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Usually, yes—if you want PS5-only games or would value the improvements some PS4 games get on newer hardware. Most PS4 games work on PS5, but benefits vary by game, and PS4 discs require a PS5 model with a disc drive. If your current games and performance satisfy you, keeping your PS4 is also a sensible choice.
When upgrading to PS5 makes sense
- You want specific PS5 games. If a game you want is unavailable on your PS4, moving to PS5 is the direct reason to upgrade.
- You play PS4 games that benefit from newer hardware. Sony says selected PS4 games may load faster or run at higher or smoother frame rates through Game Boost. Those improvements are game-specific, not guaranteed across the library.
- You want to keep most of your PS4 library while moving forward. Sony says the PS5 is backward compatible with the overwhelming majority of PS4 games. Its support pages refer to more than 4,000 PS4 games, but do not date that figure; check a particular title if compatibility is important to your decision. Sony’s PS5 backward-compatibility guide notes that a small number of PS4-only titles are exceptions and that some compatible games may have errors or lose PS4 functionality.
When keeping your PS4 is reasonable
If you are happy with the games you play and how they perform, you do not need to upgrade simply because the PS5 exists. Waiting makes sense if the games you want are available on PS4, the PS5’s local price does not fit your budget, or the benefits to your regular games are not compelling. Compare the current price in your region with any trade-in proceeds, game-upgrade charges, and subscription costs you would actually incur; prices and trade-in offers vary and are not established here.
Choose the PS5 model around your PS4 games
| What you own or need | Model fit | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| PS4 game discs you want to keep playing | PS5 with a disc drive | PS4 discs can be used on a disc-drive PS5 and must remain inserted while you play. |
| Digital PS4 purchases, with no need for disc playback | PS5 Digital Edition may fit | Eligible digital purchases can be accessed from your account’s game library on PS5. The Digital Edition cannot play PS4 discs. |
Sony’s backward-compatibility guidance covers PS4 game discs, while its PS4 game upgrade guide explains digital access and title-specific upgrade options. If your library includes discs, choosing a Digital Edition means those discs will not carry over as playable copies.
Check game upgrades before assuming they are free
Backward compatibility and a PS5-version upgrade are different things. Some eligible PS4 games offer an upgrade to a digital PS5 version, but the terms depend on the title: an upgrade may be free, paid, or available only for a limited time. Verify the offer for the specific game before including it in your budget. An upgrade offer also does not mean every PS4 game has a separate PS5 version.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors#1 Best Overall
- Model Number CFI-2000
- Includes DualSense Wireless Controller, 1TB SSD, 2 Horizontal Stand Feet, HDMI Cable, AC power cord, USB cable, printed materials, ASTRO’s PLAYROOM (Pre-installed game)
- Vertical Stand sold seperately
Plan how saves and multiplayer will carry over
Move saves and other data
Supported transfer methods let you move data from PS4 to PS5. PlayStation Plus cloud storage is another option for transferring compatible saves. Check Sony’s PS4-to-PS5 data transfer instructions for the available methods and requirements before starting, particularly if there are saves you cannot afford to lose.
Check online-play requirements
Most online multiplayer games require PlayStation Plus, although exceptions exist. If online play is part of your reason to upgrade, check the requirements for the particular game and whether you already have the subscription it needs. Sony’s PlayStation Plus support page describes the service and its conditions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Slim Design, players get powerful gaming technology packed inside a sleek and compact console design.
- 825GB of storage, keep your favorite games raeady and waiting for you to jump in and play
- Ultra-High Speed SSD, maximize yoru play sessions with near instant load times for installed PS5 games
- Integrated I/O, the custom integration of the PS5 console's systems lets creators pull datat from the SSD so quickly that they can design games in ways never before possible
- Ray Tracing, immerse yourself in owrlds with a new level of realism as rays of light are individually simulated, creating true-to-life shadows and reflections in supported PS5 games
Rank #4
- Enjoy smooth and fluid high frame rate gameplay at up to 120 fps for compatible games, with support for 120Hz output on 4K displays.
- PS5 consoles support an 8K output, so you can play games on your 4320p resolution display.
- Maximize your play sessions with near-instant load times for installed PS5 games.
- 825GB SSD allows ultra-fast load times, while 3-D audio output produces crisp acoustics.
- Explore uncharted virtual territories and slay dragons with this sleek Sony PlayStation 5 gaming console.
Rank #3
- 🚀 CPU: 3.5GHz, 8-core AMD Zen 2
- 🚀 Storage: Custom 825GB SSD
- 🚀 RAM: 16GB GDDR6
- 🚀 GPU: 10.3 teraflop RDNA 2 GPU
Rank #2
- CPU: x86-64-AMD Ryzen Zen 8 Cores / 16 Threads at 3.5GHz.GPU: AMD Radeon RDNA 2-based graphics engine.
- 16GB GDDR6/256-bit Memory; 825GB SSD Storage Capacity
- Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T), IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.1
- HDR technology, 8K output, 4K TV gaming, Up to 120 fps with 120Hz output, Tempest 3D AudioTech
- What's Included: Sony PlayStation 5 Disc Version; Wireless controller; USB cable, HDMI cable, AC power cord. Nogtox PVT HDMI_cable
A practical decision checklist
- Name the games. List the PS5 games you want and the PS4 games you play most. Check compatibility and any documented Game Boost benefits for the latter.
- Check your library format. If you own PS4 discs, compare only against a PS5 model with a disc drive. If your purchases are digital, confirm they are available through the account you plan to use.
- Verify upgrades and saves. Look up any title-specific PS5 upgrade terms and choose a supported way to transfer the saves you want to keep.
- Calculate your actual cost. Use a current local console price, subtract only a confirmed trade-in value, and add any game-upgrade or PlayStation Plus costs that apply to you.
- Decide based on the difference it makes to you. Upgrade if access to PS5 games or improvements to your regular play justify the outlay; otherwise, keep using the PS4 and revisit the decision when your needs or budget change.
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.
