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PS5 editions, PS4-to-PS5 upgrades, backward compatibility, and add-ons are separate things. An edition name does not guarantee a standard set of bonuses, and owning a PS4 game does not automatically mean you can upgrade it for free. Check the selected game’s current PlayStation Store listing and PS5 game hub for its regional edition contents, upgrade offer, and add-on compatibility before buying.
What an edition, an upgrade, and compatibility mean
An edition label—such as Standard or Deluxe—describes a particular product listing, but there is no universal PlayStation edition-content formula. The exact game listing determines which game version, downloadable content (DLC), and bonuses are included. Compare the actual contents and terms shown for the title in your region rather than assuming that an edition name guarantees specific extras.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Marvel's Wolverine PS5 | $69.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
MLB® The Show™ 26 – PS5™ | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
007 First Light - Specialist Edition - PlayStation 5 | $69.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
MARVEL’S SPIDER-MAN 2 – PS5 Standard Edition | $44.75 | Buy on Amazon |
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A PS4-to-PS5 upgrade is an offer to obtain a digital PS5 version of an eligible PS4 game. It is separate from the ability to run the PS4 version on a PS5. PlayStation says an upgrade offer may be free, paid, or time-limited, depending on the game. Review the offer on the PS5 game hub before purchasing; owning a particular edition does not by itself establish upgrade eligibility or price. See PlayStation Support’s game guidance.
Backward compatibility is a third question: can the PS4 version run on your PS5? A game may be playable without any PS5 upgrade. PlayStation’s current support guidance says the overwhelming majority of more than 4,000 PS4 games are playable, but some features may not work and some games may have errors or unexpected behavior. A small group is marked “Playable on: PS4 only,” and the compatibility information can change. Check PlayStation’s PS4-to-PS5 compatibility guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- Marvel’s Wolverine is a new action-packed adventure from Insomniac Games
- Play as Wolverine and Ravage enemies with explosive brutality and unleash razor-sharp adamantium claws to deploy fast, fluid attacks and overcome impossible odds
- An Original, Emotionally Charged Story. Beneath Wolverine’s gruff exterior and violent temperament is a man fighting for a cause greater than himself
- A Global, Adrenaline-Fueled Journey where you slice into enemies across detailed locales such as the frosted Canadian Wilderness, the narrow streets of Tokyo, and the high and low districts of the island nation of Madripoor
How to check whether your PS4 game has a PS5 upgrade
- Open the game’s PS5 game hub on your PS5 and review the upgrade offer for the correct title and region.
- Check the offer’s terms. Confirm whether it is free or paid and whether it is time-limited; eligibility and terms differ by game.
- Confirm what you own. Digital ownership and a physical PS4 disc have different requirements. A PlayStation Plus redemption generally does not qualify for an upgrade unless the offer specifically says otherwise.
- Before paying, check the selected version and included content on the current regional Store listing. Do not assume an upgrade includes a particular edition’s DLC or bonuses unless the listing says so.
Disc and digital ownership have different upgrade requirements
Upgrading a physical PS4 game
A disc-based PS4 upgrade requires a PS5 console with a disc drive. To play the upgraded digital PS5 game, you must keep the PS4 disc inserted. PlayStation also requires the disc’s country or region to match the PlayStation account’s region. A PS4 disc cannot be used on a PS5 Digital Edition.
Upgrading a digital PS4 game
An eligible digital PS4 game can be upgraded on either PS5 model, subject to the individual game’s offer. Check the game hub for the applicable price and any time limit; digital ownership alone does not mean every game has a free PS5 version.
Rank #2
- MLB The Show 26 Full Game on PlayStation 5
- Includes 5 The Show Packs
- NEW Road to Cooperstown & Expanded Amateur Years Career
- Build your ultimate fantasy team with a new Red Diamond rarity tier and World Baseball Classic player cards featuring elite game-changing players
- NEW Revamped Front Office Experience Play the nail-biting key matches and moments of your Franchise GM career with streamlined seasons and Custom Game Entry
Games obtained through PlayStation Plus
A PS4 game redeemed as a PlayStation Plus benefit is generally not eligible for a PS5 upgrade unless PlayStation indicates otherwise. Access through a Plus benefit should not be treated as an automatic upgrade entitlement.
Can you play the PS4 version on PS5 without upgrading?
Often, yes. PlayStation says the overwhelming majority of more than 4,000 PS4 games can be played on PS5, though compatibility does not guarantee that every feature behaves identically. Some titles may show errors or unexpected behavior, and some may be designated PS4-only.
Rank #3
- ONLY AT AMAZON - SPECIALIST EDITION
- EARN THE NUMBER - Discover a new James Bond origin story, and the events that led a young maverick to become the best MI6 agent.
- A THRILLING ESPIONAGE ADVENTURE - Embark on missions in breathtaking locations, drive iconic vehicles, and dive into a cinematic adventure in pursuit of a rogue agent who’s always one step ahead.
- SPYING, YOUR WAY - Go silent or go loud. Whether fighting with fists or firepower, using gadgets to infiltrate, or bluffing your way past guards, the approach is entirely up to you.
If you own both versions, use the game’s options in your PS5 Game Library to choose which version to download or play. The version matters when buying add-ons: verify that an add-on works with the game version you intend to use.
PlayStation advises trying the PS4 game on your PS5 before buying add-ons for it: “Before purchasing add-ons to play with your PS4 games on PS5 consoles, please try to boot and play your PS4 games on your PS5 console to see if you are happy with the play experience.” The advice appears in PlayStation’s backward-compatibility guidance.
Rank #4
- Spider-Men, Peter Parker and Miles Morales, return for an exciting new adventure in the critically acclaimed Marvel’s Spider-Man franchise. Swing, jump, and utilize the new Web Wings to travel across Marvel’s New York, quickly switching between Peter Parker and Miles Morales to experience different stories and epic new powers, as the iconic villain Venom threatens to destroy their lives, their city, and the ones they love.
- An evolution of the Spider-Man story: The incredible power of the symbiote forces Peter and Miles to face the ultimate test of strength, both inside and outside the mask, as they balance their lives, friendships, and their duty to protect those in need.
- Experience two playable Spider-Men: Quickly swap between both Spider-Men as you explore an expanded Marvel’s New York. Experience Peter’s new symbiote abilities and Miles’ explosive bio-electric venom powers, and discover upgradeable, high-tech equipment that enhances the combat experience for extensive gameplay depth and variety.
- Battle iconic Marvel Super Villains: Fight against a variety of new and iconic villains, including an original take on the monstrous Venom, the ruthless Kraven the Hunter, the volatile Lizard, and many more!
Where to find and download game add-ons
Purchased add-ons have a game-specific download route in the PlayStation game library. On PS5, open the game’s page in your library and look under Add-Ons. The PlayStation App provides the same game-specific route. PlayStation’s instructions for finding and downloading games and add-ons cover these paths.
Before buying or downloading DLC, confirm that it is for the right game and compatible with the version you plan to play. Do not assume that an add-on listed for one version or edition also applies to another; check the individual listing.
A quick checklist before buying
- Version: Is the listing for PS4, PS5, or both?
- Edition contents: Which DLC and bonuses are explicitly included?
- Upgrade: Is a PS5 upgrade offered, and is it free, paid, or time-limited?
- Ownership: Is your copy digital, on disc, or a PlayStation Plus benefit?
- Console and region: For a disc upgrade, does your PS5 have a disc drive, and does the disc region match your account?
- Add-ons: Is the content compatible with the exact game version you will play?
PlayStation’s launch-era FAQ, published on November 9, 2020, said more than 99% of the 4,000-plus PS4 games could be played on either PS5 model and noted that save transfer between PS4 and PS5 versions depended on the developer. Those are historical launch-era statements, not a current guarantee for every game; consult the original FAQ for that context.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
