Upgrading PS4 games to PS5 shouldn't be nearly this difficult

(Image credit: Shutterstock/Alex Van Aken)

Yet another game is having issues upgrading players from the PS4 version to the PS5. This time around it’s Far Cry 6, and while its issues are more unique than what we’ve previously seen, they come as yet another blow for those wanting a simple way to upgrade games to the next-gen console.

In this case, players in the UK and Europe have reportedly been sent Russian versions of the game and so are prevented from upgrading, thanks to compatibility issues. The same also happened back near the PS5’s launch with copies of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, and the issue took weeks to fix.

Meanwhile Xbox players wanting to upgrade to the Series X version of the game need only boot up their copy of Far Cry 6 and download a digital patch.

Xbox has enough ammo to fire back

At this point we’re honestly surprised with the level of civility Xbox has shown by not firing back. Sony wouldn’t be playing so nice, evidenced by its tongue-in-cheek Official PlayStation Used Game Instructional Video from 2013.

In the clip, Sony highlighted the ease with which friends could share used games – simply handing the disc over – in response to Microsoft’s strange always-online Xbox One plans that would lock games to one account.

The relatively low production budget behind the video gives just one clue to how desperate Sony wanted to capitalize on its rival's slipup, and it has ridden that wave since; Sony dominated the PS4 vs Xbox One battle and its hardware is taking early leads against the Xbos Series X

If the green machine wants to get its own back, it need only point out the difficulty players have upgrading their PS4 library. With not many next-gen games having released this year either a lack of library upgrades severely limits the usefulness of these brand new consoles – you might as well have saved your money and stuck with the outdated hardware.

We’ll have to see if Sony finds a way to make the PS4 to PS5 upgrade process simpler, as even gaming powerhouses like Ubisoft have yet to grasp its intricacies.

However, after waiting nearly a year for changes to be made, we’d be surprised if Sony fixed the problem now. Most likely it’s just waiting for PS5 stock issues to end so it can sunset the PS4 as soon as possible and be done with the need for next-gen upgrades altogether.

Hopefully it’ll have its act together when the PS6 comes out.

PS5 vs Xbox Series X: which next-gen console should you buy?

Hamish is a Senior Staff Writer for TechRadar and you’ll see his name appearing on articles across nearly every topic on the site from smart home deals to speaker reviews to graphics card news and everything in between. He uses his broad range of knowledge to help explain the latest gadgets and if they’re a must-buy or a fad fueled by hype. Though his specialty is writing about everything going on in the world of virtual reality and augmented reality.