Sony Reverses Position on Horizon Forbidden West Free PS5 Upgrade

Sony has issued an update on the upcoming release of Horizon Forbidden West. It has formally reversed its initial decision to not include a free PS5 upgrade for the PS4 version of the game. However, future PlayStation exclusive cross-gen titles, such as the next God of War and Gran Turismo 7, will not get the same treatment. They will release with a $10 digital upgrade option.

A few days ago, Sony announced the different editions and pre-order bonuses for Horizon Forbidden West. Importantly, the announcement revealed that players who wished to upgrade the game from PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5 would have to pay for the Digital Deluxe Edition to do so. Furthermore, both Collector’s Editions do not include a physical copy of the game. They instead come with a digital download code.

Some users were upset by the decision, considering the company previously stated that it would provide free upgrades to cross-gen launch titles. Games such as Final Fantasy XIV and Elden Ring are also receiving free PS5 upgrades. The practice has become commonplace as chip shortages continue to make purchases of next-gen consoles difficult. Notably, the Xbox Series X and S also offers a similar upgrade option dubbed “Smart Delivery”.

Sony came under fire back in July after it revealed Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut would feature a similar $10 next-gen upgrade option. It looks as though Sony will continue this practice, however, as CEO Jim Ryan mentions in a statement that future PlayStation first-party exclusive cross-gen titles will offer a $10 digital upgrade option.

The Horizon Forbidden West free PS5 upgrade will launch alongside the game. It launches on PS4 and PS5 on February 17, 2024.