What is PS5 upgrade available?
"PS5 upgrade available" refers to an option provided for certain PlayStation 4 games that allows you to upgrade to an enhanced, superior version when playing on a PlayStation 5 console. This next-gen upgrade path unlocks higher performance and new features that take full advantage of the PS5‘s more powerful hardware.
But what specifically does the upgrade get you? And why should you care about applying PS5 polish to aging PS4 titles? As a passionate gamer and industry insider, I‘ll analyze the benefits, options, and outlook so you can make the most of this upgrade opportunity.
The Benefits: Why PS5 Upgrades Are Transformative
Let‘s start with why PS5 upgrades make such a dramatic difference in the experience…
Significantly Higher Resolutions
The PS5 renders games at up to native 4K resolution, while base PS4 models only reached up to 1080p. This means over double the detail. Environments appear sharper, textures get enhanced, objects are clearer in the distance. It‘s a massive visual jump.
| Console | Max Native Resolution |
| PS4 | 1080p |
| PS4 Pro | 4K |
| PS5 | 4K |
Hugely Improved Framerates
Framerates also see a major boost thanks to the PS5‘s cutting-edge SSD and GPU combo enabling faster data streaming. Whereas PS4 games were often locked at 30 fps, PS5 can push up to 60 fps or even 120 fps for unprecedented smoothness. This excellent responsiveness amps up the realism and intensity especially in competitive multiplayer titles.
Game-Changing Immersion
This is where the PS5‘s DualSense controller and Tempest audio tech kick in – facilitating remarkably immersive effects through haptic feedback and 3D spatial sound. Haptics allow you to physically feel sensations like the kick of a gun or rev of an engine. While 3D audio places sounds perfectly in a full 360° space, boosting the environment‘s realism. PS5 upgrades optimize games for these innovations.
Virtually Instant Loading
There‘s nothing more frustrating than sitting through loading screens. Thankfully the PS5‘s fitted ultra-high speed SSD completely eliminates this pain point. It‘s powerful enough to enable real-time rendering of enormous worlds as you play. Certain upgrades like Spiderman Morales load so fast on PS5 that transitional sequences had to be deliberately slowed down. We‘re talking near instant, zero friction hopping between gameplay. It‘s a total game-changer.
So in summary – extreme resolutions, buttery smooth framerates, next-level immersion, and lighting fast loading. That‘s the promise of PS5 game upgrades.
The PS5 Upgrade Difference In Numbers
To give more perspective, here is a data comparison between select games running on base PS4 models versus upgraded PS5 versions:
| Game | PS4 Resolution | PS4 Framerate | PS5 Resolution | PS5 Framerate |
| Assassins Creed Valhalla | 900p-1080p | 30 fps | Native 4K | 60 fps |
| Control | 1080p | 30 fps | Native 4K | 60 fps + Ray Tracing |
| Metro Exodus | 1080p | 30 fps | Native 4K | 60 fps + Ray Tracing |
| Borderlands 3 | 1080p | 30 fps | Native 4K | 60 fps |
The metrics speak for themselves. You‘re looking at effectively a generational leap matching the PS4 Pro to PS5 jump. It‘s incredible certain older titles can be elevated to this degree via software upgrades.
And we‘re just scratching the surface of the PS5‘s potential. As developers harness more of the available power, the gaps will widen even further in the years ahead.
How PS4 to PS5 Upgrades Work
Depending on whether you own disc or digital copies, here is how to actually upgrade to the PS5 edition:
Physical Disc Upgrades
- Insert PS4 game disc into PS5 console
- Navigate to game hub and check for upgrade offer
- Follow on-screen prompts to install PS5 version
- PS4 disc must stay inserted to verify ownership
Digital Version Upgrades
- Sign into PSN account on your PS5
- Find game in library or PS Store and select upgrade
- Enhanced PS5 edition will be added to your collection
The process is quick and seamless either way. Disc owners simply use their physical media as keys to unlocking the upgraded copy. While digital buyers have the perk of direct entitlements tied to their accounts.
Do keep in mind active internet is required to download upgrades, and availability varies between publishers. Now let‘s examine which publishers are on board.
Games Offering Free Upgrades
Although policies can change, many major franchises do currently provide free PS4 to PS5 upgrades including:
- Assassin‘s Creed Valhalla
- Borderlands 3
- Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War
- Control
- Cyberpunk 2077
- Dead by Daylight
- Destiny 2
- Dirt 5
- Far Cry 6
- FIFA 21
- Fortnite
- Madden NFL 21
- Marvel‘s Avengers
- Mortal Kombat 11
- No Man‘s Sky
- Planet Coaster
- Rainbow Six Siege
- The Witcher 3
- Watch Dogs Legion
As you can see, all the heavy hitters are accounted for. Combined they represent hundreds of hours of replays and new experiences unlocked.
However, noting Crytek‘s recent controversy, we may see more publishers reneging on initially promised free upgrade programs moving forward. Let‘s dive deeper into the uncertain future.
The Outlook on PS5 Upgrades in 2024 and Beyond
If this newly introduced upgrade revenue stream proves lucrative, it wouldn‘t surprise me if publishers leverage it more aggressively. Especially with ballooning AAA development costs. Sony themselves have waivered a bit on their first-party stance.
After initially saying they‘d provide free upgrades for flagship sequels like Horizon and God of War, they reversed course and announced a $10 PS5 upgrade fee. Going forward most Sony exclusives will carry this surcharge.
Third-parties could follow suit. My view is we‘ll see an increasing amount of upgrades offered for $10-$20 rather than gratis. Particularly for remasters adding heavy content like ray tracing support. As production values and costs inflate, paid upgrade models make financial sense.
That said, developers also understand the value of goodwill and expanding accessible player bases. So I believe we‘ll still get free upgrades for competitive online titles relying on healthy population counts – your Fortnites and Rainbow Sixes and such.
As for upcoming 2023-2024 releases where "PS5 Upgrade Available" may apply, here are my top anticipated:
- Starfield
- Forspoken
- Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
- Street Fighter 6
- Final Fantasy XVI
- Marvel‘s Spider-Man 2
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Resident Evil 4 Remake
- Assassin‘s Creed Mirage
- Diablo IV
Suffice to say, next year and beyond should bring tons more incentive to upgrade thanks to these blockbuster franchises. Their developers would be wise to ensure enthusiastic reception by offering free PS5 upgrades to fans. We‘ll see soon enough!
For now, I hope breaking down the available upgrades clarifies what you gain, how to obtain them, which games qualify, and realistic expectations moving ahead. It‘s an incredibly player-friendly initiative that pays massive dividends.
If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out in comments below. Enjoy that "PS5 Upgrade Available" action! Just be sure to savor the generational leap it enables. Have fun and game on.
