Following last night’s big Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War reveal, Activision has clarified a few remaining details about how players will be able to upgrade from PS4 to PS5 and from Xbox One to Xbox Series X. There’s the $70 Next-Gen Bundle, of course, and the option to upgrade digital editions within the same console family. When it comes to moving forward a disc-based version of Black Ops Cold War, the option is available - but only on PS4.
However, the same option is not available to Xbox One players. Those who pick up a physical Xbox One copy of Black Ops Cold War will not have the ability to upgrade to a digital version on Series X. It’s not clear why that’s the case, especially seeing as the digital version can be upgraded on both console families. Conversely, the Xbox Series X physical edition includes a copy for Xbox One, meaning the disc can be used across both Xbox generations. This fact is even noted on the cover, with a sticker clearly indicating cross-gen compatibility. The same is not true for PS5, as that console’s disc version only works on the next-gen console.
This divide is interesting, because it also reflects each platform holder’s outlook on the next generation. Sony believes in distinct console generations, whereas Microsoft has a services-based approach that frees it from having to care where you buy its products/use its services. Black Ops Cold War’s campaign has multiple endings and a character creator. The full game is out November 13.
