If you’ve been wondering, “can you gift games on PS5?” you’re not alone! Gifting a game to a friend or loved one seems like a simple idea, but the process on PlayStation 5 can be tricky. Unlike older consoles, the PlayStation 5 comes in two versions: one with a disc drive and one without. This has led to some confusion about how you can actually gift games. While Sony doesn’t make it as easy as some other platforms, there are still ways to gift a PS5 game, but they come with certain limitations. In this post, we’ll explore the different methods available to make gifting games on PS5 possible.
First, let’s dive into the reasons why gifting a game on PS5 isn’t as straightforward as you might expect. Sony’s system makes it difficult to directly give games as gifts, especially for those who own the digital-only version of the console. You might have thought that you could simply buy a game and pass it along, but unfortunately, that’s no longer the case with the current PlayStation ecosystem. The change began in 2019 when Sony removed the ability for users to buy digital download codes for full games. While this has frustrated many players, there are still ways to gift games using workarounds like gift cards or shared libraries. Keep reading to learn more about these methods and how you can still surprise your friends with a new game.
Why Can’t You Gift Games on PS5 Directly? Understanding the Restrictions
Sony’s PlayStation platform has made gifting games more complicated over the years. As of April 1, 2019, Sony removed the ability for users to buy digital game codes directly from third-party retailers. This change means that you can no longer buy a game for someone else and send them a code for instant download. While you could once gift a full game via download codes, that option is no longer available, which has frustrated many PS5 owners. The primary reason for this is Sony’s desire to control the distribution of digital games. By removing this option, they’ve created a tighter grip on sales and limited how easily users can share games. However, there are still ways to gift games, but these methods come with their own set of restrictions and challenges.
Can You Gift Games on PS5 with a Disc Version? A Simple Guide
If you have a PS5 with a disc drive, gifting games becomes much easier. You can simply buy a physical copy of a game and give it directly to someone. This method has been around for decades and works just like any other physical gift. However, for those who own the digital-only version of the PS5, gifting a physical game isn’t an option. This makes it slightly more challenging to gift a game, as you will need to rely on other methods like digital gift cards. The disc version of the PS5 offers the most straightforward way to gift games without needing to jump through extra hoops. If your friend has a disc drive and you’re able to buy the game physically, this is by far the easiest way to make sure they receive their gift.
How to Use PlayStation Gift Cards to Gift Games on PS5
One of the simplest methods to gift games on PS5 is through PlayStation gift cards. These cards can be bought from various retailers and online stores like Amazon or your local electronics shop. When you buy a gift card, you receive a code that can be redeemed on the PlayStation Store. The recipient can then use the balance to buy whatever game they want. This method gives your friend the freedom to choose the game they really want, whether it’s a new release or an older title. It might not have the same surprise factor as gifting a specific game, but it’s an effective workaround when you can’t send a digital game directly. Make sure to choose a card with the right amount to cover the game you wish to gift.
The Best Way to Share Your PS5 Games with Friends: Library Sharing Explained
One of the lesser-known features on PS5 is Library Sharing, which allows you to share your games with a friend. If you and your friend trust each other, you can log into each other’s consoles and access each other’s game libraries. This means that if you buy a game digitally, your friend can download and play it on their console, even though you own the game. However, there’s a catch: both players need to have a PlayStation Plus subscription, and you can only share your games with one person at a time. The process is fairly simple, but sharing an account can feel a little risky since your personal information is involved. If you’re comfortable with this method, it’s a great way to share your games without needing to buy a separate copy for your friend.
Is Sharing Your PlayStation Account Safe for Gifting Games? What You Need to Know
While sharing your PlayStation account to gift games sounds like an easy option, it does come with some risks. When you log into your friend’s console, they get access to your entire library of games. This is great if you trust the person, but it could lead to security issues if you don’t. PlayStation recommends enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security to your account. You also need to be careful about which consoles you activate as your “primary” console, as this feature allows shared access to your games. While this method is effective for gifting games, the safety concerns should be taken seriously. If you’re not comfortable sharing your account or don’t trust the other person, it might be best to look into other gifting options.
What to Do if You Own a Digital-Only PS5 and Want to Gift Games
If you own the digital-only version of the PS5, gifting games to others can feel frustrating. Without a disc drive, you can’t share physical copies of games, and Sony’s restrictions on gifting digital games directly make it harder. However, you still have options! One of the best alternatives is to buy a PlayStation gift card, which allows your friend to choose and download a game of their own. You could also consider gifting a PlayStation Plus membership, which gives the recipient access to a library of games that they can play as part of their subscription. While these options might not feel as direct as gifting a specific game, they give your friend the flexibility to choose what they want and avoid the limitations that come with the digital-only PS5.
How to Gift PS5 Games Using PlayStation Plus Extra or Premium
Another method to gift games on PS5 is through PlayStation Plus Extra or Premium subscriptions. These memberships come with access to a large library of PlayStation 4 and PS5 games. If the game you want to gift is included in the subscription, you can purchase a PlayStation Plus card as a gift instead. The recipient can then enjoy hundreds of games without having to buy them individually. The PlayStation Plus Extra plan offers a good selection of games, while the Premium plan includes even more, including classic titles from older PlayStation consoles. This method is especially useful if the game you want to gift is already part of the PlayStation Plus catalog, offering a convenient and flexible gifting solution.
The Hidden Perks of Gifting PlayStation Plus Membership Instead of a Game
Instead of gifting a specific game, consider giving a PlayStation Plus membership. This option comes with several hidden perks that make it a great alternative. With a PlayStation Plus membership, your friend can access a large library of games at no extra cost, including the latest PS5 titles. They’ll also get online multiplayer features and free monthly games. Gifting a membership instead of a single game offers ongoing benefits and flexibility, making it a more valuable present in the long run. Plus, it’s a great solution if you’re unsure which game to buy since the subscription includes a wide variety of titles. If you want to give a gift that keeps on giving, PlayStation Plus is a great option.
What Should Sony Do to Make Gifting Games on PS5 Easier?
Sony should make it easier for users to gift games on PS5. One simple solution would be to reintroduce the ability to gift digital download codes directly, as was possible in the past. This would make gifting a game as easy as buying it from the PlayStation Store and sending the recipient a code. Another improvement could be adding a feature where users can gift games directly from their friend’s PlayStation Store wishlist. Sony could also expand the PlayStation Plus membership benefits, offering even more games as part of the subscription. Ultimately, making it easier for users to gift games would help boost sales and improve the overall experience for PlayStation owners. If Sony can simplify this process, it would make gifting on PS5 much more enjoyable and seamless.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Trying to Gift Games on PS5
When trying to gift games on PS5, there are a few common mistakes that many people make. One big mistake is not checking which version of the PS5 your friend has, as this can affect whether or not you can gift them a game. If your friend has the digital-only PS5, they won’t be able to receive a physical game as a gift. Another mistake is not ensuring that your friend has an active PlayStation Plus subscription if you’re using methods like Library Sharing. Additionally, be careful when sharing your PlayStation account for gifting purposes, as this can lead to security issues. Always use two-factor authentication and be cautious about who you trust with your account details. Avoiding these mistakes will help ensure that your gifting experience is smooth and enjoyable.
Conclusion
Gifting games on PS5 can be a bit tricky, but it’s not impossible. While Sony has made it harder to gift digital games directly, there are still plenty of ways to surprise your friends with a game they’ll love. Whether it’s through PlayStation gift cards, PlayStation Plus memberships, or account sharing, there’s a method that works for most situations. Even though the process isn’t as simple as it could be, with the right knowledge, you can still make someone’s day with the perfect gaming gift.
In the future, we hope Sony will make gifting games easier for everyone, especially for those with digital-only consoles. Until then, these creative workarounds will help you share the gift of gaming with your friends and loved ones. With a little planning and the right tools, you can still give the gift of play on PS5.
FAQs
Q: Can I gift a digital game on PS5?
A: No, Sony doesn’t currently allow gifting digital games directly. You can, however, use gift cards or share your library.
Q: How can I gift a PS5 game if I don’t have a disc version?
A: You can gift a game using PlayStation gift cards or a PlayStation Plus membership for access to a large game library.
Q: Is it safe to share my PlayStation account to gift a game?
A: Sharing your account is safe if you use two-factor authentication and trust the person you’re sharing with.
Q: Can I gift PlayStation Plus membership?
A: Yes, you can gift a PlayStation Plus membership, which gives your friend access to many games and other perks.
Q: How do I gift a game using PlayStation Plus Extra?
A: You can purchase a PlayStation Plus card for your friend, giving them access to hundreds of games available in the subscription.