Numerous PS4 games are receiving a next-gen upgrade on the PlayStation 5 to take advantage of the technical capabilities of the new console generation. However, this upgrade is not free for every game. We show you titles where you have to pay extra for this.
Old PS4 games on the PS5? Here’s how it works: On the PlayStation 5, you will be able to enjoy 99% of all PS4 games alongside new PS5 games – thanks to the backward compatibility feature of the new Sony console. Only a few PS4 titles remain PS4 exclusive and cannot be played on PS5. You can find out which ones they are here: All known PS4 games that you cannot play on the PS5
What’s the deal with the next-gen upgrade? Some PS4 games will not only run through the backward compatibility of the PS5 but will also receive a special next-gen upgrade. This allows them to benefit more from the new technical possibilities offered by the more powerful PlayStation 5.
For numerous games, this upgrade is free. However, for some, it costs extra or is only tied to special versions and can only be obtained through them.
These games cost extra for the next-gen upgrade: Currently, there are 5 PS4 games known that essentially charge you extra for next-gen features. If you want to experience the following PS4 titles in full glory on next-gen, you will have to pay extra:
- Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War: Here, the next-gen upgrade will cost 10 USD (which likely means 10 €) and can be purchased individually or as part of the Cross-Gen Bundle or the Ultimate Edition, if you initially buy the game for PS4.
- Control: The next-gen upgrade for the PS5 is only available if you purchase the Special Edition of the game. Alternatively, you can directly buy the PS5 version of the game. The Standard Edition cannot be upgraded.
- NBA 2K21: You only get the next-gen upgrade if you purchase the Mamba Forever Edition on PS4, which costs almost 40 € more than the standard version. Apparently, there is currently no way to upgrade the standard version from PS4 to next-gen.
- Marvel’s Spider Man: The cool thing about it is – there will be a remaster for next-gen that can benefit from the more powerful PS5 hardware. The downside: There will be no free next-gen upgrade for owners of the PS4 version and it won’t be a standalone game. The only way to play this upgraded version is for buyers of the Spider Man Miles Morales Ultimate Edition.
- Devil May Cry 5 also gets a PS5 port, but this will not come as a free next-gen upgrade either. Those who want to play DMC5 in better quality and with new technical features on the PS5 must opt for the Special Edition – a kind of re-release for the new console generation with some extras. Owners of DMC5 on PS4 have no alternative way to upgrade the game for PS5.
These games will get a free next-gen upgrade: Numerous developers are offering free upgrades for their games. If you want to know which PS4 games have thus far been confirmed for free next-gen upgrades, check out this article: Old PS4 games on the PS5 – Will all look better?
