Now that both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S are available, gamers are starting to look forward to upgrading their old games to new versions. As it so happens, there are several last-generation games that are getting shiny new upgrades for the newest generation of consoles in 2021.
Why the Upgrade?
With the latest rumors of Resident Evil 7 getting a next generation upgrade, gamers may be wondering what games are coming to their newest consoles. There are several games that have not only promised new-gen upgrades, but most of them are even free for those who own the games on Xbox One or PS4. The upgrades promise better graphics, speedier load times, and better all-around performance. Here's a look at all the games that will be getting next-gen upgrades for 2021.
Little Nightmares 2
The sequel to the haunting Little Nightmares, Little Nightmares 2 will be released in February 2021 but only for the PS4 and Xbox One. The later generation consoles won't see this game until later on in 2021, but the date hasn't been announced just yet. For those who purchase the last-gen game, the next-gen upgrade will be completely free, making this one of the most anticipated horror games of 2021.
Resident Evil 8 Village
Releasing May 7, 2021, Resident Evil 8 Village has promised free upgrades to next-generation consoles when a previous generation copy is purchased. Even though the title will be available for all systems on that release date in May, Capcom has still made upgrading to a PS5 or Xbox Series X/S copy as easy as possible. Hopefully, it's predecessor will also get a next-gen revamp as rumored.
Control
Remedy recently gave fans of Control a release date for the next-gen version of the Ultimate Edition, with the game dropping on February 2. Control: Ultimate Edition's PS4 version is also one of the free games of February for PS Plus members.
Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Although the date has not been announced yet, most fans of the series are hoping for a 2021 release of the next-gen version of the Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. This updated version will be free for anyone who purchased this game for PS4, Xbox One, or PC, and is slated to include ray tracing, faster load times, and other "visual and technical improvements." This includes the base game, expansions, and all extra content too.
The Division 2
While the Division 2 is almost two years old now, the game is still very regularly updated. It was recently announced that The Division 2's next-gen upgrades are coming February 2nd, which is much sooner than many expected. Unfortunately, this upgrade will just be an unlock for the framerate and resolution, and not a true next-gen upgrade.
Doom Eternal
For anyone looking forward to destroying hell spawn at 60 fps, Doom Eternal is also getting a next-generation upgrade for free. Bethesda has yet to release a date for the release, but it is expected sometime this year. Players who bought the items on the PS4 or Xbox One will also get a free upgrade to any extras, like DLC.
The Elder Scrolls Online
ESO is a long-running game with a long history of evolution. The next step in that evolution will be taking it to the next generation of consoles. The Elder Scrolls Online will most likely be the first MMO to get the next-generation renovation. Since this game is also released by Bethesda, the same conditions will apply as to Doom Eternal, which are stated above. Players will get to finally see Tamriel in all its high-definition, next-generation beauty.
Far Cry 6
Far Cry 6 will be available for all platforms when it launches, but those who purchase it on PS4 or Xbox One will get it for free when they upgrade to the next generation of their console.
Cyberpunk 2077
While this current generation's version of Cyberpunk 2077 is having many glitch issues, hopefully, the next release won't be quite so buggy. CD Projekt Red promises free next-gen upgrades for Cyberpunk owners, and has given a very hesitant release timeframe of late in the year 2021. Those who got a refund on the game, however, will not be eligible for the free upgrade to next gen.
Rumor: Death Stranding
There is a rumor going around from an insider that there will be an Extended Edition of Death Stranding coming out soon for both PS4 and PS5. It was unclear if this would be a true upgrade to the PS5 graphics, but the rumor is an interesting possibility to those who love the odd Kojima title.
Marvel's Avengers
While the next generation update was supposed to release in 2020, the rerelease of Marvel's Avengers was delayed due to mixed reviews. The developers, Crystal Dynamics, addressed the delay, saying that it was looking to fix some of the existing issues with the game before releasing it on PS5 and Xbox Series. Although it's been delayed some sometime in 2021, players can still expect the upgrade to be free when the rebuild hits shelves.
Horizon Forbidden West
When the must-anticipated sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn comes around, it will be available for both PS4 and PS5, with a free upgrade to the PS5 version for those who bought it on the 4. While no officially confirmed date has been released, fan have guessed that Horizon Forbidden West's release date will be sometime in Fall 2021.
Halo Infinite
Another delayed game, Halo Infinite is now slated for release in the second half of 2021. While it will be free day-one on Xbox Game Pass, players will also be able to purchase it on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, or PC. There is no indication from Microsoft if the upgrade from Xbox One to Xbox Series will be free or not.
Other Next Generation Upgrades:
- The Ascent
- Chorus
- Outriders
- Grand Theft Auto 5
- Grand Theft Auto Online
- Scarlet Nexus
- Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2
- Kena: Bridge of Spirits
- Riders Republic
- Ghostrunner