Sony reverses decision: Horizon Gets Free PS4 to PS5 upgrade

Horizon Forbidden west ps4 ps5 upgrade not free
Horizon Forbidden West... you really gonna do us like that? | © Sony

Horizon Forbidden West is easily one of the most anticipated PS5 games, and, for some, the first true next-gen experience. Sony seems to know that and requires you to buy the PS5 edition separately: No free PS4 to PS5 upgrade for Horizon Forbidden West.

UPDATE:

Sony reversed their decision:

Last year we made a commitment to deliver free upgrades for our cross-gen launch titles, which included Horizon Forbidden West. While the pandemic’s profound impact pushed Forbidden West out of the launch window we initially envisioned, we will stand by our offer: Players who purchase Horizon Forbidden West on PlayStation 4 will be able to upgrade to the PlayStation 5 version for free.I also want to confirm today that moving forward, PlayStation first-party exclusive cross-gen titles (newly releasing on PS4 & PS5)–both digital and physical*–will offer a $10 USD digital upgrade option from PS4 to PS5. This will apply to the next God of War and Gran Turismo 7, and any other exclusive cross-gen PS4 & PS5 title published by Sony Interactive Entertainment.
One year in, a lot of people still don't have a PS5. This is worrying, when you consider that gems like Horizon Forbidden West are starting to drop: People will want to play the game and not wait until Sony sorts out their chip-delivery issues. Sadly, it seems that Sony has no intention of accommodating those faithfuls, but instead plans to cash out...

Original article:

Horizon Forbidden West Standard Will Not Get Free PS5 Upgrade

Sony just revealed what we can expect from Horizon Forbidden West's Collector's and Digital Deluxe Edition and what we can expect it to splash some cash:

If you want to have access to both the PS4 and PS5 versions of Horizon Forbidden West, please purchase the Digital Deluxe, Collector's, or Regalla Editions. Dual entitlement does not apply to the Standard and Special Editions.

Translation: If you want to have a PS4 version that is upgradable to the PS5 version, you'll have to drop a breezy $80. An odd decision by Sony, who must be aware that most games let you upgrade for free or for a mere $10 – even Sony's very own publications like Miles Morales.

If you do decide to buy the PS4 version of Horizon Forbidden West and get a PS5 down the road, that version won't do you no good: You will literally be playing the PS4 version of the game on your PS5. Unsuprisingly, this decision was met with some serious backlash, so it's quite possible that Sony will reverse their decision. I mean, if OnlyFans can ban and unban their entire website's content within a week, Sony can surely be reasonable and give their fans what they want. After all, it is not our fault that we're one year post next-gen release and still can't buy PlayStation 5 consoles...

Amidu Njiemoun

Amidu is a Brunel University graduate, and former published novel & screenplay writer turned gaming journalist and show host. He was a Senior Content Creator and Content Co-Lead at EarlyGame....