Sony has just recently clarified how PS4 backward compatibility works on PS5
On the official PlayStation website American dedicated to after-sales service, Sony has just detailed the procedure to recover and install on PS5 the next-gen update of PS4 games that benefit from it. The builder explains here the process for physical games as well as for dematural games:
Updating eligible physical PS4 games on a PS5 with disc drive:
- Connect your PSN account on PS5 (or create one);
- Insert the eligible PS4 game disc into the console;
- Go to the relevant PS4 game hub;
- Select the update on the hub and review it;
- Select download to retrieve the PS5 content (in the case of paid updates, this is where you will have to purchase this update);
- Once the download is complete, it is possible to play the dematalised PS5 version by inserting the PS4 game into the console. This must be kept in the console throughout the game session.
Update of eligible PS4 games on a PS5 with a disc player or on a PS5 Digital Edition:
- Connect your PSN account on PS5 (or create one);
- Finding the relevant PS5 game on the PlayStation Store
- Select the update on the hub and review it;
- Select download to recover the PS5 game (in the case of paid updates, this is where you will have to purchase this update);
- Once the download is complete, it is possible to play the PS5 version of the game.
For those in need of a reminder, the list of PS4 games that will get a free next-gen update on PS5 is available. this address. The PS5 Digital Edition and the standard PS5 will go on sale on November 19.