Transfer PS4 Games To PS5 Digital: A Simple Guide

by Jhon Lennon 50 views

So, you've finally snagged a PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, congrats! Now you're probably wondering, "How do I get my PS4 games onto this thing without a disc drive?" Don't sweat it, guys! Moving your digital PS4 games to your PS5 is actually a breeze. I'm here to walk you through a few super simple methods to get all your favorite titles ready to play on your shiny new console.

Method 1: Using External Hard Drive

One of the easiest ways to bring your PS4 games over to your PS5 is by using an external hard drive. This method is particularly great if you have a large game library, as it saves you from having to re-download everything. Plus, you can even play the games directly from the external drive on your PS5, which helps conserve precious internal storage space. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

  1. Format the External Hard Drive: First things first, you need to make sure your external hard drive is formatted correctly for use with your PlayStation. Connect the external drive to your PS4. Go to Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices. Select your external drive and choose “Format as Extended Storage.” Keep in mind that formatting will erase everything on the drive, so back up any important files beforehand!
  2. Move Games from PS4 to External Hard Drive: Once the drive is formatted, go to Settings > Storage > System Storage > Applications. Select the games you want to move and then choose “Move to Extended Storage.” This process might take a while depending on how many games you're transferring, so grab a snack and be patient.
  3. Connect the External Hard Drive to Your PS5: After the transfer is complete, safely disconnect the external drive from your PS4 and plug it into your PS5. The PS5 should automatically recognize the drive.
  4. Play Your Games on PS5: Navigate to your Game Library on the PS5. You should see all the games you transferred from the external drive. Just select a game and hit “Play.” Easy peasy!

Using an external hard drive is super convenient, especially since you can continue playing your PS4 games directly from it. This frees up valuable space on your PS5's internal SSD for PS5-specific games, which really benefit from that extra speed. Also, remember that while you can play PS4 games from the external drive, PS5 games need to be installed on the internal SSD to take full advantage of the console’s capabilities.

Method 2: Using Network Transfer

If you don't have an external hard drive or prefer not to use one, you can also transfer your PS4 games to your PS5 over your local network. This method requires both your PS4 and PS5 to be connected to the same network. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Prepare Your PS4 and PS5: Make sure both your PS4 and PS5 are connected to the same network. Sign in to the same PlayStation Network account on both consoles. It’s also a good idea to close any running applications on both systems to ensure a smooth transfer.
  2. Initiate the Transfer on PS5: On your PS5, go to Settings > System > Data Transfer > Continue. Your PS5 will search for your PS4 on the network. Make sure your PS4 is powered on and connected to the network.
  3. Select Your PS4: Once your PS5 finds your PS4, select it from the list of available devices.
  4. Verify the Connection: You might be prompted to press the power button on your PS4 to verify the connection. Follow the on-screen instructions.
  5. Choose the Data to Transfer: Select the games you want to transfer from your PS4 to your PS5. You can also transfer save data and other content. Review your selection and confirm the transfer.
  6. Start the Transfer: The transfer process will begin. Keep in mind that this can take a while depending on the size of the games and the speed of your network. It’s best to do this when you don’t need to use either console for a while.
  7. Enjoy Your Games: Once the transfer is complete, your PS4 games will be available on your PS5. You can find them in your Game Library and start playing!

Network transfer is a fantastic option if you're not keen on messing with external drives. However, the transfer speed heavily relies on the strength and stability of your network connection. For the best results, consider using a wired connection (Ethernet cable) for both your PS4 and PS5. This will significantly speed up the process compared to using Wi-Fi. Also, make sure no one else is hogging the network with large downloads or streaming during the transfer to avoid interruptions.

Method 3: Re-downloading Games from PlayStation Network

Another straightforward way to get your PS4 games on your PS5 is by simply re-downloading them from the PlayStation Network. This is a viable option if you don’t have too many games or if your internet speed is pretty fast. Here’s how:

  1. Sign in to Your PlayStation Network Account: On your PS5, make sure you’re signed in to the same PlayStation Network account you used on your PS4. This is crucial, as your purchased games are tied to your account.
  2. Access Your Game Library: Go to your Game Library on the PS5. Navigate to the “Your Collection” tab. Here, you’ll see a list of all the games you’ve purchased digitally on your account.
  3. Find and Download Your Games: Scroll through the list to find the PS4 games you want to play on your PS5. Select a game and click “Download.” The game will start downloading to your PS5’s internal storage.
  4. Wait for the Download to Complete: The download time will depend on the size of the game and your internet speed. Once the download is finished, the game will be installed and ready to play.
  5. Enjoy Your Games: Once installed, you can find the game on your home screen or in your Game Library. Just select it and start playing!

Re-downloading games is super simple, but it can be time-consuming if you have a large game library or a slower internet connection. Make sure you have enough storage space on your PS5’s internal SSD, as that’s where the games will be installed. Also, keep an eye on your internet data cap if you have one, as downloading large games can eat through your data pretty quickly. On the bright side, this method ensures you always have the latest version of the game.!

Understanding Save Data Transfers

Okay, so you've got your games transferred, great! But what about your precious save data? You wouldn't want to start all over again, right? Luckily, transferring save data from your PS4 to your PS5 is also pretty straightforward. Here are a few ways to do it:

  1. PlayStation Plus Cloud Storage: If you have a PlayStation Plus subscription, you can use cloud storage to transfer your save data. On your PS4, go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage > Upload to Online Storage. Select the games you want to upload save data for and follow the prompts. On your PS5, go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS4) > Download from Online Storage. Select the games and download your save data.
  2. USB Drive: You can also use a USB drive to transfer save data. On your PS4, go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage > Copy to USB Storage Device. Select the games and copy the save data to the USB drive. On your PS5, go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS4) > Copy from USB Drive. Select the games and copy the save data to your PS5.

Important Note: Not all PS4 games support save data transfer to the PS5. Some games may have specific instructions or limitations, so it’s always a good idea to check the game’s documentation or online forums for more information.

PS4 Games on PS5: Enhanced Experience

One of the cool things about playing PS4 games on your PS5 is that many of them get a nice little boost in performance. Thanks to the PS5’s more powerful hardware, you might notice faster loading times, smoother frame rates, and improved graphics. While it’s not the same as a full-blown PS5 remaster, it’s definitely a welcome improvement!

Some games even get specific enhancements designed to take advantage of the PS5’s capabilities. Keep an eye out for games that have been updated to support features like 4K resolution and HDR on the PS5.

Conclusion

Transferring your PS4 games to your PS5 Digital Edition doesn't have to be a headache. Whether you choose to use an external hard drive, network transfer, or simply re-download your games, the process is relatively simple and straightforward. Just follow the steps outlined in this guide, and you'll be enjoying your favorite PS4 titles on your new console in no time. Happy gaming, folks!