Do I have to buy my digital games again for PS5?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As an avid PlayStation gamer and content creator, one of my biggest questions when anticipating the PS5 was whether I‘d need to repurchase my library of digital PS4 games. After all, we‘re talking about a digital collection worth hundreds of dollars and countless hours of gameplay. Thankfully, Sony continues their stellar support for backwards compatibility, meaning the switch to next-gen won‘t render our digital libraries obsolete.

PS4 Backwards Compatibility Allows Seamless Transition to PS5

The PS5 plays the vast majority of PS4 games thanks to backwards compatibility, a feature that allows PS5 hardware and software to mimic a PS4 system, providing native support for older games. This means inserting a PS4 game disc or downloading already-purchased PS4 digital games enables you to immediately pick up where you left off on the new console.

Sony has confirmed that an astonishing 99% of PS4 games are playable on PS5, far exceeding initial expectations. This gives immense peace of mind for those with substantial PS4 digital libraries. Just connect your account, download games as you normally would, and enjoy your existing collection on PS5.

Easy Ways to Transfer PS4 Digital Games to PS5

While downloads are straightforward, you may also transfer PS4 games from an external hard drive or PS4 console storage:

  • External Hard Drive: Store PS4 games on an external HDD then plug into your PS5 and play.
  • WiFi Data Transfer: Use WiFi to directly transfer games from a PS4 to PS5 if on the same network.
  • LAN Cable Transfer: Connect your PS4 and PS5 with a LAN cable for faster transfers.

These convenient options make it simple to migrate your PS4 downloads without rebuying or redownloading games.

Many PS4 Games Receive Free PS5 Upgrades

The benefits of the PS5‘s power extends to PS4 games too. Select digital PS4 games you already own may receive dedicated PS5 upgrade patches enhancing visuals, performance, or loading times. Often these upgrades are free if you own the PS4 version!

For example, The Witcher 3‘s next-gen update added ray tracing, faster load times, and visual improvements for free to PS4 owners. It pays to redownload some enhanced PS4 games you may have missed.

Sony‘s Commitment to Backwards Compatibility

Sony‘s stellar backwards compatibility support speaks to their commitment to not fragment the PlayStation community across generations. The brief list of currently incompatible PS4 games mostly contains minor titles and is likely to shrink over time.

Ongoing testing has enabled problematic games like Days Gone and Fallout 76 to eventually become compatible after PS5‘s launch. Sony also allows selected PS4 games to be submitted by developers for compatibility testing and potential certification.

This provides peace of mind that the already small list of excluded PS4 titles will continue shrinking, allowing practically the full digital library to carry forward.

The Benefits of PlayStation Digital Game Ownership

Sony‘s cross-generational commitment shows why digital game ownership can make sense despite lacking a physical disc to resell. Without a single additional purchase, practically all of our PS4 digital libraries live on via backwards compatibility. Contrast this to hunting for used PS3 discs to play older favorites on PS4, which lacked comparable backwards compatibility at launch.

The convenience of digital games also enables upgrading directly on PS5 rather than tracking down physical copies of PS5 enhanced editions. Cross-generational digital purchases reflect an understanding that game libraries transcend any single generation or console model.

Digital Game Ownership Continues Rising

Digital‘s seamless compatibility underscores its increasing popularity – digital already accounts for over 50% of game sales and this share grows annually. Many anticipate a primarily digital future as online connectivity improves globally.

Sony adding the disc-less PS5 Digital Edition (with identical power and performance to the standard PS5) mirrors this trend. Its existence underscores Sony‘s belief that network bandwidth can support primarily digital future libraries.

Backwards compatibility means our PS4 digital investments live on via the PS5 Digital Edition despite lacking a disc drive. Gamers weigh the pros and cons of physical vs digital differently – but platform holders like Sony enable both formats to coexist.

The takeaway? PlayStation gamers can enjoy either format knowing purchases carry forward across console generations. Sony continues leading the charge on that front.

Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions around playing your digital PS4 library on PS5!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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