Can I Delete the PS4 Version of a Game After Upgrading to the PS5 Version?

The short answer is – yes, absolutely! Once you upgrade from the PS4 version of a game to the shiny new PS5 version, you can safely delete the last-gen files to free up storage space.

I‘ll explain the specifics below, but the PS5 treats PS4 and PS5 games as entirely separate applications. So removing your old PS4 data won‘t affect those sweet, next-gen graphics and performance you unlocked with the upgrade.

As a passionate gamer myself, I totally get wanting to max out those cutting-edge PS5 visuals and speed. This guide will cover everything you need to know about managing PS4 and PS5 game data so you can get the most out of your new console!

How PS4 and PS5 Game Versions Work

When you insert a PS4 game disc into your PS5, the console recognizes it thanks to backwards compatibility. This lets you download, install and play the PS4 version even without a paid upgrade.

But when you pay for that PS5 upgrade (usually $10-$30), the upgrade downloads as a totally separate application.

So you‘ll have two distinct game clients taking up storage space – the last-gen PS4 version and the next-gen native PS5 title.

This allows you to keep your gameplay progress when moving to PS5. According to Sony, your PS4 save data should carry over seamlessly during the upgrade process since the save files are compatible between both versions.

And again, you retain the ability to play either the PS4 or PS5 version of the upgraded game. But keeping both installed eats up your precious SSD storage quickly!

That‘s why deleting the PS4 version once you‘re comfortable with the PS5 edition makes total sense.

The Case for Deleting PS4 Games After Upgrading

Here‘s why you should strongly consider removing PS4 games after purchasing PS5 upgrades:

• The PS5 version provides massively improved visual fidelity, frame rates and loading times – In Marvel‘s Spiderman Remastered, Insomniac Games revamped textures, ray tracing effects and character models beautifully. PS5‘s custom SSD also nearly eliminates load times.

• You likely won‘t replay the PS4 version after experiencing the PS5 upgrade – Why go back to 720p or 30 FPS after you‘ve had a taste of 4K 60 FPS heaven? The FOMO is real here!

• PS4 and PS5 games take up much more storage space than last console generation – High-resolution assets and improved game engines drive install sizes way up:

  Game Version	Install Size
  Spiderman Remastered (PS5)	105 GB
  God of War Ragnarok (PS4)	~90 GB

• The PS5‘s 664 GB of usable storage fills quickly – And this generation finally did away with large hard drives. With memory card expansion still pricey, maximizing your stock SSD space is key!

So unless you see yourself jumping back to replay the PS4 edition for nostalgia‘s sake, removing that older game data is an easy "out with the old, in with the new!" storage fix.

Step-By-Step: Upgrading to PS5 and Deleting Your PS4 Version

Follow these steps for the cleanest way to upgrade a game to PS5 and erase the last-gen version:

1. Check PS5 storage space BEFORE upgrading – Make sure you have enough room for that big install!
2. Back up PS4 save data to PS Plus cloud or USB drive – Just in case.
3. Upgrade to PS5 version – Either via disc or the PlayStation Store.
4. Don‘t delete PS4 version yet! – Play the PS5 version first to ensure your save data carried over properly.
5. Disable auto-downloads and updates for PS4 version – So it doesn‘t accidentally reinstall later.
6. Close any suspended PS4 games – Check under "Switcher" via the PS button.
7. Go to Storage > Games and Apps to delete – Highlight the PS4 game and select "Delete".
8. Enjoy your new PS5 space! – Time for some DualSense haptics greatness.

This safely removes all old PS4 data related to the game while keeping your shiny new PS5 version intact!

Expert Tips for Managing PS5 Storage

With the PS5 generation likely lasting another 5+ years, that limited 664 GB can start feeling cramped fast.

As a tech analyst told IGN: "Storage management strategies will be more important than ever given the file sizes this coming generation."

So take advantage of tools like external drives whenever possible:

• You can store and play PS4 games from an external HDD/SSD – This frees up room for native PS5 games on the internal SSD.

• An external SSD lets you store (but not play) PS5 games – You‘ll need to transfer them back to the main SSD, but it provides emergency overflow space.

And stay vigilant about weeding out old PS4 data once you upgrade games. A little storage spring cleaning goes a long way!

What other PS4-to-PS5 upgrade or storage management issues have you run into? Sound off in the comments below!