As the launch date of next-gen consoles comes closer, Sony has final shared information regarding the process of updating existing PS4 games to PS5 versions of games. Although the process involved might not be as simple as Xbox’s Smart Delivery option, but Sony has addressed the issue and made the process fairly simple such that you won’t have too much trouble getting the correct version of your game on the PS5.
The first thing to remember before starting the process is to remember that only certain PS4 games can be upgraded to the digital PS5 version of the game. Secondly, It hasn’t been entirely clear how players will be able to claim these upgrades and whether they will be free or charge a fee. Lastly, Disc version games can only be upgraded on a PS5 console with a disc drive, not on PS5 Digital Edition.
Also, note that the ability to transfer game saves between a PS4 version and a PS5 version of the same game is a developer decision, and will vary title by title for cross-generational games so its best not to delete your whole playthrough before upgrading and checking the save on PS5 first.
Upgrade an eligible PS4 to PS5 Upgrade With Disc Drive
- Sign in to your existing account on your PS5 console (or create an account).
- Insert the eligible PS4 game disc.
- Go to the game hub for the PS4 game.
- Select the upgrade offer on the game hub and review the upgrade offer.
- Select Download (or purchase with the discount price) to download/purchase content.
- After the download is complete, you can play the PS5 digital game by inserting the PS4 game disc. You will need to keep the disc inserted each time to play the game.
Upgrade an eligible PS4 to PS5 Upgrade With Digital Copy
- Sign in to your existing account on your PS5 console.
- Find the PS5 game in PlayStation Store, or by Search, and go to the game hub for the PS5 game.
- Select the upgrade offer on the game hub and review the upgrade offer.
- Select Download (or purchase with the discount price) to download/purchase content.
- After the download is complete, you can play the PS5 game.