How to Transfer Data from PS5 to PS5 Pro

The PlayStation 5 (PS5) and PlayStation 5 Pro represent two powerhouse consoles from Sony, with each designed to offer next-level gaming experiences. While the PS5 brought an impressive leap forward in graphical capabilities, speed, and immersive gameplay, the PS5 Pro takes things even further, catering to those who want an enhanced gaming setup with smoother performance and potentially higher resolution support.

PS5 vs. PS5 Pro: Key Differences and Fun Facts

The standard PS5, released in 2020, changed the gaming landscape with its lightning-fast SSD, which reduced load times dramatically and supported ray tracing for hyper-realistic lighting. It also introduced 3D audio for immersive soundscapes and DualSense controllers with adaptive triggers, which added unique tactile feedback depending on in-game actions. 

Fun Fact: The PS5 SSD runs at a speed of 5.5 GB/s, making it one of the fastest ever in a gaming console, which means no more waiting minutes to load your games! 

The PS5 Probuilds on this foundation but is optimized for even higher resolutions and frame rates, ideally aiming at 4K gaming at a consistent 60 FPS or higher, and even experimenting with 8K potential where possible. The PS5 Pro may offer additional processing power, smoother gameplay, and possibly some visual improvements that bring finer details to games.

Data Transfer Options for a Smooth Transition

Now that we’ve highlighted what sets these two models apart, let’s dive into how to transfer data from a PS5 to a PS5 Pro to retain your saved games, settings, and progress with ease. There are multiple methods available, so you can choose the one that best fits your setup and data needs.

1. Data Transfer with Built-In Wi-Fi or LAN Cable

This method is perfect for directly transferring large files like entire games, user profiles, and saved data between your consoles.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Place and Connect Both Consoles:Position the PS5 and PS5 Pro close to each other, as they need to be on the same Wi-Fi network for this transfer to work. For best results, connect them via a LAN cable.

2. Sign into Your PSN Account on Both Consoles:Use the same PSN account on both devices to ensure all user data, including profiles and saved games, transfers correctly.

3. Start the Transfer on the PS5 Pro:On the PS5 Pro, go to Settings > System > System Software > Data Transfer and select your PS5 as the source console.

4. Confirm the Transfer:Follow the on-screen prompts. When the transfer starts, keep both consoles powered on until it’s complete. A progress bar will show how much data is left to transfer.

Pro Tip: Using a LAN cable boosts transfer speed considerably, especially if you’re moving larger files like game installations, reducing what could take hours over Wi-Fi down to under an hour.

2. External Storage Transfer

An external hard drive or SSD is another convenient way to transfer your data, especially useful if you already have one formatted for PlayStation use. 

Steps to Transfer via External Storage:

1. Connect the Storage to Your PS5:First, plug your external drive into the PS5. You’ll need to ensure it’s compatible and properly formatted, so go to Settings > Storage > Extended Storage and follow any prompts if formatting is required.

2. Copy Data to the Drive:Go to Console Storage > Games and Apps to select the games and data you want to move to the external drive. Move everything you’d like to transfer over to the PS5 Pro.

3. Transfer Data to the PS5 Pro:Once copied, disconnect the external storage from the PS5 and plug it into the PS5 Pro. You can then select the data on the external drive to transfer to the new console.

Fun Fact: External drives allow up to 8TB of extended storage on PlayStation consoles. For gamers with expansive libraries, this is essential for juggling games without uninstalling.

3. Cloud Storage Transfer (PlayStation Plus Required)

For PlayStation Plus members, cloud storage offers a fast and wireless way to move data without the need for an external device or direct connection.

How to Use Cloud Storage for Transfer:

1. Upload Saved Data from PS5:Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS5). Select the games you want to back up and upload them to cloud storage.

2. Download on the PS5 Pro:Log in to the same PlayStation Network account on your PS5 Pro, navigate to Saved Data and Game/App Settings, and select Download Saved Data from the cloud.

Fun Fact: Cloud storage keeps your saved data safe and allows you to retrieve it anytime, even if something happens to your console.

Bonus Tips for a Smooth Transfer Experience

- Check Game Licenses: Ensure you have licenses for all digital games on your PSN account before transferring, as these will be checked when you try to launch them on the new console.

- Update Both Consoles: Before beginning any transfer, update both the PS5 and PS5 Pro to the latest firmware. This ensures compatibility and prevents any data corruption issues.

- Transfer at Night or During Downtime: Data transfers, especially over Wi-Fi, can take time, so it might be best to start the process overnight if transferring large amounts of data.

Why Choose the PS5 Pro?

The PS5 Pro is designed to elevate gaming to another level, allowing for:

- Higher Frame Rates: It provides more consistent and higher frame rates, reducing motion blur and creating a smoother visual experience.

- Better Graphics Fidelity: The Pro is rumored to support even better ray tracing capabilities, lighting, and shadow quality, adding depth and realism to games.

- Long-Term Investment: For gamers planning to adopt 8K in the future, the PS5 Pro offers a head start with more powerful hardware that is better suited for future gaming advancements.

Conclusion

Whether you’re upgrading to enjoy the enhanced graphics and performance or simply aiming to future-proof your gaming setup, transferring your data from a PS5 to a PS5 Pro is straightforward and essential to preserve all your hard-earned progress. With options to fit your connection and storage preferences, the data transfer process should be smooth and quick.