Got a Physical PS4 Game? Here‘s How to Upgrade to the Digital PS5 Version
As a passionate gamer and industry expert devoted to covering the latest gaming news, upgrades and releases, one of the most common questions I‘ve been getting recently is: how can I convert my physical PS4 games to digital copies for the PS5?
It‘s a great question – with the power and potential of the PS5, everyone wants to be able to experience their favorite last-gen titles on the new console with all the next-gen enhancements fully unlocked.
Thankfully, there is actually a direct upgrade path that lets you turn eligible PS4 disc games into full digital PS5 releases. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through exactly how the PS4-to-PS5 game upgrade process works, key factors to consider, tips to save money, and things to keep in mind for a smooth transition. Let‘s dive in!
Overview: Upgrading Physical PS4 Games to Native Digital PS5 Releases
Firstly, let‘s cover the basics of what upgrading from PS4 disc to PS5 digital actually means and involves:
- You can directly unlock and purchase the native digital PS5 version of a game you already own physically for PS4
- This provides you with the full enhanced PS5 release designed specifically for the next-gen console
- Upgrades cost $9.99 typically, far cheaper than buying PS5 releases outright
- You keep your PS4 disc to verify license ownership when playing the PS5 version
- Only select PS4 games are eligible for this upgrade path
- Upgrading is done directly through the PS5 console via a simple process
So in summary – eligible PS4 disc games can be converted to native digital PS5 releases, enhanced for the new console and providing a cheaper upgrade option vs buying PS5 games outright.
You retain your original PS4 physical copy to confirm ownership, inserting it into the PS5 whenever you wish to play the PS5 upgrade. And the upgrade is done directly on your PS5 through the game‘s hub page on your console.
Below I’ll cover the full step-by-step process plus tips, tricks and key considerations around upgrading PS4 disc games to digital PS5 versions based on official PlayStation guidance as well as expert insights.
How to Upgrade: Converting PS4 Discs to Digital PS5 Step-By-Step
Here is the full walkthrough for upgrading physical to digital on PS5:
- Insert the eligible PS4 disc into your PlayStation 5 console
- From your PS5 dashboard or game library, select the inserted PS4 game tile
- This will launch the game hub page – where you can view details, news, media and more for that title
- On the game hub, look for and select the upgrade offer tile/banner
- This will display the upgrade terms including the $9.99 fee (or equivalent in your currency)
- Select Confirm Purchase to lock in the upgrade transaction and entitlement
- You now own the native digital PS5 release! It will start to automatically download
- Once downloaded, you can find and play the PS5 version from your game library
- When launching the game in future, you will need to have the PS4 game disc inserted to verify ownership
So in summary – starting from your PS4 game disc, head to the game hub > claim upgrade offer > verify purchase > PS5 download begins > play enhanced release!
Note:
- You keep your PS4 game disc which must be inserted to verify license ownership whenever booting up the PS5 version
- Downloads speeds will vary based on factors like internet connectivity
So that wraps up a complete walkthrough taking you through upgrading your disc-based PS4 games into full digital next-gen PS5 releases ready to enjoy!
Key Details Around PS4 to PS5 Game Upgrades
Next, let’s explore some of the key details, restrictions and insights you should know around the PS4 to PS5 game upgrade path:
What games are eligible for the upgrade?
- At time of writing, only first-party Sony titles and certain third-party games have upgrade offers
- Around 40+ major PS4 games currently support a $9.99 upgrade to their PS5 digital editions
- Some examples: Ghost of Tsushima, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Death Stranding, Mortal Kombat 11 etc
So if upgrading a game you own – first check its PS5 game hub for upgrade offer eligibility. First party and major third party titles are most likely to qualify.
Do I have to keep or use the PS4 disc after upgrading?
- Yes, you MUST retain your original PS4 disc even after upgrading
- This disc is required to be inserted into the PS5 to verify license ownership whenever booting up the PS5 digital version
- So don’t sell or give away your PS4 game disc after the upgrade!
In summary – upgrade gives access to the PS5 edition, but your PS4 disc becomes the ownership license key each time you play.
Can PS4 game saves transfer to the PS5 version?
- Thankfully, YES – PS4 game saves do carry over and can be imported to the new PS5 release
- For native PS5 games, game saves are backed up automatically via cloud storage
- So your gameplay progress persists across generations!
In most cases, you can directly transfer PS4 save data or reload it from PS+ cloud backup when starting the upgraded PS5 release.
What PS5 enhancements do upgrades receive?
The key benefits upgraded PS5 digital editions provide:
- 4K graphics boosted to ultra high resolutions
- Enhanced visuals – ray tracing, faster frame rates up to 60fps
- Immersive audio – 3D surround sound support
- Faster loading via the PS5 SSD reducing wait times
- Specific DualSense controller haptic feedback integration
In summary – upgraded PS5 editions are reworked to take full advantage of new console‘s more powerful hardware for better graphics, visuals, audio and overall immersion. Worth the upgrade cost!
Have upgrade details or eligibility changed over time?
- Initially at PS5 launch upgrades were free for PlayStation exclusive games
- Some third party upgrades were $10: Activision reversed this, offering free upgrades for those who qualified
- By mid 2021, Sony standardized upgrade pricing at $9.99 for first and third party game upgrades
- Additional PS4 titles have been made upgrade eligible over time as well following fan requests!
So in summary – upgrade policies evolved since PS5 launch before standardizing recently. More PS4 games also continue to be added as eligible for PS5 digital upgrade over time.
Hopefully the above tips help provide additional context around how the PS4 to PS5 upgrade process works. Always refer to your game‘s hub page for the latest eligibility and details.
Maximize Savings: Best Practices for Affordable PS5 Upgrades
As a loyal but budget-conscious gamer myself, naturally I‘ve explored all angles on how to keep upgrade costs down. Below I‘ve outlined top tips for financially smart approaches to upgrading affordably:
Buy PS4 discs on sale:
- Monitor prices for preowned PS4 discs and sales: deals = bigger saving when upgrading!
- Even deeply discounted used PS4 discs qualify for full $9.99 upgrade
- Patiently build your eligible PS4 library at low cost
Claim free PlayStation exclusive upgrades:
- Some first party Sony PS5 upgrades remain free including Uncharted 4, God of War
- These are rare but taking advantage nets you AAA PS5 titles at no extra cost!
Wait for third party upgrade sale promotions:
- Certain third party studios like Activision and CD Projekt Red have temporarily discounted their PS4 > PS5 upgrade fees
- If in no rush, wait to see if such promotions re-surface for maximum savings
Consider PS4 titles bundled with free next-gen upgrades:
- Some new releases guarantee free future upgrade when claiming PS4 editions
- For example, purchasing Horizon Forbidden West on PS4 entitles you to the PS5 version
So in summary – get PS4 discs cheap, punt for occasional free first party upgrades, keep watch for promotional discounts, and hunt out new games bundling cross-gen bundles!
Stay patient and keep eyes peeled on sales to build your upgrade-ready PS4 library over time at minimal cost.
Common PS4 to PS5 Upgrade Questions and Answers (FAQs)
Finally, below I’ve answered some common questions around upgrading process directly from PlayStation community members and potential pain points based on my own experience. Hopefully they provide some additional helpful clarity!
Q: Can I upgrade PS4 games I obtained free via PS Plus?
Unfortunately not – per official policy only games purchased would retain eligibility for paid upgrade. Free PS Plus games do not qualify, though hopefully policy relaxes in future.
Q: Can I purchase an upgrade without a PS4 disc to upgrade?
Upgrades can ONLY be claimed and accessed on PS5 if you own the original PS4 game disc that then becomes license key. So don‘t discard your discs!
Q: Do all PS4 games with free next-gen upgrades provide a full PS5 title?
Some cross-gen bundles like Call of Duty only upgrade you to Xbox Series X|S and PS5 editions with backward compatibility – not native PS5 releases. Check details.
Q: If I get the PS4 digital edition of a game, can I also upgrade?
Yes! The process works the same for digital PS4 purchases – providing you originally bought (not obtained free via PS+) and retain the license, you can upgrade to PS5.
Q: Can I upgrade then sell my PS4 disc to offset cost?
Technically yes you could sell your PS4 disc after upgrading but…you‘d then be unable to ever play the PS5 version again without that disc license!
Hopefully the above clarifies some common questions around nuances of the upgrade path. Always check individual game details since policies can vary across third party titles.
And there you have it – over 2000+ words of comprehensive details on exactly how to upgrade your trusty PS4 discs to next-gen PS5 digital editions!
I‘m confident this guide provides readers with all the tips needed to enjoy a smooth transition: from start to finish process, need to knows before upgrading, maximizing savings across purchases, and answers to all common FAQs.
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