Swing into Next-Gen: Understanding the Spider-Man PS5 Upgrade
The burning question on every web-slinger’s mind: Is there a free PS5 upgrade for Spider-Man? The short answer is partially, yes, and partially, no. Let’s break that down. If you own Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales on PS4, you do get a free upgrade to the PS5 version. However, if you own the original Marvel’s Spider-Man (PS4), the base game, you do not receive a free upgrade to Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered, which is the enhanced version available on PS5. This version is only available through purchasing Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Edition or purchasing it as a separate upgrade from within the Miles Morales game.
The Tangled Web of Spider-Man Upgrades
Navigating the world of PlayStation upgrades can be more confusing than a trip through the Mirror Dimension. Let’s untangle the web of Spider-Man’s PS5 situation, explaining exactly what you get, how you get it, and what it will cost you.
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales and its Upgrade Path
The simplest scenario involves Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales. If you bought the PS4 version of this standalone title, you’re in luck. You’re entitled to a free upgrade to the PS5 version. Simply insert the PS4 disc into your PS5, and the console should prompt you to download the upgraded version. If you purchased the game digitally, the PS5 should automatically offer you the PS5 version for download once it detects you own the PS4 version. This upgrade brings with it enhanced visuals, faster loading times, and all the other benefits of playing on a next-gen console.
Marvel’s Spider-Man: The Remastered Dilemma
Here’s where things get a bit trickier. The original Marvel’s Spider-Man (PS4) doesn’t offer a direct, free upgrade to the visually stunning Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered on PS5. The Remastered version isn’t just a simple resolution bump; it features completely revamped character models (including Peter Parker’s face), improved textures, ray tracing, and a host of other graphical enhancements.
To get your hands on Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered, you have two options:
- Purchase Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Edition: This physical or digital bundle includes Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales and a digital voucher for Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered.
- Purchase the Remastered Upgrade from within Miles Morales: If you already own Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales on PS5 (either purchased directly or upgraded from the PS4 version), you can buy Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered as a separate purchase from within the game’s menu. This is typically offered at a discounted price compared to buying the Ultimate Edition outright.
Why No Free Upgrade for the Original?
The decision to not offer a free upgrade for the original Marvel’s Spider-Man likely comes down to the significant investment Insomniac Games put into Remastered. The changes were far more extensive than a typical resolution and frame rate boost. They essentially rebuilt significant portions of the game, justifying the separate purchase. It’s a business decision, albeit one that has frustrated some players.
Is the Upgrade Worth It?
That depends on your priorities. If you’re a die-hard Spider-Man fan and want to experience the game with the best possible visuals, then Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered is absolutely worth the investment. The graphical improvements are substantial, and the faster loading times make for a more seamless experience.
However, if you’re happy with the PS4 version of the game, you’re not missing out on any new story content or gameplay mechanics. The core game remains the same, so you can still enjoy the thrilling web-swinging and engaging narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Spider-Man PS5 Upgrades
Let’s delve into some common questions players have about the Spider-Man PS5 upgrade situation.
1. If I have the physical PS4 disc of Miles Morales, can I upgrade to the PS5 version?
Yes, you can. Insert the PS4 disc into your PS5 console. The system should recognize your ownership and allow you to download the PS5 version of Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales. Remember, you’ll need to keep the disc inserted to play the game.
2. I bought Miles Morales digitally on PS4. How do I get the PS5 version?
If you purchased Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales digitally on PS4, simply log into your PlayStation account on your PS5. Navigate to the PlayStation Store, find Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, and you should see the option to download the PS5 version at no additional cost.
3. Can I transfer my save data from the PS4 version of Spider-Man to the PS5 Remastered version?
Yes! Insomniac Games released an update that allows you to transfer your save data from the PS4 version of Marvel’s Spider-Man to the PS5 Remastered version. This means you can pick up right where you left off without losing any progress.
4. Does Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered include all the DLC from the original PS4 game?
Yes, Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered includes the complete base game and all three chapters of the “City That Never Sleeps” DLC.
5. What are the key differences between the PS4 and PS5 versions of Spider-Man?
The PS5 version of Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered features significantly improved graphics, including enhanced textures, ray tracing, improved lighting, and completely remodeled character faces. It also boasts faster loading times, 3D audio, and DualSense controller support.
6. Is the face change in Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered the only difference?
No, while the face change for Peter Parker garnered a lot of attention, it’s just one of many improvements. The game features upgraded textures, enhanced lighting, ray-traced reflections, improved draw distances, and overall a more visually stunning experience.
7. If I don’t care about graphics, is the PS5 upgrade worth it?
Even if you’re not a graphics enthusiast, the faster loading times alone might make the upgrade worthwhile. The PS5 version loads almost instantly, allowing you to jump into the action without any waiting.
8. Can I play the PS4 version of Spider-Man on my PS5?
Yes, the PS5 is backward compatible, so you can play the PS4 version of Marvel’s Spider-Man on your PS5. However, you won’t get the graphical enhancements or performance benefits of the Remastered version.
9. Is Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 a direct sequel to the Remastered version?
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, released exclusively on PS5, is a direct sequel to both Marvel’s Spider-Man and Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales.
10. Will the PS4 version of Miles Morales be delisted from the PlayStation Store?
As of now, there are no plans to delist the PS4 version of Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales from the PlayStation Store.
11. Is there any new story content in Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered?
No, Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered does not include any new story content beyond what was already available in the original PS4 game and its DLC.
12. Does the PS5 version of Spider-Man have different gameplay mechanics?
No, the core gameplay mechanics remain the same between the PS4 and PS5 versions. You’ll still be swinging through the city, fighting crime, and using Spider-Man’s various gadgets and abilities.
13. What’s the price of upgrading to Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered if I own Miles Morales?
The price of upgrading to Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered from within Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales varies depending on your region, but it’s typically less expensive than buying the Ultimate Edition outright. Check the PlayStation Store for the current price in your region.
14. Are there any physical differences between the PS4 and PS5 versions of Miles Morales?
The physical PS5 version of Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales has a different cover art than the PS4 version. The PS5 version’s box also indicates that it’s for the PlayStation 5 console.
15. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of video games like Spider-Man?
For more insights into the learning potential of video games, explore the resources available at the Games Learning Society. You can visit their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to discover research, articles, and discussions on how games can be used for educational purposes. GamesLearningSociety.org is a great resource to help you find more ways to learn through video games.