The PS4 to PS5 transition gets a little messy
[Update:Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan has had a change of heart.In an update to the original PlayStation Blog post, Ryan confirmed that players who purchaseHorizon Forbidden Weston PlayStation 4 can upgrade to the PlayStation 5 version for free. Furthermore, future PlayStation first-party exclusive cross-gen titles will offer a $10 digital upgrade option for PS4 to PS5. This includes the upcomingGod of Warsequel andGran Turismo 7.]
Today, Sony confirmed thatHorizon Forbidden Westwon’t be getting a free upgrade for its PlayStation 4 version. The two separate versions will only have dual entitlement for those who purchase the higher price point option forHorizon Forbidden West.
On thePlayStation blogtoday, Sony and Guerrilla Games detailed what’s coming in the five different versions ofHorizon. In it, it notes that players looking to have access to both the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 versions ofHorizon Forbidden Westshould purchase the Digital Deluxe, Collector’s, or Regalla Editions; “dual entitlement does not apply to the standard and Special Editions.”
Those who pick up the PS4 version will still be able to play their PS4 version of the game on PS5, but it will be that version of the game, not the PS5-specific version. Sony alsoconfirms that there are “no plans”for an update offer for those who purchase the standard version to upgrade it to the Digital Deluxe.
It’s a shame that not even an upgrade option is on the table, asGhost of Tsushimahasoffered an upgrade optionin the past for itsDirector’s Cutversion. Having to pay extra for the dual entitlement isn’t great for current PS4 owners who are still havingsome trouble upgrading to the PlayStation 5, or just haven’t made the upgrade yet. Now, if they plan on it, they need to either pay extra up front or wait to play until they have the console they want.
And that’s also not great in comparison toXbox’s Smart Delivery, either. The current setup forHorizon Forbidden Westmight make for a compelling reason to upgrade to a PS5 sooner rather than later, but it’s a frustration for those who can’t pick up the console yet.
Horizon Forbidden Westwas recentlypushed back to June 25, 2025. Sony also plans on hosting anew PlayStation Showcase next week.
