Does Gran Turismo 7 Have Free Upgrades? A 2023 Deep Dive

In short – yes, Gran Turismo 7 (GT7) offers PS5 and PSVR2 upgrades ranging from free patches to discounted digital upgrades. With a new VR patch and continued improvements for next-gen consoles, Polyphony Digital is extending GT7‘s lifecycle with enticing upgrades for PS4 owners, supercharging visuals and performance.

As a racing sim aficionado, I‘ve analyzed every upgrade in detail to assess value, forecast adoption trends, and speculate on the future of the iconic 25-year franchise. Let‘s dig in!

Gran Turismo 7 PS5 Digital Upgrade

For just $10/€10/£10, PS4 GT7 owners can upgrade to the PS5 digital version – retaining full progress/garage unlocks. But how substantial are next-gen improvements?

Analyzing recent comparison videos, racing guru TeamVVV found frame rates doubling from 30FPS base on PS4 Pro to 4K 60FPS on PS5. That‘s smoother, more responsive performance that importantly, eliminates screen tearing plaguing last-gen.

Crucially, load times plummet from over 30 seconds on PS4 Pro down to PS5‘s mere 2 seconds thanks to its blistering SSD. That radically quick loading is a game changer, getting you racing faster while eliminating immersion-breaking waits.

Looking closer reveals PS5‘s temporally stable 4K resolution surpassing PS4‘s temporal reconstruction trickery. Environmental textures and objects appear crisper at range with enhanced detail. Plus advanced particle effects heighten realism across rain, dirt and snow weather conditions.

So while PS4 owners enjoy a visually polished experience, PS5 unlocks GT7‘s full visual might – delivering buttery smooth frame rates, gorgeous clarity and lighting at 4K 60FPS a second, while nearly eliminating load wait times.

Gran Turismo 7 PS5 Digital Upgrade Pricing

Below is the full regional pricing for the GT7 PS5 digital upgrade based on latest figures:

Suffice to say, the minute upgrade fee represents outstanding value, dramatically enhancing visuals, performance and loading for a single banknote. It helps future proof GT7 while your PS4 library winds down.

GT7 PS4 Pro vs PS5 Graphics Compared – 2160p Dynamic 4K Resolution Unlocked via Upgrade

PSVR2 Upgrade Set to Accelerate VR Adoption

Alongside console improvements comes Polyphony Digital‘s free PS VR2 upgrade launching Feb 21, 2023. It unlocks bespoke 4K VR racing across all GT7 modes (excluding split-screen) for next-gen headset owners.

Analyst group IDC forecasts strong adoption for PSVR2 thanks to massive PS5 installed base hitting 30 million consoles in 2022. That‘s the biggest ever platform to introduce VR to. Indeed, PSVR1 sold an estimated 6 million units lifetime.

IDC gaming lead Lewis Ward expects PSVR2 could potentially match, or even exceed that figure in its first 12 months thanks to stronger specs, tying to a hit platform and must-have, bespoke VR racing from Gran Turismo:

"PSVR2 is likely to sell more than a million units in its first year given the larger PlayStation 5 installed base today compared to four years ago,” Ward said. “PSVR 2 is an HDR capable, 4000 x 2040 resolution display, so from purely a visual quality standpoint it will be in a different league compared to current PC VR and PSVR headsets."

Launching in perfect alignment with PSVR2‘s debut, GT7‘s VR patch gifts new owners a showpieceWay: racing sim to demonstrate the transformative, hyper-immersive experience that high fidelity VR enables.

Sony anticipates more than 30 PSVR2 optimized games arriving in 2024. With over 5 million copies sold, Gran Turismo 7 represents an enticing system seller for driving enthusiasts.

PlayStation VR2 Hardware Bundle – Options From $549.99

Just How Realistic is GT7‘s New VR Experience?

In a detailed early access hands-on preview of GT7 VR, Den of Geek calls visuals "stunning" matched by "best-in-class haptic feedback and adaptive trigger implementation". Input latency and rock solid 90FPS frame rate did wonders for immersion and comfort.

But it‘s the sensation of "sitting in a real car" wearing the headset that proves most revelatory. Reviewers felt instinctively more connected to their vehicle through movements – even perfectly himself adjusting body position approaching turns. The life-sized cockpit sells the illusion in a way flatscreen cannot:

"Gran Turismo 7 in PSVR 2 is astounding. It genuinely feels like you’re sitting in the drivers’ seat […] as you barrel towards a hairpin bend, you’ll turn your head frantically to try and see the apex."

Long-time franchise fans called it the "definitive way to play GT7" – high praise given Polyphony Digital‘s obsession with real-world accuracy across 1000+ car models.

Combining PS5 horsepower with bespoke VR development unlocks Gran Turismo‘s full simulation potential. By matching unparalleled visual quality with natural motion tracking and seated position, PSVR2 fulfils creator Kazunori Yamauchi‘s vision of transcending entertainment towards driving reality.

Analyzing Gran Turismo 7‘s Growth Trajectory

With new console and VR versions sustaining engagement, what might future GT7 updates and indeed next franchise entry look like? We can deduce a few trends:

• Additional cars & tracks likely: Polyphony Digital‘s tradition of continually building car rosters suits GT7‘s "games as a service" model. Recent updates added new circuit variants plus five fresh vehicles – that drip-feed will continue.

• Ray tracing eventual certainty: Gran Turismo prides itself on technical showmanship. With PS5 & PSVR2 ray tracing capable, it‘s likely a divisive upgrade map or GT8 showcases the huge visual bump dynamic lighting creates.

• VR hardware holding GT8 back?: Given PSVR2‘s high attach rate tied to PS5 adoption, GT8 will almost certainly focus on traditional formats first. But Polyphony must scale racing simulation to mobile/wireless VR kits to expand reach.

• GT8 launch in 3-4 years? Charting previous GT intervals:

  • GT1 to GT2: 2 years
  • GT2 to GT3: 3 years
  • GT3 to GT4: 5 years
  • GT4 to GT5: 5 years
  • GT5 to GT6: 6 years
  • GT6 to GT7: 6 years

  Mid-generation GT6 and GT7 arrived late cycle taking 4-6 years to materialize. GT8 in 2026-2027 fits precedent.

Final Verdict: Upgrade or Wait for GT8?

Factoring in all available upgrades and potential horizon developments, what should enthusiastic GT fans do?

Here is my advice split by player profile:

Casual Players

Stay pat on PS4 and selectively grab DLC. Delay next-gen/VR until GT8 where you get a general visual overhaul and expanded car roster.

PSVR Racing Fans

PSVR2 upgrade earns an emphatic buy recommendation – experiencing GT7 with cutting-edge VR unmatched immersion that redefines the racing genre.

Competitive Drivers

Make the PS5 upgrade immediately – higher resolution, 2x frame rate and no tearing are crucial advantages. Then optionally trial VR once settled into your enhanced routine.

Next-Gen Early Adopters

Already on PS5? The PSVR2 patch adds fantastic future-proofed longevity and replayability to your purchase. Worth buying headset bundled or waiting for GT8‘s rays of light.

Either way, Gran Turismo 7 remains an ambitious watershed entry, maturing gracefully via sensible upgrades while laying the sandbox foundations for Polyphony Digital to realize an incredible GT8 vision.

Strap yourself in!