PS4 Games With Free PS5 Upgrades: How to Check

Updated 7 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This guide explains how to find out whether a PS4 game you own or want to buy qualifies for a free PlayStation 5 upgrade. You’ll learn where to look on the PlayStation Store, how to read the product page, and what to do if the upgrade isn’t showing up. No special tools or accounts beyond your normal PlayStation Network login are needed.

What You’ll Need

A PlayStation Network account (the same one you use on your PS4 or PS5).
Access to the PlayStation Store — either on a PS4, PS5, or via the web store on a phone or computer.
If checking a physical disc, you’ll need the disc itself and a PS5 with a disc drive.

Step-by-Step

Go to the game’s product page on the PlayStation Store. On a PS5, navigate to the game’s store page from the console’s main menu or the store itself. On a PC or phone, go to the PlayStation Store website and search for the game.
Look for the upgrade notice. On the game’s page, scroll down to the “Overview” or “Details” section. If a free PS5 upgrade exists, you’ll see a line like “PS5 Upgrade Available” or “Upgrade to the PS5 version at no extra cost.” This is the clearest indicator.
Check the price of the PS5 version. If the game has a PS5 version listed separately, compare its price to the PS4 version. If the PS5 version shows a price of $0.00 (or your local equivalent) when you own the PS4 version, that’s a free upgrade. If it shows a full price, the upgrade isn’t free.
Look for the “…” or “…” menu on the product page. On the PS5 console, open the game’s product page and select the three-dot menu (often labeled “…”). If there’s a “PS5 Upgrade” option there, select it and confirm. If it says “Free,” you’re good.
For physical discs, insert the disc into your PS5. If you own a PS4 disc, put it in the PS5’s disc drive. The console will detect it and may show a prompt to upgrade. If not, go to the game’s product page in the store and look for the upgrade option.
Check the game’s official website or social media. Some publishers list upgrade details on their own sites. Search for “[Game Name] PS5 upgrade” to find official announcements. This is especially useful for older games where the store page might not be clear.
Use the PlayStation Store’s search filters. On the PS5 store, go to the “Deals” or “All Games” section and filter by “PS5” or “PS4 & PS5” to see games with both versions. This can help you spot which PS4 games have a PS5 counterpart.

Common Mistakes

Assuming every PS4 game has a free upgrade. Many games do, but not all. Some publishers charge for the upgrade (e.g., NBA 2K21), and some games are only playable via backward compatibility without a dedicated PS5 version.
Confusing “backward compatible” with “upgrade.” A PS4 game that runs on PS5 via backward compatibility is not the same as a PS5 upgrade. The upgrade is a separate, enhanced version with better graphics or performance.
Checking the wrong region. Upgrades are tied to your account’s region. If you bought a PS4 game from a different region’s store, the upgrade may not be free in your current region.
Overlooking the “…” menu. On the PS5, the upgrade option is sometimes hidden in the three-dot menu, not directly on the page. If you don’t see it there, you might miss it.
Thinking you need to re-buy the game. If you own the PS4 version digitally, the PS5 version should appear as “Free” in the store when you’re logged in. If it shows a price, you might be logged into the wrong account.

Tips

Always check the store page before buying a PS4 game. If you’re planning to play on PS5, look for the upgrade notice first. If it’s not there, assume there’s no free upgrade.
For digital games, make sure you’re logged into the account that purchased the game. Upgrades are tied to the purchasing account.
For physical games, keep the disc. You’ll need it every time you play the PS5 version, as the disc acts as a license check.
Check the release date. Some games offer a free upgrade only for a limited time after the PS5 launches. If you’re late, you might miss it.
Use the PlayStation App. You can also check the store from the mobile app and see if an upgrade is available for games you own.

Troubleshooting

If you’re sure the game should have a free upgrade but it isn’t showing up, try these steps:

Restart your PS5. Sometimes the store needs a refresh. Go to Settings > System > System Software > Reset Options, but don’t reset — just restart the console.
Check for a system update. Make sure your PS5 is running the latest firmware. Go to Settings > System > System Software > System Update.
Search for the PS5 version separately. Instead of opening the PS4 game’s page, search for the game’s name and see if a PS5 version appears. Open that page and look for a “Free” price.
Check your game library. On the PS5 home screen, go to your game library, find the PS4 game, and press the Options button. If there’s an “Upgrade” option, select it.
Contact PlayStation Support. If you’ve tried everything and the upgrade still isn’t available, it could be a store glitch or a regional issue. Contact Sony support with your account details and the game’s name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all PS4 games get a free PS5 upgrade?

No. It’s up to each publisher. Some offer it, some charge for it, and some don’t offer a PS5 version at all.

How do I know if a PS4 disc works on PS5?

Most PS4 games are playable on PS5 via backward compatibility. The disc must be inserted, and you’ll need a PS5 with a disc drive. Digital games work on any PS5.

If I buy a PS4 game now, will I get the PS5 version free?

Only if the publisher’s offer is still active. Check the store page before buying. Some offers are time-limited.

Can I upgrade a PS4 game from a different region?

No. Upgrades are region-specific. You must buy the game in the same region as your PSN account.

What happens to my save data when I upgrade?

Most PS4 games allow you to transfer save data to the PS5 version, but it’s not automatic. Check the game’s settings or the upgrade prompt for a “Transfer Save Data” option.

Is the PS5 upgrade the same as the PS4 version?

No. The PS5 version typically has improved graphics, faster load times, and may include features like haptic feedback or adaptive triggers, depending on the game.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.