Sony is giving away a free game to new PlayStation 5 owners

It's not quite like the PlayStation Plus Collection but it's still a free game for new owners of one of the hottest consoles on the market.


You're basically gifted a $39 gift card for every purchase of a new PlayStation 5 with this new promotion.

Sony Interactive Entertainment recently unveiled a tantalizing offer for brand new PlayStation 5 owners, providing them with the opportunity to redeem a free exclusive game. The promotion, the Upgrader Program, is available for a limited time only, set to expire by October 20.

Given the noteworthy titles included in this program, potential PS5 purchasers may find this an appealing nudge toward upgrading their gaming experience.

The terms of this offer stipulate eligibility for PSN account holders residing in the United States who are at least 18 years old. To avail of the free game, participants must purchase and activate their new PS5 console by the deadline. This deal is further characterized by its exclusivity – available only for the console originally purchased, ruling out replacements or substitutes. The non-transferable nature of the offer and its singular usage per user underscores the exclusivity of this promotion. Furthermore, the list of free game choices is mutable, with Sony retaining the right to modify it.

Death Stranding is one of the most divisive yet entertaining games on the market.

The games included in this enticing offer encompass:

  • Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
  • Marvel’s Spider-Man: Remastered
  • God of War Ragnarök
  • Horizon Forbidden West
  • Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut
  • Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
  • Demon’s Souls
  • The Last of Us Part I
  • Sackboy: A Big Adventure
  • Returnal
  • Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection
  • Death Stranding: Director’s Cut

Redeeming a game from this list entails a few straightforward steps. Once a new PS5 console is activated, the owner will then head on over to the PlayStation Store available on their device. Here, they’ll find a promotional banner. By clicking this, they’ll be directed to the selection of eligible games, where they can choose one to download without incurring any cost.

This promotional move by Sony arrives just in time for the release of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. While the first two Spider-Man games were accessible on both PS4 and PS5, the third installment has been announced as an exclusive for PS5. It’s this exclusivity, combined with the allure of a free game, that Sony intends to use to encourage gamers to transition from PS4 to PS5.

The Last of Us Part 1 is a good example of how to do remasters right.

While the Upgrader Program isn’t the first of its kind, its launch at this time signifies Sony’s commitment to providing value to its user base and capitalizing on potential market transitions. Feedback from the gaming community suggests mixed feelings, with some lamenting the US-only limitation and others pointing out that most if not all long-standing PS5 owners might already possess these games or have availed them through other means like PS Plus. Nevertheless, the general consensus recognizes the value this presents, especially for newcomers to the PS5 ecosystem.

When paired with the recent temporary price cut, Sony’s latest promotional campaign continues the company’s efforts to appeal to potential PS5 buyers. 

While the offer is geographically restricted and has a definitive end date, it’s undoubtedly a generous gesture, especially considering the caliber of the games on offer.

The next Ratchet & Clank game is likely still years away.

Now, all that’s left is for Sony to confirm the long-rumored PlayStation 5 Slim and PlayStation 5 Pro to combat the new Xbox Series S/X consoles next year.

Ray Ampoloquio
Ray Ampoloquio // Articles: 7186
With over 20 years of gaming experience and technical expertise building computers, I provide trusted coverage and analysis of gaming hardware, software, upcoming titles, and broader entertainment trends. // Full Bio