How to Transfer Games Between PlayStation Consoles: A Comprehensive Guide
Transferring your beloved games from one PlayStation console to another is a common need, whether you’re upgrading to a new system, moving to a different room, or helping a friend. While the process might seem daunting, it’s fairly straightforward once you understand the nuances of PlayStation’s account system and data transfer methods. This guide breaks down the different scenarios and provides clear instructions on how to get your games onto your new PlayStation.
Understanding PlayStation Game Ownership and Transfers
Before diving into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand that digital games purchased from the PlayStation Store are tied to your PlayStation Network (PSN) account, not the console itself. This means that you can access your purchased games on any PlayStation console where you’re logged into your account. However, there are limitations to prevent widespread sharing.
Direct Answer: How to Transfer Games
The simplest way to “transfer” games is not to move the game files themselves, but rather to access them on the new PlayStation console using your existing PSN account. Here’s the process:
- Sign into your PSN Account: On your new PlayStation console (PS4 or PS5), sign in with the same PSN account that you used to purchase the games.
- Access Your Library: Navigate to your game library within the PlayStation interface. On PS4, it’s located under “Library.” On PS5, it can be found in the “Game Library” section.
- Download Your Games: Locate the games you want to play and download them to your new console. You might have to filter for games that are ‘not installed’ or ‘owned’ to quickly find the titles you’re looking for.
- Game Sharing and Primary Consoles (PS4 Only): If you have a PS4 and want to share games with another user on a separate PS4, you will need to designate their PS4 as your ‘primary’ console. This allows other users on that console to play your digital games. However, note that on PS5, this is different. On PS5 you can game share by logging into your account on the other console, but you do not need to make it your primary device.
Important Note: You can’t directly copy game files between PlayStation consoles, nor can you directly transfer game licenses between PSN accounts.
Data Transfer: Copying Game Saves and Other Content
While you cannot directly transfer downloaded games between consoles or accounts, you can transfer saved game data. This is crucial for continuing your progress in your games on a new console. Here’s how:
Transferring Data from PS4 to PS4
If you are moving from one PS4 to another, you can transfer not only game saves, but also all your other data through the built-in data transfer feature:
- Prepare Both Consoles: Ensure both PS4 consoles are connected to the same network (either Wi-Fi or Ethernet). Make sure both are powered on.
- Initiate Transfer on New PS4: On the new PS4, go to Settings > System > Transfer Data from Another PS4.
- Follow On-Screen Instructions: The system will guide you through the transfer process. It may require a wired connection between the two systems for the most efficient transfer. This process can take some time, depending on the amount of data you have.
Transferring Game Saves from PS4 to PS5
Transferring save data from a PS4 to a PS5 can be done in two ways:
- Using a USB Drive:
- Copy to USB: On your PS4, go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage > Copy to USB Storage Device. Select the save data for the games you wish to transfer and copy them to a USB drive.
- Copy to PS5: Plug the USB drive into your PS5. Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS4) > USB Drive. Select “Copy to Console Storage.”
- Cloud Storage (PlayStation Plus): If you have a PlayStation Plus subscription, you can upload your saved data to the cloud. Then, on your PS5, you can download these saved files to your console. This can be found in Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS4) > Cloud Storage
Transferring Game Saves from PS5 to PS5
Similar to the PS4 to PS5 transfer, you can transfer game saves between PS5 consoles through:
- Using a USB Drive:
- Copy to USB: On the source PS5, go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS5) > Copy to USB Drive.
- Copy to Destination PS5: Plug the USB drive into the destination PS5. Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS5) > Copy from USB Drive.
- Cloud Storage (PlayStation Plus): Upload your saves from the source console to cloud storage and download them to the destination console.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I transfer games from one PlayStation account to another?
No, you cannot transfer digital games from one PlayStation account to another. Games purchased from the PlayStation Store are tied to the specific PSN account used for the purchase.
2. Can I transfer physical disc games between consoles?
Yes, you can. Physical disc games can be played on any PlayStation console. This is the main advantage of owning games on disc. However, saves cannot be transferred without using the methods listed previously.
3. Can I share my digital games with friends?
Yes, on PS4 through the “Primary” console system and on the PS5 through sharing your account. On a PS4, other users can play your digital games if that console is activated as the “primary” console for your account. You can only have one primary console for your account. On the PS5 you simply log into your account on the console and then they have access to your games.
4. Do I have to rebuy games for PS5?
Yes and no. You do need to purchase a PS5 copy of PS5 games. However, many PS4 games are compatible with the PS5, and some even offer free upgrades to the PS5 version. You can also play most of your PS4 games on your PS5.
5. Can I play PS4 games on PS5?
Yes, the PS5 is backward compatible with the vast majority of PS4 games. Some games even benefit from enhanced performance, frame rates, and resolution on the PS5.
6. Can I use my PS4 game saves on PS5?
Yes, you can transfer your PS4 game saves to your PS5 using a USB drive or cloud storage via PlayStation Plus, as explained previously.
7. Can I log into two PS4s at the same time?
No, you cannot log into the same PSN account on two PS4 consoles simultaneously. When you log into a second console, you will be signed out of the first.
8. Can I have two PS5s on one account?
Yes, you can have multiple PS5 consoles linked to the same PSN account but only one of them can be activated as the primary console for game sharing.
9. Can I play my PS3 games on a PS5?
PS5 can not play physical PS3 game discs. However, PS3 games are available digitally through the PS Plus subscription, which allows you to play them through emulation.
10. Can I download the same game on two PlayStations?
Yes, you can download and play a game you own on multiple consoles, but only one can be set as your primary console. On the other consoles, you’ll need to log in to your account and download the games.
11. Are PS4 games tied to an account?
Yes, digital PS4 games purchased from the PlayStation Store are tied to the PSN account used to purchase them. Physical disc copies of games are tied to no account.
12. What does the lock symbol on my games mean?
A lock symbol on a game indicates that either the game is not in your library, your parental controls are blocking you from accessing it, or you are on a console that is not set as the primary console.
13. Can you connect 2 Playstations together?
Yes, you can connect 2 Playstations together with an Ethernet cable or over the same wifi network to use the built in data transfer options.
14. What happens if I accidentally purchased a game on PSN?
If you accidentally bought a game on the PSN you have 14 days from the purchase date to request a refund. You will lose eligibility if you start downloading or playing the game.
15. What is Game Share on PS5?
PS5 game share is a feature that allows you to share your digital games with friends and family by signing into your account on their console so they can play them as if they own them. It’s different from game sharing on PS4.
By understanding these processes and answering these frequently asked questions, you can confidently transfer your games and data between PlayStation consoles without unnecessary headaches, ensuring that you can continue enjoying your gaming experience on any system you choose.