Table of Contents

Transferring Your Purchased Games from PS4 to PS5: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’ve finally upgraded to the glorious PlayStation 5 (PS5)! Congratulations! Now you’re probably wondering how to bring your beloved PlayStation 4 (PS4) games with you. Fear not, because transferring your purchased games from PS4 to PS5 is a straightforward process, ensuring you don’t lose your hard-earned digital library. You can transfer purchased games from your PS4 to your PS5 by using data transfer over your home network, external storage, or by simply re-downloading them from the PlayStation Store on your PS5.

Methods for Transferring Your Games

There are primarily three methods to get your PS4 games onto your PS5:

1. Data Transfer via Network

This is arguably the most convenient method if you have a stable and fast internet connection. Here’s how to do it:

Prepare Your Consoles: Turn on both your PS4 and PS5 and ensure they are connected to the same network. Ideally, use a LAN (Ethernet) cable for a faster and more reliable connection, but Wi-Fi works too.
Initiate Data Transfer on PS5: On your PS5, go to Settings > System > System Software > Data Transfer.
Follow On-Screen Instructions: The PS5 will guide you through the process, searching for your PS4 on the network.
Select Games to Transfer: Once your PS4 is found, you can select which games and other data (like save files) you want to transfer.
Start the Transfer: Be patient! The transfer time will depend on the amount of data and your network speed. Let the process complete uninterrupted.

2. External Storage

This is a great option if you have a slower internet connection or prefer a physical method.

Format External Drive: Connect an external hard drive to your PS4 and format it as exFAT. This allows both consoles to read the drive.
Copy Games to External Drive on PS4: Go to Settings > Storage > System Storage > Applications. Select the games you want to transfer, press the Options button, and choose “Move to Extended Storage.”
Connect to PS5: Once the transfer is complete, safely disconnect the external drive from your PS4 and connect it to your PS5.
Transfer to PS5 Storage (Optional): On your PS5, you can play PS4 games directly from the external drive. If you prefer, you can move them to your PS5’s internal storage by going to Settings > Storage > Extended Storage > Games and Apps and selecting the games you want to move.

3. Re-Downloading from PlayStation Store

This is the simplest method, especially if you only have a few games or a blazing-fast internet connection.

Sign in to Your Account: Ensure you’re signed in to the same PlayStation Network account on your PS5 that you used on your PS4.
Access Your Game Library: Go to the PlayStation Store on your PS5. Navigate to your Game Library.
Download Your Games: You’ll see a list of all the games you’ve purchased digitally. Simply select the games you want to play and download them to your PS5.

Key Considerations

PS5 Compatibility: Most PS4 games are compatible with the PS5, but a few may not be. You can check online for compatibility lists.
Game Updates: After transferring or downloading your games, ensure you download any available updates for optimal performance on the PS5.
PS5 Upgrades: Some PS4 games offer free or paid PS5 upgrades. Check the PlayStation Store for upgrade options.
Save Data: Remember to transfer your save data along with your games so you can pick up where you left off.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about transferring purchased games from PS4 to PS5:

1. Do I have to rebuy PS4 games for PS5?

Not necessarily. Most digital PS4 games can be played on the PS5 without repurchasing. If you have a physical PS4 game, you might be eligible for a PS5 upgrade (free or paid, depending on the game). However, if there’s no disc version for the PS5 game, you may be required to purchase the digital version.

2. Why can’t I play games transferred from PS4 to PS5?

First, make sure you are signed in to the same PlayStation Network account on both consoles. Second, confirm that the game is PS5 compatible. Third, check for game updates.

3. What happens if I download a game on PS4 and then get a PS5?

You can still play your PS4 games on the PS5 thanks to backward compatibility. You can use the same account to access your digital purchases across both consoles.

4. Do I have to buy my digital games again for PS5?

No, if you bought your PS4 game digitally, you can download and play it on your PS5 as long as you use the same account.

5. Will I have to buy a game again if I delete it on PS5?

No. You can re-download deleted games from your Game Library whenever you want.

6. Can you transfer purchases on the PlayStation Store?

You cannot transfer the licenses of digital games to another account. Each digital game is tied to the account used to purchase it.

7. How do I access my purchases on PS5?

Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Account > Payment and Subscriptions > Transaction History to view your purchase history. To redownload, go to your Game Library.

8. Can you return games you bought on the PS5?

You can cancel a digital content purchase within 14 days from the date of purchase and receive a refund, provided that you have not started downloading or streaming it.

9. What happens if I delete a game I bought from the PS Store?

You won’t lose access to it. You can redownload the application from your Game Library whenever you like.

10. How do I transfer my digital game saves to my new PS5?

On your PS5, head to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS4) > Cloud Storage and choose Download to Console Storage. You’ll need to upload the save data from your PS4 to the cloud first. You can also use a USB drive.

11. Is it worth upgrading to a PS5?

Absolutely! The PS5 offers significant improvements over the PS4, including faster loading times, better graphics, and a more immersive gaming experience.

12. Why are my games locked on PS5 after game sharing?

Go to User and Account Settings > Console Sharing and Offline Play and enable it. You may also need to restore the licenses in the same menu.

13. Can I have 2 PS5s on the same account?

You can be logged in to the same account on multiple PS5s, but you cannot be actively using the account on both consoles simultaneously.

14. How do I redownload PlayStation Store purchases?

Select your avatar from the top of the page > Game Library > Purchased. Select the game you want to download.

15. Does PS5 take old games?

Yes, the PS5 is backward compatible with most PS4 games. You can use PS4 game discs in the disc version of the PS5, and digital PS4 games can be downloaded and played on both versions of the PS5.

Final Thoughts

Transferring your purchased games from PS4 to PS5 is a simple process that ensures you can continue enjoying your favorite titles on the new console. By following the steps outlined above, you can seamlessly transition your gaming library and take advantage of the PS5’s enhanced capabilities. Now, get back to gaming!

Games have the capacity to impact learning, which is why the work of organizations such as the Games Learning Society is so important. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the research and exploration of how games can be used in education.

How do I transfer purchased games from PS4 to PS5?