PS4 to PS5 Upgrade: PlayStation Keeps Its Word
What Went Wrong… And Why it Matters
Back in September 2020, Sony promised a free upgrade from PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5 for folks who snagged Horizon Forbidden West before the console boom.
The community wasn’t thrilled—an angry up‑vote chorus told Sony that the deal was basically a “ghost of a promise.”
Now the big boss, Jim Ryan, CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, is saying: We’re still on it.
The Real Talk from Jim Ryan
Ryan’s recent update hammered this out:
- “We made a commitment last year to give away free upgrades for our cross‑gen launch titles, Horizon Forbidden West included.”
- “The pandemic pushed the game out of its launch window earlier than planned.”
- “Despite the delay, we’ll honor the offer: Anyone who buys the game on PS4 can jump to PS5 at zero cost.”
What This Means for You
Here’s the low‑down. You still need a PS5, but you don’t have to squint at the price tag if you already own the title on PS4.
- Buy “Horizon Forbidden West” on PS4.
- Use the free upgrade to seamlessly upgrade to the PS5 version.
- No extra fees—just a simple click and you’re on the newer console.
A Sneak Peek at Future Upgrades
Ryan also dropped some news about how upcoming cross‑gen exclusives will be handled:
- Starting now, cross‑gen first‑party titles that launch on both PS4 and PS5 will come with a $10 digital upgrade option.
- Expected releases include
God of WarandGran Turismo 7—soon to be available for a quick upgrade.
Why It’s Worth the Wait
The initial plan was to let players hit the $79.99 Digital Deluxe, $199.99 Collector’s, or $259.99 Regally package for the dual‑console experience. That seemed like a grand idea… until the pandemic nudged the date, and the community demanded clarity.
Even if the route was a quick twist, the “squeaky wheel” definitely got the grease. Sony’s commitment shows that keeping promises can win back hearts—create a ripple across the PlayStation fan base.
PlayStation’s fresh stance reminds us all that, sometimes, a clear, honest “we’re still here” is worth more than a secret apology.