The PlayStation 5 (PS5) has taken the gaming world by storm with its powerful hardware and vast library of games. Whether you’re a casual or hardcore gamer, the PS5 offers a wide range of options for downloading and installing games. In this article, we will explore six different ways to download and install games on your PS5, from physical discs to digital downloads.
1. Physical Discs
One of the most traditional ways of playing games on the PS5 is through physical game discs. This method requires you to purchase a physical copy of the game from a retail store or online retailer and insert it into your PS5’s disc drive. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to download and install games using physical discs:
Insert the Game Disc
First, turn on your PS5 and locate the disc drive on the right-hand side of the console. Gently insert the game disc into the drive, making sure the label is facing up. The console will automatically recognize the game and begin the installation process.
Wait for the Installation to Finish
Once the game has been recognized, the installation process will begin. Depending on the size of the game, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. You can check the progress of the installation by going to the “Downloads/Uploads” tab in the main PS5 menu.
Step 3: Start Playing
After the installation is complete, the game will be available to play. Simply select the game from your home screen or library and click on “Play.” If you encounter any issues during the installation process, make sure your internet connection is stable and try again.
Using physical discs to download and install games is a great option for those who prefer to own physical copies of their games or have limited internet access. However, it does require you to have enough storage space on your PS5 for the game installation.
2. PlayStation Store
The PlayStation Store is the official digital marketplace for downloading and purchasing games, add-ons, and other content for your PS5. Here’s how to download and install games from the PlayStation Store:
Go to the PlayStation Store
From your PS5 home screen, scroll over to the “Store” tab and click on it. You can also access the store by pressing the PlayStation button on your controller and selecting the store icon.
Browse or Search for a Game
Once you’re in the store, you can either browse through the different categories or use the search bar to find a specific game. You can also filter your search results by genre, price, and other criteria. Once you’ve found the game you want to download, select it to view more information.
Purchase and Download
If the game is available for purchase, you will see a price listed next to it. Click on the game and select “Add to Cart.” If you have a PlayStation Plus subscription, you may be eligible for discounts or free games. After adding the game to your cart, proceed to checkout and complete the purchase.
Wait for the Download to Finish
After you’ve completed the purchase, the game will begin to download automatically. The download time will depend on the size of the game and your internet speed. You can check the progress of the download by going to the “Downloads/Uploads” tab in the main PS5 menu.
Start Playing
Once the game has finished downloading, it will be available to play. Simply select the game from your home screen or library and click on “Play.” Make sure to have enough storage space on your PS5 before purchasing a game from the PlayStation Store.
Downloading games from the PlayStation Store is a convenient option for those who prefer digital copies of their games or have limited storage space. It also allows you to take advantage of sales and discounts regularly offered by the store.
3. PlayStation Plus
PlayStation Plus is a subscription-based service that offers members access to online multiplayer, free monthly games, and exclusive discounts on PlayStation Store purchases. Here’s how to download and install games using PlayStation Plus:
Subscribe to PlayStation Plus
If you’re not already a subscriber, go to the PlayStation Plus tab on your PS5 home screen and click on “Join PlayStation Plus.” You will need to provide payment information and choose a subscription plan.
Claim Monthly Games
Every month, PlayStation Plus members are given free games to download and play. On your PS5, go to the PlayStation Plus tab and select “Monthly Games.” You can then browse through the list of available games and click on “Add to Library” for the games you want to claim.
Download and Install
After claiming your free games, they will begin downloading automatically. You can monitor the progress of the downloads by going to the “Downloads/Uploads” tab in the main PS5 menu. Once the games have finished downloading, they will be available to play.
Enjoy Discounts
In addition to free games, PlayStation Plus members also receive exclusive discounts on games and other content. Keep an eye out for these discounts in the PlayStation Store and take advantage of them before they expire.
Using PlayStation Plus is a great way to save money on games and gain access to exclusive content. It’s also a convenient way to discover new games without having to purchase them outright.
4. Remote Download
The PS5’s remote download feature allows you to purchase and download games remotely using the PlayStation App on your phone or through the PlayStation website. This is a useful option for those who are away from their PS5 but still want to download a game. Here’s how to do it:
Download the PlayStation App
If you don’t already have it, download the PlayStation App on your phone from the App Store or Google Play Store. You can also access the remote download feature through the PlayStation website.
Login to Your Account
Using your PSN account credentials, login to the app or website.
Purchase and Download
Browse or search for the game you want to download and click on “Purchase” or “Download.” The game will begin downloading to your PS5 automatically once you’ve completed the purchase.
Start Playing
After the game has finished downloading, it will be available to play on your PS5. Make sure to have enough storage space on your console before using the remote download feature.
Remote download is a convenient option for those who want to purchase and download games while on the go. It also allows you to have games ready to play when you get home, without having to wait for them to download.
5. Game Streaming Services
Game streaming services have become increasingly popular in recent years, allowing users to play games without having to download them to their consoles. The PS5 offers two different game streaming options – PlayStation Now and Remote Play.
PlayStation Now
PlayStation Now is a subscription-based service that allows users to stream a wide range of PS2, PS3, and PS4 games on their PS5. Here’s how to use PlayStation Now on your PS5:
Subscribe to PlayStation Now
If you’re not already a subscriber, go to the PlayStation Plus tab on your PS5 home screen and click on “Join PlayStation Now.” You will need to provide payment information and choose a subscription plan.
Browse or Search for a Game
From your PS5 home screen, scroll over to the “Library” tab and click on it. Select PlayStation Now and browse through the list of available games. You can also use the search bar to find a specific game.
Start Streaming
Once you’ve found the game you want to play, select it and click on “Start.” The game will begin streaming immediately, and you can start playing.
Remote Play
Remote Play allows you to stream games from your PS5 to other devices, including phones, tablets, and computers. Here’s how to set up Remote Play on your PS5:
Enable Remote Play
From your PS5 home screen, go to “Settings” and select “System.” Scroll down and click on “Remote Play.” Make sure the “Enable Remote Play” option is turned on.
Connect Your Device
On your device, download the Remote Play app from the App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app and sign in using your PSN account credentials. Your PS5 should appear on the app – click on it to connect.
Start Playing
Once you’re connected, you can start playing your PS5 games on your device. Keep in mind that Remote Play requires a strong and stable internet connection to work properly.
Game streaming services offer a convenient way to access a vast library of games without having to download them to your console. However, they do require a stable internet connection, so they may not be suitable for everyone.
6. External Hard Drive
If you find yourself running out of storage space on your PS5, you can expand your storage by using an external hard drive. Here’s how to do it:
Choose an External Hard Drive
The PS5 supports external hard drives with a USB 3.0 or higher connection. Make sure to choose a hard drive with enough storage space for your games.
Connect the External Hard Drive
Connect the external hard drive to one of the USB ports on your PS5.
Format the Hard Drive
Go to “Settings” on your PS5 and select “Storage.” Click on “Extended Storage” and then “Format as Extended Storage.” This will format the hard drive for use with your PS5.
Move Games to the External Hard Drive
Once the hard drive is formatted, you can move games from your PS5’s internal storage to the external hard drive. Go to “Settings,” click on “Storage,” and then “Console Storage.” Select the game you want to move and click on “Move to Extended Storage.”
Start Playing
After you’ve moved games to the external hard drive, they will still be accessible on your PS5. Simply click on the game to start playing.
Using an external hard drive is a great way to expand your storage space and keep all your games in one place. Just make sure to regularly backup your data to avoid losing any saved game progress.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are multiple ways to download and install games on your PS5, from traditional physical discs to newer digital options. Depending on your preferences and circumstances, you may choose to use one or several of these methods. With its vast library of games and user-friendly interface, the PS5 offers endless opportunities for gaming enjoyment. We hope this article has provided helpful insights into the different ways of downloading and installing games on your PS5. Happy gaming!
