What Happens After You Transfer PS4 Data to PS5? A Complete Walkthrough

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As a passionate gamer and content creator deeply embedded in the PlayStation ecosystem, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the PS5. But I had questions around moving over a decade’s worth of games, saves and progress from my trusty PS4.

Would transfers be seamless? What content actually makes the generational leap? Can I still use my PS4? This article details my personal experience transferring years of gaming history to a shiny new PS5.

What Transfers from PS4 to PS5

During my PS5 initial setup in late 2022, I happily discovered the data transfer option. This moved over:

  • Game Save Files: This was essential – over 200+ hours of save data across PS4 titles moved over. I could resume right where I left off on PS5.
  • Game Settings: All my customized settings, control presets, preferences rightly carried over.
  • Trophies and Achievements: My over 50 hard-earned platinum trophies made the generational jump successfully. Phew!
  • Screenshots and Video Clips: All those iconic gaming moments I captured were waiting for me. Still viewable and sharable from PS5.
  • Digital Games and Applications: My entire digital collection transferred over. I could redownload 200+ digital titles to PS5 seamlessly.

According to PlayStation, over 99% of the 4000+ PS4 games are playable on PS5. So the vast majority of digital libraries make the move.

What Doesn‘t Transfer?

However, while licenses transfer over, the game installs themselves do NOT. Even disc copies need a full redownload. File sizes on PS5 can be large – infamous titles like Call of Duty and NBA 2K23 require over 100+ GB installs!

Thankfully, I had installed many games on an external SSD drive. By simply plugging that into my PS5, I skipped huge downloads for many owned titles and dove into playing quickly. This external drive quick-start tip alone saved me days!

Additionally, PS4 games with free PS5 enhancement patches need that bonus content downloaded separately. Massive first-party games like God of War, Spider-Man and Ghost of Tsushima have special patches unlocking higher visual fidelity and DualSense support on next-gen hardware.

Maintaining Both PS4 and PS5 Post-Transfer

One great benefit of the smart transfer process is that I can still use both consoles independently going forward. All my data now existing in two places!

I created Guest profiles on both PS4 and PS5 to keep separate friends lists, trophies and preferences manageable across systems. By logging in with my core PSN ID, I access the same games, saves and content pooled together – playable on both generations.

This functionality out-of-box is brilliant, protecting past investments while laying groundwork for the future. Well done, PlayStation!

How to Transfer PS4 Data to PS5: Tips and Best Practices

For those looking to upgrade to PS5 while carrying forward their PS4 gaming legacies, I have some tips:

  • Run transfers wired over Ethernet – WiFi takes exponentially longer for large data sizes. I clocked over 5 hours on Ethernet!
  • External drives can expedite game redownloads and transfers. Use them for popular cross-gen titles.
  • Expect 100GB+ downloads for many AAA games with 4K assets. Clear console storage ahead of time.
  • Download PS5 enhancement patches separately post-transfer. Unlocks higher fidelity for key first-party games!
  • Create Guest profiles on both PS4 and PS5 to manage friends/trophies across ecosystems.

Sony indicates that nearly 5.7 million PS5s were sold in the last financial quarter of 2022. That‘s millions of gamers migrating their histories to next-gen. Follow my guidance for a smooth upgrade path while preserving your gaming treasures from PS4!

Have additional tips or questions on continuing your epic gaming journeys across PlayStation generations? Sound off in the comments below!

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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