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PS4 to PS5 game upgrades detailed: Disc-based or digital

Sony has today detailed how PS4 to PS5 game upgrades will work for those who wish to purchase current-gen titles and take advantage of a PS5 version later on.

PS4 to PS5 upgrades explained

The publisher provided information on how the upgrade process works with a disclaimer that reads, “depending on the game, this upgrade may occur at no additional cost, may require a purchase, and may be available for a limited time.”

Examples of titles that will offer a free upgrade include Spider-Man Miles Morales, Sackboy A Big Adventure, Avengers, DiRT 5, Yakuza Like a Dragon, Outriders and FIFA 21Titles like Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War and NBA 2K21 offer upgrades at a price.

While titles like Miles Morales and Sackboy will offer ways to transfer PS4 game saves to PS5, other titles like DiRT 5 and Yakuza Like a Dragon will not offer game save transfer support.

RElated: DIRT 5 game saves won’t transfer between PS4 & PS5

How to upgrade games from PS4 to PS5

Because Sony offers a disc-based and discless console, there are instructions to upgrade disc-based or digital games, as follows:

Disc-based PS4 games

  1. Sign in to your existing account on your PS5 console.
  2. Insert the eligible PS4 game disc (so this cannot be done on the PS5 Digital Edition).
  3. Go to the game hub for the PS4 game.
  4. Select the upgrade offer on the game hub and review the upgrade offer.
  5. Select Download (or purchase with the discount price) to download/purchase content.
  6. After the download is complete, you can play the PS5 digital game by inserting the PS4 game disc. You will need to keep the disc inserted each time to play the game.

 Digital PS4 games

  1. Sign in to your existing account on your PS5 console.
  2. Find the PS5 game in PlayStation Store, or by Search, and go to the game hub for the PS5 game.
  3. Select the upgrade offer on the game hub and review the upgrade offer.
  4. Select Download (or purchase with the discount price) to download/purchase content.
  5. After the download is complete, you can play the PS5 game.

In comparision, Xbox One to Xbox Series upgrades are being handled — for the most part — via Xbox Smart Delivery, meaning a customer will have access to the correct version of a purchased game simply by inserting its game disc or downloading it from the Microsoft Store.

The PS5 heads to store shelves on 12 November.

Spider-Man Miles Morales

12 Nov 2020 (PS4 PS5)

Sackboy A Big Adventure

12 Nov 2020 (PS4 PS5)

DiRT 5

6 November 2020 (PC, PS4 Xbox One)

Yakuza Like a Dragon

2 March 2021 (PS5)
PC PS4 PS5 Xbox One Xbox Series S & X
 

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Steve Wright

Steve's the owner of this very site and an active games journalist nearing twenty (TWENTY!?!) years. He's a Canadian-Australian gay gaming geek, ice hockey player and fan. Husband to Matt and cat dad to Wally and Quinn.