Which PlayStation Should Be Primary? Your Ultimate Guide

The question of which PlayStation console – PS4 or PS5 – should be set as your primary console boils down to your usage patterns, the games you want to share, and who you want to share them with. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. The ideal choice depends entirely on your specific circumstances and how you utilize the PlayStation ecosystem.

If you primarily play on your PS5 and want to share digital games and PlayStation Plus benefits with other users on that console, the PS5 should absolutely be your primary console. This allows other accounts on the same PS5 to access your purchased games without you needing to be logged in. Conversely, if you have a PS4 that’s heavily used by family members who benefit from having access to your digital library, designating that PS4 as your primary console will ensure they can play your games even when you’re not actively using the system. However, if you’re the only person using all the consoles with your account, then you might consider simply deactivating all primary consoles.

Choosing the right primary PlayStation console is crucial for maximizing your PlayStation experience and game-sharing capabilities. Let’s explore some key aspects and frequently asked questions to help you make the best decision.

Understanding the Primary Console System

The primary console designation is a core feature of the PlayStation Network (PSN) that grants specific privileges and restrictions regarding game sharing and content access. By setting a console as primary, you essentially grant other users on that console access to your digital game library and PlayStation Plus benefits, even when you aren’t signed in.

This feature is particularly useful for households with multiple users who share the same PlayStation console. It allows families to enjoy the benefits of a single PlayStation Plus subscription and shared digital game purchases. If you are interested in learning about how people interact with and learn from games, you can visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

However, the primary console designation also comes with limitations. You can only have one primary console per PlayStation generation (one primary PS4 and one primary PS5) linked to your account. This restriction is designed to prevent widespread game sharing and protect digital content rights. Misusing the primary console feature can have serious consequences.

Key Considerations Before Setting a Primary Console

Before you designate a console as primary, consider the following:

• Who will be using the console: If the console is used by multiple users, setting it as primary can benefit everyone.

• What games you want to share: Only digital games can be shared through the primary console feature.

• Your PlayStation Plus subscription: Setting a console as primary allows other users on that console to access your PlayStation Plus benefits, such as online multiplayer and free monthly games.

• The limitations of the system: Remember that you can only have one primary console per PlayStation generation.

FAQs: Navigating the Primary PlayStation Landscape

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you understand the intricacies of the primary PlayStation console system:

1. Can I Have Both a PS4 and PS5 as Primary?

Yes, you can have one PS4 and one PS5 console designated as primary for your account. This allows you to share your digital games and PlayStation Plus benefits on both consoles simultaneously. Remember, you can only have one primary console for each generation.

2. How Do I Set My PS5 as Primary?

If you have only one PS5, it’s likely already set as your primary console by default. To confirm, go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Console Sharing and Offline Play. Ensure that “Console Sharing and Offline Play” is enabled.

3. What Happens If I Deactivate My PS4 as Primary?

Deactivating your PS4 as primary will prevent other users on that console from accessing your digital games and PlayStation Plus benefits when you are not signed in. Only the account that purchased the games will be able to play them on that console.

4. Can Two Accounts Have the Same Primary PS5?

No, two different PlayStation Network (PSN) accounts cannot simultaneously have the same PS5 console designated as primary. Each account can only designate one PS5 as its primary console.

5. How Often Can I Change My Primary PS4 or PS5?

You can deactivate your primary console remotely via the Sony website once every six months. If you have access to the console, you can deactivate it directly from the console settings as many times as needed.

6. What If I Sell My PS4 Without Deactivating It?

If you sell your PS4 without deactivating it as your primary console, you should immediately deactivate it remotely through the Sony account management website. This will prevent the new owner from accessing your account and digital games.

7. Can I Play My PS4 Games on PS5 If My PS4 Is Primary?

Yes, you can play your PS4 games on your PS5, regardless of whether your PS4 is designated as primary. The PS5 is backward compatible with the vast majority of PS4 games.

8. Is It Necessary to Set My PS5 as Primary If I’m the Only User?

If you are the only user of your PS5 and do not plan to share your account with anyone else, setting it as primary is not strictly necessary. However, enabling “Console Sharing and Offline Play” is still recommended to ensure you can access your games even when offline.

9. Can Game Sharing Work Between a PS4 and PS5 Simultaneously?

Yes, game sharing can work between a PS4 and PS5 simultaneously, provided each console is designated as the primary console for the respective accounts involved. This allows users on both consoles to access each other’s digital game libraries.

10. What Happens If I Get Blacklisted on PSN?

Getting blacklisted on PSN (PlayStation Network) essentially bans your console from accessing online services. This typically occurs due to violations of the PSN terms of service, such as hacking or cheating. A blacklisted console will be permanently unable to connect to PSN.

11. What is the Difference between Primary and Secondary Consoles?

A primary console allows any user on that console to access your digital games and PlayStation Plus benefits, even when you’re not signed in. A secondary console only allows your account to access those games and benefits when you are signed in.

12. How do I Deactivate All Devices on PSN?

You can deactivate all devices (PS4, PS5, etc.) connected to your PlayStation Network account by going to the Sony account management website, logging in, and navigating to the “Device Management” section. You can only use this feature once every six months.

13. Can Two People Be Primary on One PS4?

Yes, you can have multiple accounts designating the same PS4 as their primary console. This allows each account’s digital games and PlayStation Plus benefits to be shared among all users on that PS4.

14. Why Are My Games Locked on My PS5?

Games can be locked on your PS5 due to parental controls, account issues, or game licenses. Check your parental control settings to ensure the game is not restricted. Verify that you are signed in with the correct account that owns the game license.

15. What are the Downsides of Game Sharing on PS5?

The main downside of game sharing on PS5 is the limitation of PlayStation Now (now part of PlayStation Plus Premium). If one account shares games with another through console sharing, the other account will not be able to access PlayStation Now games unless they also have a separate subscription. Also, if the account sharing their games loses internet connectivity, the other account will be locked out of those games.

Making the Right Choice for Your PlayStation Setup

Ultimately, the best choice for your primary PlayStation console depends on your unique needs and usage patterns. By carefully considering the factors discussed above and understanding the limitations of the primary console system, you can optimize your PlayStation experience and maximize the benefits of game sharing and PlayStation Plus. Remember, if you’re interested in exploring how games and gaming culture impact learning, visit GamesLearningSociety.org for valuable insights.