Which relases on older gen platforms actually offer audiences free upgrades so that they can enjoy the titles on the latest consoles?
Next-gen upgrades have become a major part of the industry in recent years. Due to the level of difficulty of finding a PlayStation 5 or an Xbox Series X, video game studios have decided to allow players to buy the titles on previous generation consoles, before giving them a free upgrade to the most recent platform available.
It’s a great idea and one that gamers can take full advantage of, with most titles even allowing for a transfer of saved data as well! These are some brilliant games to check out and gamers are happy they don’t need to wait for the legendary day these consoles are finally in stock to enjoy them.
Jedi: Fallen Order is perhaps one of the most successful and well-respected games in Star Wars history. The Respawn Entertainment title launched on a full range of platforms and looks gorgeous no matter which console it’s running on. But the free upgrade does bring with it many benefits for new and returning players.
Advanced graphics, quicker loading speeds, and smoother gameplay all accompany Cal Kestis on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. It’s well worth the shift in console, considering the quality of the storytelling with such a crisp image. The galaxy far far away never felt so alive as this.
Marvel’s Avengers left a lot to be desired when it was first released, although has made up for it with numerous updates and the potential for more upgrades across 2022. In regards to improving the title, Avengers from Crystal Dynamics and Square Enix is one of the many games offering a free upgrade to next-gen consoles.
Looking for goodwill from consumers, the patch might take a while to download but there are noticeable differences. Dynamic 4K resolution and 60 FPS gameplay round out a title that actually looks pretty good! Those loading speeds are much more manageable now as well, especially with online gameplay.
The Assassin’s Creed franchise has really found its second wind recently and Valhalla has been another demonstration of what Ubisoft can do with the series. The game was stunning on previous-gen consoles but an upgrade, free of charge, certainly improved it further.
The Viking-inspired action title follows the same basic mechanics of the series, but on next-gen consoles now runs with brilliant 4K definition, optional HDR, and 60 FPS. It’s the smoothest an Assassin’s Creed game has ever played and the environment and textures in particular absolutely benefit from this.
Borderlands has always been pretty stylized and it was going to be interesting to see how that translated onto next-gen consoles. The game from 2K and Gearbox was released far earlier than the scheduled launch of the latest gaming platforms and therefore the developers offered up the free upgrade.
While before fans were treated to full HD and surprisingly quick loading speeds, the patch that brought the game to PS5 and Xbox Series X allowed for 4K resolution and 60 FPS gameplay, alongside instant loading times. It reinvigorated the game and brought the art into a new dimension.
Elden Ring has only just launched from FromSoftware Inc. and die-hard fans are already trying to find out everything there is to know about this expansive world. The game is absolutely huge and is really a testament to what can be achieved on consoles with modern technology.
Despite being a recent release there are next-gen upgrades as players struggle to find a console of their choice. The changes aren’t massively different besides some enhanced graphics and much speedier play. Ultimately it usually comes down to whether the frame rates drop or not.
Cyberpunk 2077 didn’t garner the reviews that developers CD Projekt RED were probably hoping for, but it has made an impact in the industry thanks to its unique premise and fun gameplay. There’s nothing groundbreaking here but it’s a game that at the very least looks visually vibrant.
Much like with Elden Ring the choice to have a free upgrade was created for wider access to the title, for those without the consoles. The game still runs at 30 FPS on an upgrade but the loading speeds are faster and the image is just a bit clearer. There are some benefits although the difference isn’t huge.
Horizon Zero Dawn demonstrated what developers Guerrilla Games were capable of on previous-gen platforms. Forbidden West was actually developed for those older consoles but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t run beautifully on the latest devices Sony has to offer.
Although it may seem strange, players could go out and buy the PS4 version of the game right now and upgrade it for free. There aren’t many differences besides some of the speeds and quality of the picture, but it is at the very least optimized for the PS5.
Insomniac Games really set the bar high with their original Marvel release based on the web-head. But the Miles Morales spin-off stepped things up a gear and was the first of the titles to feature on PS5, bringing with it the original version in a remake on the Ultimate Edition.
But fans who decided to buy the title early or perhaps couldn’t find a PS5 at the time can still get a free upgrade, even with a small paid fee to gain access to the Ultimate Edition. The save transfer is a real bonus here, as swinging through the city flows with such ease.
Mortal Kombat 11 was released far before the next-gen wars really kicked off so it’s great of NetherRealm Studios to allow players to continue experiencing this great title, even with the Ultimate Edition as well. The campaign and multiplayer aspects are some of the best of the series, with incredible combos to match.
The free upgrade doesn’t just allow players to use the PS5 or Xbox Series X, it actually updates the visuals to bring them up to a Dynamic 4K resolution. The difference is profound and loading speeds are of course noticeably quicker alongside this.
The Witcher III: Wild Hunt is easily one of the best games ever made. It’s found its home on the previous generation but in 2022 fans will be able to experience a remastered version of the title which plays best on the newest consoles available. But it will still be available on PS4 and Xbox One.
Regardless of what platform the player buys it on, there will be free upgrades mainly designed for those who had the game in the past. Save sharing isn’t currently confirmed, but there’s no doubt that The Witcher world will look more detailed than ever before.
Politics graduate, freelance writer and all around film geek. If George isn’t lecturing someone on the history of the MCU, he’s probably ranting about the political consequences of Boris Johnson’s latest hairstyle.
