Upgrade select PS3 games for use on the PS4

Upgrade select PS3 games for use on the PS4

Sony is offering a special promotion and discounted prices for owners of select PlayStation 3 games. Here's what you need to know.

Josh Miller/CNET

The PlayStation 4 is scheduled to be released on November 15. Sony's latest console is sure to be a hit this holiday season, despite having a few drawbacks that could deter potential buyers. The biggest complaint is the lack of backward-compatibility with PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3 games, a possible deal breaker for some.

In an effort to ease some early complaints, Sony previously announced that select PlayStation 3 games can actually be upgraded for use on the PlayStation 4. While the promotional offer isn't perfect, it may be the best option PlayStation 3 owners have.

Here's what you need to know:

The games
For a limited time, consumers who purchased a Blu-ray or digital version of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, Call of Duty: Ghosts, Battlefield 4, or Injustice: Gods Among Us Ultimate Edition can download a digital copy of the game that will be compatible with the PlayStation 4.

For a limited time select PlayStation 3 games can be upgraded for use on the PlayStation 4.Screenshot by Dan Graziano/CNET

The cost
Eligible PlayStation 3 games can be upgraded in the PlayStation Store for $9.99 each.

The method

Those of you who purchased a physical copy of the game will find a special code included in the box. From the PlayStation 3's main menu, enter the PlayStation Store, scroll to the bottom, select the "Redeem Codes" option, enter the voucher code, and agree to the Terms of Service.

With a PlayStation 4 console in hand, log in to your account, click on the Store icon, search for the game, and select the "Purchase" option. According to Sony, the discounted price will be "deducted from your network wallet."

Despite being a digital version, you will still be required to insert the PlayStation 3 game disc into the PlayStation 4 to play the new title.

The method is much easier if you've purchased a digital version of an eligible PlayStation 3 game. Simply enter the PlayStation Store, search for the game, and purchase or preorder it; the discounted price will automatically be applied. After your PlayStation 4 arrives, enter the store and download your new game.