Why the Switch to PlayStation 5 Is Worth the Hype
We’re all old‑school gamers who’ve seen the bright shiny new PlayStation 5 and wondered “Do I really need to upgrade?” The answer? Definitely yes – especially when you consider all those free upgrades coming straight from Sony and the developers.
Common Hurdles
- Consoles are still a bit scarce, so buying now feels like a gamble.
- The price tag can be intimidating if you’re on a tight budget.
- Some older titles just don’t run at 60fps on PS4.
Why the Move Makes Sense
The new PS5 isn’t just a fancy box. It’s built with ingenuously faster processors, lightning‑quick SSD storage, and stunning graphics that bring games to life in ways the PS4 can only dream about.
And, because Sony’s been generous (and some developers are too), you’ll get:
- Free upgrades for your favorite PS4 games.
- Enhanced textures, smoother frame rates, and new gameplay features.
- A richer, more immersive experience that will seriously rewind the nostalgia.
Top Confirmed Free Upgrade Titles
- Spider-Man: Miles Morales – now with even better lighting?
- Celeste – nails those crisp platforming moments.
- Resident Evil Village – fresher, more terrifying gameplay.
- Death Stranding – smoother, more vibrant world.
- …and a basket full of other titles that already drop the “free upgrade” badge.
Bottom Line
Don’t let the hype scare you. The PS5 delivers real, tangible leaps in both visual fidelity and performance, and the free upgrades mean you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck. If you’re still on the fence, take the leap – your gaming library will thank you.
All confirmed PS4 games with free PS5 upgrades
Unlock the PS5 for Free—With a Few Caveats
Ready to level up your gaming rig without spending a dime? Sony’s PlayStation 5 free upgrade offer lets you upgrade many PS4 titles right onto the PS5 hardware. But beware: a handful of games have twists—some need the Gold Edition, some are only for digital purchases, and a few are still stuck in “free transfer” mode. Below is the low‑down on which games can be upgraded, how they look on each console, and any special instructions you’ll need. Grab a snack, sit back, and let’s dive in!
Game‑by‑Game Upgrade Checklist
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Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
- PS4: Full HD, 30 FPS
- PS4 Pro: 4K HDR, 30 FPS
- PS5: 4K HDR, 60 FPS
- Free Upgrade: Yes
-
Borderlands 3
- PS4: Full HD, 30 FPS
- PS4 Pro: Full HD (Performance Mode)
- PS5: 4K, 60 FPS
- Free Upgrade: Yes
-
Control (Ultimate Edition)
- PS4: Full HD, 30 FPS
- PS4 Pro: 4K HDR, 30 FPS
- PS5: 4K HDR, 60 FPS
- Free Upgrade: Only for the Ultimate Edition
-
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time
- PS4: Full HD, 30 FPS
- PS4 Pro: 4K, 30 FPS
- PS5: 4K, 60 FPS
- Free Upgrade: Yes
-
Destiny 2
- PS4: Full HD, 30 FPS
- PS4 Pro: 4K HDR, 30 FPS
- PS5: 4K HDR, 60 FPS
- Free Upgrade: Yes
-
Dirt 5
- PS4: Full HD, 60 FPS
- PS4 Pro: 4K HDR, 60 FPS
- PS5: 4K HDR, 120 FPS
- Free Upgrade: Yes
- Save Transfer: No (you’ll need to play on PS5 with a download)
-
DOOM Eternal
- PS4: Full HD, 60 FPS
- PS4 Pro: 4K HDR, 60 FPS
- PS5: 4K HDR, 60 FPS
- Free Upgrade: Yes
- Save Transfer: No
-
FIFA 21
- PS4: Full HD, 60 FPS
- PS4 Pro: 4K HDR, 60 FPS
- PS5: 4K HDR, 60 FPS (Improved visuals)
- Free Upgrade: Only for FUT and Volta, before FIFA 22 launch
- Save Transfer: Yes (but just for FUT and Volta)
-
Final Fantasy VII Remake
- PS4: Full HD, 30 FPS
- PS4 Pro: 4K HDR, 30 FPS
- PS5: 4K HDR, 60 FPS (Improved visuals)
- Free Upgrade: Yes
-
For Honor
- PS4: 1080p, 30 FPS
- PS4 Pro: 4K, 30 FPS
- PS5: 4K, 60 FPS (Improved visuals)
- Free Upgrade: Yes
-
Godfall
- PS4: —
- PS4 Pro: —
- PS5: —
- Free Upgrade: Yes
-
Hades
- PS4: 1080p, 60 FPS
- PS4 Pro: —
- PS5: 4K, 60 FPS
- Free Upgrade: No
- Save Transfer: Yes
-
Immortals Fenyx Rising
- PS4: Full HD, 30 FPS
- PS4 Pro: 4K HDR, 30 FPS
- PS5: 4K HDR, 60 FPS
- Free Upgrade: Yes
-
Just Eat the Table: Some Games are Forever
Not all titles love the PS5. Some are stuck in the “free upgrade” realm, yet you can still enjoy them on your PS5 from scratch:
- Battlefield 2042 (Gold Edition): Upgraded for the Gold Edition only.
- Control (Ultimate Edition): Upgraded only for the Ultimate Edition.
- Cyberpunk 2077: Upgrade available, but no save transfer.
- Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate: Upgraded to Dynamic 4K on PS5.
- Mortal Shell: Upgraded to 4K 60 FPS.
- Marvel’s Avengers: Upgraded to Dynamic 4K 60 FPS.
-
Collisions That Don’t Transfer
Games that kick your save data to the cloud but lock the after‑games gains to the original console:
- Hades – saves transfer but no upgrade.
- Manifold Garden – no transfer.
- Nioh 2 – upgrade with transfer.
Keep It Simple, Keep It Fun
Below is a quick reference to splatter the confusion—if you’re looking for a quick finger‑scan to determine if your favorite game will hop to PS5 for free:
- Game title
- PS4 specs (Full HD/4K, FPS)
- PS4 Pro specs (4K HDR, FPS)
- PS5 specs (4K HDR, FPS)
- Free upgrade availability (Yes/No)
- Special caveats (Gold Edition, Ultimate Edition, digital only)
That’s a wrap—now you’re ready to pop that PS5 in, hop on a game, and enjoy the upgrade without breaking the bank (just remember a few stubborn titles still need the gold). Happy gaming, and may your frames never lag and your stories never be too short!
Understanding the system
Upgrading from PS4 to PS5: What’s on the Menu?
When you swap your old PS4 for a shiny new PS5, the upgrade is free—nice, right? Well, the deal is a bit like a surprise gift: some publishers will give you a full-on package, while others send a minimalist toy box. So, check the fine print before you click “upgrade.”
What You’ll Get (No Matter Where You Dig In)
- Keep Your Physical Discs: If you’re the type who owns discs, you can keep them and play on both systems. Just remember to check that your disc rights are still valid on the new rig.
- One Digital Advantage: Digital titles win on convenience. No need to carry a second set of discs around—just download the upgraded version and you’re good.
- Special Extras: Occasionally, publishers toss in bonus goodies—think new skins, exclusive DLC, or a faster frame rate. That’s the extra value you get when you choose a particular publisher.
Tips Before You Press “Upgrade”
Make sure you’re ready for the upgrade. Check the publisher’s page for any specific steps. If your library is full of discs, keep the physical copy safe, but you’re good to go with any digital game. The upgrade process itself is as simple as a one‑click button.
Final Thoughts
Free upgrades are a win for gamers—just remember each publisher’s offer will differ, so sniff out the features you want, hold onto your physical discs if you prefer them, and enjoy the smoother digital experience when you opt for digital titles.
