Can You Have Two PS5 Consoles on One PSN Account?
The short answer is no – PlayStation only allows game sharing between one PS5 and one PS4 per account. But how does it all work? As a gaming industry expert and content creator, let me explain PlayStation‘s sharing rules, then provide tips for multiplayer access across consoles.
A Primer on PlayStation Game Sharing
Game sharing (or "Console Sharing") allows multiple players to access a PlayStation account owner‘s purchased digital games and PlayStation Plus (PS+) benefits.
It works by setting one console as the Primary System for that account. On that device, any user can play the owner‘s games, take advantage of their PS+ subscription perks like online multiplayer, earn trophies, and more.
Simultaneously, the account holder can sign in and access their library on a second console. But here‘s the catch…
Critical Rules & Limits on Primary Consoles:
| Console | Primary? | # Allowed | Benefits | Can Play if Owner is Signed in Elsewhere? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 5 | Yes | 1 per account | Share games/PS+ with other profiles | No |
| PlayStation 4 | Yes | 1 per account | Share games/PS+ with other profiles | No |
| PlayStation 5 | No | Unlimited | Owner only | Yes |
| PlayStation 4 | No | Unlimited | Owner only | Yes |
So you can only designate one PS5 and one PS4 as Primary console per account. This limitation is frustrating, but aims to prevent exploitation.
Next let‘s explore how these rules affect those with two PS5s at home.
Can Two People Share Games on PS5?
Absolutely! Console Sharing is perfect for families or roommates splitting one PS5.
- Anyone can play the Primary console owner‘s games online or offline
- No need to purchase two copies or subscriptions
As the chart shows, there‘s no limit on non-Primary devices. So the account holder plays on a second console while the Primary hosts multiplayer with the gang. All under the same roof!
I Own Two PS5s – Now What?
First, kudos on scoring two rare consoles! Now it‘s time for workarounds if your goal is simultaneous multiplayer.
Take turns as Primary Console to play together, then swap so the account owner regains offline access.
For constant uptime, buy disc-based games and own two copies. Insert to validate on each system as the license holder.
Buy digital titles on a second account. Not ideal, but allows simultaneous play if you don‘t mind juggling purchases.
As a fellow hardcore gamer, I wish we could share freely across PS5s like we used to in the PS2 era. But alas, the current solution meets most needs under one roof while combating piracy.
Loophole Attempts That Could Lead to a Ban:
- Attempting to deactivate then reactivate Primary status repeatedly
- Sharing your account credentials in a Agreement Terms violation
Stick to Sony‘s rules and you‘ll be fine. Now let‘s peek into the future…
What‘s on the Horizon for PS5 Game Sharing?
…
So while today‘s limits can be restrictive, take comfort that PlayStation engineers know expanded sharing features remain highly desired!
The Bottom Line – It‘s One PS5 at a Time
I hope breaking down exactly how Primary consoles and game sharing works clears up confusion for multi-PS5 households.
While you can‘t simultaneously access purchased digital content across units, workarounds like disc-based copies, taking turns, and buying on a second membership do exist.
As both an industry expert and passionate gamer, I‘ll be sure to keep readers updated if any policy changes emerge. But for now savor the days of gaming with friends and family under one roof, the PS5 way!
