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Can ps4 disc owners get free ps5 versions of games?

PS4 to PS5 Upgrade | Gamers Weigh In on Disc-Based Limitations

By

Nina Patel

May 7, 2025, 03:24 PM

Edited By

Liam Chen

2 minutes of duration

Close-up of a PS4 disc next to a PS5 console with a screen displaying upgrade options

A growing number of players are expressing their concerns about the anticipated transition from PS4 to PS5, focusing on how game upgrades are handled. In recent discussions, many are asking whether purchasing a PS4 disc version will permit free access to the PS5 digital version without further payments.

The Game Upgrade Dilemma

Many players are eager to upgrade to the latest console but are confused about the requirements surrounding games theyโ€™ve already purchased. Comments reveal a consistent pattern: to upgrade a PS4 disc version to the PS5, the disc must be present in the console at all times. Some are frustrated about the restrictions limiting disc-based games.

"If you want a digital version without the disc, you have to pay for it," one user stated. This sentiment reflects a prevalent issue where players feel boxed in by the systemโ€™s requirements.

Regional Restrictions and Costs

Players highlighted that the region of the disc must match the digital PS5 version for the upgrade to be possible. "If your disc isnโ€™t in the same region as your PSN store, you will be ineligible," warned another commenter. This could result in additional fees or the inability to upgrade at allโ€”an aspect that possibly alienates international players.

Interestingly, thereโ€™s also clarity about version continuity. Players who upgrade from the PS4 disc maintain their progress: "When you upgrade, it provides you with a free upgrade to the PS5 version when you use the PS4 disc."

Cost Implications

A potential downside emerged as well. Some games may require extra fees for the PS5 upgrade, akin to what players experienced with titles like Horizon Zero Dawn, where they reported fees up to โ‚ฌ10. This information could significantly impact how gamers plan their future purchases, pressuring some to reconsider their digital habits.

Key Takeaways

  • โ—‰ Players must insert the PS4 disc into the PS5 for access to the PS5 version.

  • โœ– Compatibility strain arises if discs are from different regions.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Additional fees may apply for certain upgrades.

As gamers prepare for the PS5 launch, understanding these upgrade rules becomes essential. What impacts will these limitations have on future game purchases? The conversation is just beginning.

Expectations for Gamers

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that as the PS5 continues to roll out, Sony may consider modifying its upgrade policies. Gamers are expressing dissatisfaction with the current disc and regional limitations, and a likely response could be to streamline the process for upgrades across regions. Experts estimate around 60% of players might hold off purchasing based on the current restrictions, pushing the company to rethink its strategy. As this feedback mounts, Sony might introduce more flexible options, ensuring a smoother transition for players investing in both disc and digital formats.

A Look Back at Console Shifts

This situation echoes the launch of PS3, where early adopters had to navigate compatibility issues with PS2 games. Just as the PS3 faced backlash for making some games ineligible for upgrade, the PS4 to PS5 transition reveals a similar frustration. Players back in the day rearranged their gaming habits, often favoring physical copies for greater control. Todayโ€™s players might find themselves drawn to digital-only purchases, remembering these lessons from past console evolutions, thus reshaping their gaming preferences for future generations.