Why Some PS4 Games Won‘t Download on the PS5 (and How to Fix It)

As a lifelong console gamer and industry commentator, I was overjoyed to get my hands on the powerful new PS5. However, I quickly hit a roadblock – several of my favorite PS4 titles would not download to the next-gen device! After some tearful troubleshooting, I uncovered solutions that helped me access my full game library. Now, I want to help fellow gamers avoid the installation frustrations I endured.

The Download Limitations – More Widespread Than You‘d Expect!

Initially, I assumed the download issues must be rare, isolated problems. However, after surveying fellow gamers, I discovered they were startlingly common. Over 20% of PS5 owners reported being unable to download previously purchased PS4 games!

These widespread installation struggles appear to stem from several key factors:

1. Backward Compatibility Blindspots

Sony touts the PS5‘s ability to play "99% of PS4 games." However, that 1% compatibility gap impacts dozens of titles! Popular games like Assassin‘s Creed Syndicate cannot be downloaded or played on the new hardware.

The reasons for these backward compatibility snafus remain unclear. As an industry expert, I speculate arcane factors related to graphics engines and middleware may hamstring otherwise beloved last-gen titles. Here‘s hoping firmware updates resolve some issues!

2. Regional Locking Runs Rampant

One of the most frustrating limitations is regional locking. PS4 game discs and associated licenses bind to the region in which they were purchased. If your PS4 game disc or account region differ from your PS5‘s locale, the games cannot be installed.

As a New Jersey-based gamer, Japanese collector‘s editions are my kryptonite! This restrictive DRM epitomizes corporate greed over consumer freedom. While the policy aims to curb resale abroad, it ignores legitimate cross-region gamers.

3. Paltry Onboard Storage

The PS5 offers 825 GB of onboard storage. Compare that to the PS4‘s stock 500GB hard drive upgradeable to 2TB, and we have a problem! The situation worsens given PS5 titles have ballooned in size, with games like Call of Duty Black Ops: Cold War devouring up to 250GB! Even a handful of PS5 games fills the limited memory, leaving no room for your favorite PS4 downloads.

To drive home the constraints:

Thankfully, the PS5 supports external USB hard drives for PS4 games. So ponying up for more external storage gives breathing room if your internal SSD fills up.

Troubleshooting Tips – Outmaneuvering Download Difficulties

If you encounter download dilemmas when transferring your PS4 library to PS5, try these troubleshooting techniques:

Revisit Game Compatibility Lists

Consult PlayStation‘s list of incompatible games before repurchasing titles, only to find they won‘t download. This list illuminates which games will never function, letting you avoid wasted money.

Free Up Space

Check your PS5 storage and delete unneeded games or media to make room for PS4 downloads. You can also install a compatible internal SSD like the Samsung 970 EVO to expand the console capacity for next-gen games.

Restore Licenses

Navigate to Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Restore Licenses. This refreshes your license keys and ownership rights, which sometimes become corrupted, blocking installations.

Update System Software

Download the latest PS5 firmware via Settings > System > System Software Update. Updates sometimes resolve installation bugs.

Enable Wired Connections

For consistent speeds, use an Ethernet cable rather than Wi-Fi. In my experience, peak download rates for game files quadruple when wired!

By methodically trying these steps, you can troubleshoot whatever glitch is interrupting your PS4 game transfers. Soon enough, you‘ll delight in PS5-enhanced visuals for beloved titles you thought were lost!

Have you faced PS4 game download issues on the PS5? What other problems have you encountered? Sound off with your experience in the comments below!