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 purchase Horizon Forbidden West on 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 upcoming God of War sequel and Gran Turismo 7.]
Today, Sony confirmed that Horizon Forbidden West won’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 for Horizon Forbidden West.
On the PlayStation blog today, Sony and Guerrilla Games detailed what’s coming in the five different versions of Horizon. In it, it notes that players looking to have access to both the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 versions of Horizon Forbidden West should 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 also confirms 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, as Ghost of Tsushima has offered an upgrade option in the past for its Director’s Cut version. Having to pay extra for the dual entitlement isn’t great for current PS4 owners who are still having some 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 to Xbox’s Smart Delivery, either. The current setup for Horizon Forbidden West might 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 West was recently pushed back to February 18, 2022. Sony also plans on hosting a new PlayStation Showcase next week.
Published: Sep 5, 2021 08:15 am