The release of next-generation consoles always generates a lot of activity among gamers. Usually, the new version has improved characteristics and can run non-nextgen games with stunning graphics and new rendering technologies. However, users always worry about backward compatibility, especially at the start. There are not so many exclusives, and I want to play. The relevant question becomes what will happen to the library on PS4. In this article, we will know do PS4 games automatically upgrade to PS5, what the limitations are and why it is necessary.
Why Update Games?
Will PS4 games look better on the new generation? Yes, they will. At least the performance will be improved, and the image quality will be improved. And this means the ability to raytracing and play games in super-high resolution 4K with HDR and high FPS on PS5. Games should produce more frames and run more stable without jerking or fluttering. And if the system lags when the Internet is good, this fault can be fixed yourself.
Gameplay and story changes between versions are not. But some features may not work because of the peculiarities of the old DualShock 4 controller. The new controller is more technologically advanced, and you can adjust the input lag.
Some Statistics
More than 4,000 titles received backward compatibility, 99% of the total. But the number of games that work with possible bugs is more than 1%.
Exclusives from PS2 and PS3 times will not be supported.
How to Upgrade PS4 Game to PS5
Already told how to run PS4 titles on next-generation consoles, now let’s talk about how to update the digital and disc versions. To understand: you can run the PS4 app on PS5 anyway but without any improvements. This article is specifically about improvements. Based on the conditions, this operation may require a surcharge, and with certain editions, it’s free.
You can read the official Sony guide on how to upgrade PS4 games to the PS5 version.
Let’s start with the general information – if you have a physical edition, you can improve it only on the disc version of the PS5. There are both paid and free upgrade options, even limited in time.
Disc Version
For models with a drive, the process is as follows:
- Go into the account and insert the disk into the drive. How to do it correctly has already been told;
- On the home page, select the upgrade option and read the terms and conditions;
- Then there are two options: “Buy at a discount” or “Download” depending on the requirements;
- Wait for the download and play the PS5 version of your favorite title.
Important! It is obligatory to have the disk in the drive during the game. However, we recommend pulling it out when playing other mysteries – this will avoid additional noise, similar to the roar of a jet engine.
The process is much the same with the digital versions, but there will be no error when the PlayStation 5 can’t read the disc.
Digital Version
For the digital versions of PS5, the algorithm is as follows:
- Sign in to your account;
- In the PlayStation Store, find the game (or use the entertainment search on the home page);
- Click on the upgrade option and read the terms and conditions – they are similar to the disc version: buy or download;
- Wait for the end of the installation and play.
If a lock appears near the game icon, it’s normal, you can remove it yourself.
Free Upgrade Games List
Yes, there are a lot of games in the store for the PS5 upgrade without payment. Below we provide a complete list:
- Borderlands 3;
- AC: Valhalla;
- Sackboy: A Big Adventure;
- WD: Legion;
- Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom;
- Madden NFL 21;
- WRC 9;
- TESO;
- CoD: Black Ops Cold War (Cross-Gen and Ultimate Edition owners, for Standard Edition, the price will be $10);
- Cyberpunk 2077;
- Immortals: Fenyx Rising;
- Control (Ultimate Edition owners);
- NBA 2K21 (Mamba Forever Edition owners only);
- Far Cry 6;
- Riders Republic;
- DOOM Eternal;
- Little Nightmares II;
- GTA V;
- RS: Siege;
- Destiny 2;
- DiRT 5;
- Puyo Puyo Tetris 2.
The activation time for the soccer simulator FIFA 21 is limited to 1 year. And among the notable projects, you can upgrade The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Marvel’s Spider-Man, Kena: Bridge of Spirits, Horizon: Forbidden West, and Marvel’s Avengers for free.
Paid Game Updates
Users often question whether I have to rebuy games on PS5 or if there is a version for PS4. And the answer is no. You do not need to buy it for the full cost. The improvement is free or with an additional fee. The list of games with a paid upgrade is:
- God of War (2018);
- Days Gone;
- Tom Clancy’s The Division 2;
- Ratchet & Clank;
- Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time;
- Horizon Zero Dawn;
- No Man’s Sky.
The list is not complete, as there are quite a few projects that are improving. The number of titles and upgrade conditions are subject to change, keep track here.
Games Not Working on PS5
Games for PS4 that can’t be played on PlayStation 5 are few and have a special mark “PS4 only“. The titles that don’t have PS5 versions include the rather famous Hitman Go, DWVR, We Sing, Robinson: The Journey, as well as:
- Just Deal With It!
- Ride on the Edge 2;
- Afro Samurai 2: Revenge of Kuma Volume One;
- Ремастер Shadow Complex;
- Joe’s Diner;
- Shadwen.
There may be changes to the list, but it’s unlikely – these titles are all decided.
FAQ
Collected answers to popular questions not addressed above.
Can I Transfer Saves Between Consoles of Different Versions?
Yes. You do not have to replay and lose your gameplay and achievements; you can transfer data from PS4 to PS5 using Wi-Fi or LAN cable. There is an option to upload your saves to the PlayStation Plus cloud, but a current subscription is required.
Does Streaming From PS4 to PS5 Work?
It works. You’ll be able to save space on your fifth-generation console. But remember, the picture quality and performance enhancements won’t work in this mode.
Is There Backward Compatibility for PlayStation VR Titles?
Yes. But there are technical nuances. You will need PS VR, DualShock 4 controller, and PS Camera (PS4 version). You’ll need to buy them separately from the PS5.
What About the Game Giveaway?
It’s ok – PS Now and PS Plus apps also have cross-generation compatibility and will run on PS5.
How Do I Switch Between PS5 and PS4 Versions?
Go to the library. By using Game Share, you can share the game with your friends. To switch, use the “X” key on the selected title and find “…” (dots). Then, in the options menu, select the version you want. If you do not know what version is active now, here’s a tip hack: the top of the display displays the game’s name – for PS5, just the name without anything. For PS4, there is a corresponding prefix “For PS4”.
Interesting Video
The article broke down how and why to update PS4 games on PS5. As a result, the improvement function supports almost all known games except for a small list. The update is free for owners of disc versions for many projects with a small surcharge. It is up to everyone to improve or not, but new versions work more stable and look nicer.
The only thing does not forget to install the latest system updates for PlayStation 5. It guarantees stable operation and running applications. And if the program hangs, and you do not know how to close such an application, read the solution in a separate article.
Egor Borisov
PS3 Slim, PS4 Pro, and PS5 owner. I disassemble, clean, and modify consoles and controllers. I share my experiences on this site and tell you about the new console generation.
