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Sometimes—but a free upgrade does not guarantee that your old save will work in the new edition. Moving a save onto a newer console and importing it into that game’s PS5 or Xbox Series X|S version are separate steps. On PlayStation, save compatibility is decided game by game. On Xbox, Smart Delivery and progression continuity apply to supported titles, not every game.
First, separate the console transfer from the game upgrade
There are two questions to answer: can your save reach the new console, and can the newer edition of that specific game read it? A PS4 save can be transferred to a PS5 without necessarily being accepted by the PS5 edition. Likewise, Xbox’s cross-generation features are conditional on the game and the generation the save came from.
Before launching the upgraded edition, check the game’s official publisher or developer instructions for save import, upload, or transfer steps. Do not delete or overwrite the old save until you have confirmed the new edition has loaded the progress you want.
PlayStation: PS4 saves can move to PS5, but the game decides whether to import them
Moving a PS4 save to the PS5 console
Sony supports moving compatible PS4 saved data to a PS5. Its PS4-to-PS5 data-transfer guide describes transferring data between consoles on the same network; use the same account on both consoles. Other options include downloading a PS4 save from PlayStation Plus cloud storage or copying it to USB and then to the PS5, as described in Sony’s saved-data support guidance. Sony says PS5 saves cannot be copied from the PS5 console to USB.
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- Heighten Your Senses. Discover Deeper, highly immersive gaming experiences.
- Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback
- Chat online through the built-in microphone or connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack
- Play on more devices Connect using a USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth wireless technology so you can easily play on more devices including Windows PC and Mac computers, Android and iOS mobile phones.
- Elevate PC gaming with advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in a range titles
Getting that save into the PS5 edition
A save being present on the PS5 is not proof that the PS5 edition can use it. PlayStation’s official PS5 FAQ, published November 9, 2020, says: “The ability to transfer game saves between a PS4 version and a PS5 version of the same game is a developer decision and will vary title by title for cross-generational games.” Follow the game’s own directions; some titles may require an in-game import or upload rather than automatically finding the console save.
Check whether the upgrade itself is free and eligible
Sony says only certain PS4 games can be upgraded to a digital PS5 version. Depending on the game, the offer may be free, paid, or time-limited; confirm eligibility and terms on the game’s store listing and Sony’s PS4-to-PS5 upgrade instructions. A disc-based upgrade requires a PS5 with a disc drive, a disc from the same country or region as the account, and the PS4 disc inserted whenever you play the upgraded digital PS5 game.
Rank #2
- Haptic feedback - Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions with dual actuators which replace traditional rumble motors. In your hands, these dynamic vibrations can simulate the feeling of everything from environments to the recoil of different weapons. .Operating temperature : 41 °F to 95 °F (5 °C to 35 °C)
- Adaptive triggers - Experience varying levels of force and tension as you interact with your in-game gear and environments. From pulling back an increasingly tight bowstring to hitting the brakes on a speeding car, feel physically connected to your on-screen actions.
- Built-in microphone and headset jack - Chat with friends online using the built-in microphone or by connecting a headset to the 3.5mm jack. Easily switch voice capture on and off at a moment’s notice with the dedicated mute button. Internet and account for PlayStation Network required.
- DualSense Controller PS5 and PC compatible. Not compatible with PS4.
- PS Remote Play requires Remote Play App connected to Wi-Fi, PS4 or PS5 console with the latest system software and compatible game. A PS4 or PS5 console with a wired connection via a LAN cable is recommended. Version 4.0 of the Remote Play App on iOS and iPadOS or version 4.1 on macOS is required for games to be playable with the controller over Bluetooth.
Xbox: Smart Delivery and progression carry forward for supported games
Xbox describes Smart Delivery as providing the best available version of a supported game for the Xbox console being used, with no extra charge for that available upgraded version. Its Smart Delivery explanation says players’ libraries and progression move forward from Xbox One to Xbox Series X. The feature is not universal: the game must support Smart Delivery or otherwise state its cross-generation progression process. Xbox’s optimized games page likewise limits the Smart Delivery promise to supported titles.
For supported physical releases, Smart Delivery may also work from disc when the developer or publisher implements it; participation by developers outside Xbox Game Studios is optional, according to Xbox’s explanation. Check the exact game’s listing and instructions rather than assuming that owning one edition guarantees an upgrade or save continuity.
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- Bring gaming worlds to life - Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback*. Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers*
- Find your voice, share your passion - Chat online through the built-in microphone. Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack. Record and broadcast your epic gaming moments with the create button
- A gaming icon in your hands - Enjoy a comfortable, evolved design with an iconic layout and enhanced sticks. Hear higher-fidelity** sound effects through the built-in speaker in supported games
- Multi-device connectivity - Connect using a USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth technology and easily play on more devices including Windows PC and Mac computers.
- Elevate PC gaming with advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in a range of blockbuster PC titles.
The original Xbox save exception
Generation matters. Xbox’s backward-compatibility guidance says original Xbox game saves do not transfer to Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S. Saves created on Xbox One or Series X|S can transfer among those consoles through the cloud. This limitation is specific to original Xbox saves; it does not negate the Xbox One-to-Series continuity described for supported games.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Enjoy precise, comfortable control over 10,000+ supported Steam games.
- Easily pair the controller directly to your Windows PC via Bluetooth or play as you charge with the included USB Type-C cable
- Stay paired with up to four different Bluetooth devices, making it easy to enjoy the controller across Windows PC, Mac, PS5 consoles and smartphones. Discover more connection tips and tricks at playstation.com/pair-dualsense
- Access the latest available controller firmware directly from your PC with the free-todownload PlayStation Accessories app
- Play games streamed from your PS5 or PS4 console to your PC via the PS Remote Play App
Rank #4
- Ultra Customizable Controls
- Mappable Back Buttons
- DualSense Wireless Controller Features Built In
- Replaceable Stick Modules and Caps
What to check before you start the upgraded game
- Identify the exact game and edition you own, and whether the target is the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S version.
- Check the official store listing and the publisher’s or developer’s support page for upgrade eligibility, price, disc requirements, and save-import instructions.
- On PlayStation, move or download the PS4 save to the PS5 console, then complete any separate import steps the game requires. Console transfer alone does not establish that the PS5 edition supports the save.
- On Xbox, confirm Smart Delivery or the game’s stated cross-generation progression support, and use the relevant Xbox account. If the save began on an original Xbox, Xbox documents that it will not transfer to Xbox One or Series X|S.
- If the game offers an upload or import option in its menu, follow the title-specific directions before removing or overwriting the old save.
Quick comparison
| Question | PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5 | Xbox One to Xbox Series X|S |
|---|---|---|
| Is the upgrade always free? | No. Eligibility and cost vary by game; an offer may be free, paid, or time-limited (Sony upgrade guidance). | Smart Delivery gives the best available version at no extra charge for supported titles when that upgraded version is available (Xbox Smart Delivery explanation). |
| Can the save reach the new console? | Compatible PS4 saves can be transferred over the same network, downloaded from PlayStation Plus cloud storage, or copied using USB (Sony transfer and saved-data guidance). | Xbox says saves created on Xbox One or Series X|S can transfer among those consoles through the cloud (Xbox backward-compatibility guidance). |
| Will the upgraded edition read the save? | Depends on the game; the developer decides whether a PS4-version save transfers to the PS5 version (PlayStation PS5 FAQ, November 9, 2020). | For supported games, Xbox describes progression moving forward from Xbox One to Series X; verify support and instructions for the exact title (Xbox Smart Delivery explanation). |
| Important exception | Sony says PS5 saves cannot be copied from the PS5 console to USB (Sony saved-data guidance). | Original Xbox saves do not transfer to Xbox One or Series X|S (Xbox backward-compatibility guidance). |
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