Sharing games on PlayStation 5 is a great way to save money and experience a wider variety of titles with friends or family. However, understanding the nuances of PS5 game sharing between two consoles is crucial to avoid any frustration. This comprehensive guide will clarify the process and address common questions.
How Does PS5 Game Sharing Work?
PS5 game sharing leverages the concept of a primary console. When you designate a PS5 as your primary console, any digital games you purchase are accessible on that console, even when you're not logged in. This is the core of how game sharing functions. To share games with a friend or family member, you'd need to designate their PS5 as your primary console and ensure your account is logged in. They can then play the digital games you own while you remain logged in on your primary console. Physical games, on the other hand, can be played only when the disc is inserted and your account is logged in on the console.
Can I Share Games on Two PS5 Consoles Simultaneously?
This is a key question, and the answer is nuanced. While you can designate two PS5 consoles as your primary console, you cannot simultaneously play the same digital game on both. Only one console can be your primary at any given time. Switching your primary PS5 console will allow your other account holder to play the digital games while you will lose access to them until you switch it back to your console. This is a crucial limitation to understand to avoid any disappointments.
What Happens if I Switch My Primary PS5 Console?
Switching your primary console means that the previously designated console will lose access to your digital games. Your new primary console will then become the location where your digital purchases are accessible, even when offline. The process is simple, but bear in mind the implications for the other player before making the switch. Remember, only one console can be primary at a time.
Can I Share PS Plus Games Between Two Consoles?
PS Plus game sharing works similarly to other digital games. If you share your account and designate the other console as primary, the PS Plus games available to your account will be playable on that second console. However, the same restrictions apply: only one console can be primary at any given time. If you switch primary consoles, the other console loses access to your PS Plus games.
What are the Limitations of PS5 Game Sharing?
The most significant limitation is the single primary console restriction. You can't play your purchased games simultaneously on multiple consoles. Also, remember that game saves are account-specific, not console-specific. Each player will have their own independent save files, even if they're playing the same game from a shared account. Physical games remain tied to the disc and the logged-in account, unlike digital titles.
How to Set Up PS5 Game Sharing?
Setting up game sharing involves designating a PS5 as your primary console. The steps are generally straightforward:
- Log in to your PSN account on the console you want to designate as primary.
- Navigate to Settings (usually a cogwheel icon).
- Find the "Users and Accounts" section.
- Select "Other" and then "Console Sharing and Offline Play."
- Choose "Make this your primary PS5."
This process must be repeated for each console you intend to share games on, remembering the limitation of only one primary console at a time.
This comprehensive guide offers a clear explanation of PS5 game sharing, addressing common concerns and highlighting its limitations. While a convenient way to share games, it's vital to understand the rules to avoid any confusion or disappointment.
