It's a tough time for PS4 users who are hoping to be among the first to get a PS5 when it arrives. With no price or release date confirmed yet (although we have an idea about the latter), what if you want more games in the meantime? Microsoft has Xbox Smart Delivery, which allows you to play the best versions of games even if you're using an Xbox One X/S or Xbox Series X/S, but Sony's plans are a bit more fragmented.
In short, Sony has been fairly inconsistent, leaving decisions on how to handle next-generation console upgrades to the game publishers themselves. While games like "Cyberpunk 2077" and "Destiny 2" offer free upgrades from PS4 to PS5, upgrades like "Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War" are quite cumbersome. And then there is a subset that will probably not be offered upgrades on PS5.
Now, thanks to Ubisoft, we know how publishers can provide information, and VGC found a small logo on the bottom of the box of the upcoming PS4 version of Immortals Fenyx Rising game software, indicating that it is upward compatible." PS5 Upgradeable" is written in small letters next to the age rating.
As you can see from the two Ubisoft boxes side by side, they are much more subtle than their Xbox equivalents.
It is worth remembering, however, that this is out of necessity. Microsoft is betting that the Xbox One and the Xbox series of consoles are in the same family, just as the PC gaming community encompasses everyone from RTX 3080 owners to those who play Peggle on their work laptops. The little black bar at the top explains which consoles the game runs on, but it makes sense to emphasize that owners are getting something out of their purchase of the latest and greatest hardware.
While Sony is still keeping some cards close to its chest, Microsoft's plans are now fully public: the Xbox Series X and Series S will be available on November 10, priced at $499/$449 and $299/£249 respectively.
We still know very little about the PlayStation 5, although the aggressive pricing of the new Xbox has reportedly forced the company to lower its planned costs.
Expect more details to emerge this week as Sony hosts its second big PS5 game showcase. Last time we got our first look at the console and its accessories, and with any luck, this week's show will end with the much-anticipated price and release date.
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