Instead of just letting players buy Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War once and including the next-gen version of the game with their purchase, Activision did “Activision things” and complicated everything. If you are confused about how the Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War next-gen PS5 and Xbox Series X upgrade system works then we have you covered. I am sure you are going to be just as confused after this post but hopefully it helps you get a better understanding of this messy situation.
Before we start, make sure you check out the full reveal here including gameplay details, pricing and screenshots.
Before we start, keep in mind that if you are upgrading to the next-gen consoles later this year, you are going to have to purchase a special edition of Black Ops Cold War. There’s no beating around the bush here. If you don’t, your copy of the game is only backwards compatible and won’t include the fancy 120fps and ray tracing.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is available in both physical and digital forms for the PS4, Xbox One, and the next-gen Xbox Series X and PS5 through an upgrade. Players who purchase the PS4 standard edition digital or physical version of the game, are able to upgrade to the PS5 version in two ways. If the game is digital, there is a small $10 price tag for the next-gen upgrade. If it is physical, there is also a $10 upgrade you can purchase on the PlayStation Store but in order to play the PS5 version, you will have to insert the PS4 disc into your PS5. Keep this in mind if you are looking for the Digital Edition consoles. It will lock you out of the opportunity to upgrade the game.
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Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Runs at 120fps on PS5 & Xbox Series X
As the Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Xbox One and Series X version, it is a little different. If you purchase the standard physical edition of the game on Xbox One you won’t be able to upgrade to the Xbox Series X version. This means the system where users insert their PS4 disc into their PS5 won’t work for Microsoft’s consoles. The digital version of the game is different. Users can purchase the $10 upgrade on Xbox Series X and upgrade their digital version of the game.
The best bet would to just purchase the Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Cross-Gen Digital Bundle. The bundle technically includes the game for both current-gen and next-gen consoles in one automatic upgrade system. You will own both versions and when Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War releases on PS5 and Xbox Series X, it will work automatically.
Keep in mind that the Ultimate Edition of the game also includes this upgrade system so you’re just as safe purchasing that.
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Official PS5 Invite-Only Pre-Order Page is Now Live
Activision tries to break it this digital upgrade down on the FAQ page
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PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5: Purchase the Cross-Gen Bundle on PlayStation 4 and receive a digital entitlement to both the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 versions of the game. The PlayStation 4 version will download immediately to your console when Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War launches on November 13th. The PlayStation 5 version of the game will automatically become available for download from your account library once the PlayStation 5 launches later this year. If you purchase the Cross-Gen Bundle on PlayStation 5, you will also receive an entitlement to the PlayStation 4 version of the game.
Xbox One and Xbox Series X: Purchase the Cross-Gen Bundle on Xbox One and receive a digital entitlement to both the Xbox One and Xbox Series X versions of the game. The Xbox One version will download immediately to your console when Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War launches on November 13th. The Xbox Series X version of the game will automatically become available for download from your account library once the Xbox Series X launches later this year. If you purchase the Cross-Gen Bundle on Xbox Series X, you will also receive an entitlement to the Xbox One version of the game.
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So that is how the Black Ops Cold War Next-Gen Upgrade System works. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War releases on 13 November for PS4, Xbox One and PC with the PS5 and Xbox Series X version set to arrive when those consoles launch.
