you can’t directly install a PS5 game on your PS4, there are ways to experience PS5 games on your PS4.
- Remote Play: This allows you to stream gameplay from your PS5 to your PS4 (or other devices). Essentially, your PS5 does all the processing, and the PS4 acts as a screen and controller. This requires a strong and stable internet connection.
- Game Sharing: You can share your PSN account with a friend who owns a PS4, giving them access to your digital library. However, this comes with risks, as you are sharing your account credentials. There are only two accounts you can share with simultaneously.
PS4 Games on PS5: A Different Story
It’s essential to distinguish between PS5 games on PS4 and PS4 games on PS5. The latter is generally much simpler. The PS5 boasts extensive backward compatibility with PS4 games. Most PS4 games can be played directly on the PS5, either through digital download (if you own them digitally) or by inserting the PS4 game disc. In some cases, there are even free or paid upgrades to the PS5 version of the game!
Setting up Remote Play for PS5 Games on PS4
If you want to use Remote Play, here’s how to set it up:
- Enable Remote Play on PS5: Go to Settings > System > Remote Play and turn on “Enable Remote Play.”
- Link your PS4: On your PS5, go to Settings > System > Remote Play > Link Device. Your PS5 will then search for other devices.
- On your PS4: Download the “PS Remote Play” app from the PlayStation Store.
- Launch Remote Play on PS4: Open the app and sign in with the same PSN account you use on your PS5. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Considerations for Remote Play
- Internet Speed: A stable, high-speed internet connection is essential. Both consoles should ideally be connected via Ethernet for the best experience.
- PSN Account: You need to use the same PSN account on both consoles.
- Display Settings: You might want to adjust your PS5’s display settings for optimal streaming quality.
Understanding the Digital Game Ecosystem
The digital game ecosystem can be confusing, so let’s clarify some key concepts:
Digital Purchases are Account-Based
When you buy a digital game, it’s tied to your PSN account, not the console itself. This is crucial because it means that if your PS4 breaks, you don’t lose your games when you get a new one (as mentioned in the source article). Simply log into your PSN account on the new PS4, and you can redownload your purchased games.
The Allure and Risks of Game Sharing
Game sharing is a tempting option, but it’s vital to understand the risks. When you share your account, you’re giving someone else access to your payment information and potentially other sensitive data. Sony also has rules against excessive account sharing, so it’s best to only share with trusted friends or family.
Digital vs. Physical Games: Ownership and Permanence
The article also touches on the debate between digital and physical games. While physical games can be scratched or lost, they offer a sense of ownership that digital games sometimes lack. With digital games, you’re essentially buying a license to play the game, which can be revoked if the game is removed from the PlayStation Store. On the other hand, digital games offer convenience and eliminate the need for physical storage.
PS4 Games That Won’t Work on PS5
The article helpfully provides a list of PS4 games that won’t work on PS5. These are exceptions to the rule of backward compatibility. Here’s the list again:
- 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
Why Some Games Aren’t Compatible
The reasons behind these incompatibilities vary. Sometimes it’s due to technical issues, licensing problems, or simply a lack of resources to ensure compatibility.
Digital Games and Changing Platforms
The source material also mentions what happens when switching from digital to disc-based PlayStation systems. Your save data is generally stored on your hard drive, independent of whether you installed the game from a disc or digitally. However, if you switch from a disc-based version to a digital version, you’ll need to uninstall the disc version and download the digital version.
Remote Play: Expanding the Playstation Ecosystem
The article mentions that a PS4 can stream directly from the PS5. This turns your PS4 into a secondary console with access to your PS5 content. Using the Remote Play option, you can pair both consoles and experience PS5 games through streaming.
Upgrading from PS4 to PS5: What to Expect
If you are upgrading from a digital PS4 game to a digital PS5 game, search for your PS4 game in the PlayStation Store or game library under the “Your Collection” tab. Find the upgrade offer, and select it, just as you would with the physical version.
The Value of the PS5 Experience
As the article states, the PS5 is a major upgrade over the PS4. From its design and comfortable DualSense controller to its stunning 4K graphics, the PS5 offers a next-gen gaming experience. While transferring PS5 games directly to a PS4 isn’t possible, the PS5’s features and capabilities make it a worthwhile investment for gamers. The Games Learning Society promotes understanding these nuances of gaming technology and how they impact player experience. Visit Games Learning Society for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I download a PS5 game directly onto my PS4’s hard drive?
No, PS5 games are not designed to run on the PS4’s hardware and operating system. Direct downloads are not possible.
2. If I buy a game on the PlayStation Store, can I play it on both my PS4 and PS5?
It depends. If the game is a PS4 game, you can play it on both consoles. If it’s a PS5-exclusive game, you can only play it on the PS5. Some games offer a free or paid upgrade path from the PS4 version to the PS5 version.
3. What happens to my PS4 games if I upgrade to a PS5?
Your PS4 games will still be accessible on your PS5. If you own them digitally, you can simply download them to your PS5. If you own them on disc, you can insert the disc into your PS5 (if it’s a disc-based PS5 model).
4. Is Remote Play a good alternative to playing PS5 games directly on my PS4?
Remote Play can be a decent alternative, but it depends on your internet connection and tolerance for potential lag or visual artifacts.
5. Will PS6 be backwards compatible?
The source article mentions that previous consoles are backwards compatible; we can only speculate whether that is true for the next generation.
6. Can I share my digital games with multiple friends simultaneously?
You can share your PSN account, but it’s not recommended. Sony’s terms of service discourage widespread account sharing, and you’re putting your account at risk.
7. Are digital games permanent?
While digital games are tied to your account, their permanence depends on Sony’s policies and the game’s availability on the PlayStation Store.
8. What happens to my digital games if my PS4 breaks?
Your digital games are safe. They are tied to your PSN account and can be redownloaded on any PlayStation console you log into.
9. Is it better to buy digital or physical games?
The choice depends on your preferences. Digital games offer convenience, while physical games offer a sense of ownership and can be resold.
10. Can I trade in my PS4 for credit towards a PS5?
Yes, many retailers offer trade-in programs for PS4 consoles. The value you receive will vary depending on the model and condition of your PS4.
11. Will I lose my games if I change from a digital to a disc-based PlayStation?
No, you will not lose your games. If you already installed the game via disc, you have to reinstall it using the digital download.
12. Can I merge two PlayStation accounts?
No, Sony does not allow you to merge PlayStation accounts.
13. Will I lose my games if I make a new PSN account?
If I make a new psn what happens to my digital games do I lose them or can I transfer them to the new psn account? As long as you keep your old account connected to the ps4 as the main account, you should be able to access your digital games on your new account – you cannot transfer games to different account however.
14. Do you own your digital games?
That’s the issue with digital purchases: you don’t actually own the product. You only own it as long as you have a way to use it.
15. Are most PS5 games compatible with PS4?
No, most PS5 games are not compatible with PS4.