The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Buy a PS5 if God of War is your main reason for getting a PlayStation. It runs both God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök, gives you access to the PS5 edition of Ragnarök, and supports the DualSense features PlayStation highlights for the game. Choose a PS5 with a disc drive if you own physical PS4 games or want the option to upgrade an eligible physical copy of Ragnarök. Choose a PS4 only when keeping the initial cost as low as possible matters more than the PS5 edition. Treat PS5 Pro as an enthusiast choice: Ragnarök is labeled “PS5 Pro Enhanced,” but the official information available does not quantify the improvement over a standard PS5.
Quick recommendation
- New buyer: choose a PS5. It covers both God of War games and is the safest choice if you want the current console edition of Ragnarök.
- Physical PS4 library: choose a PS5 configuration with a disc drive. PlayStation says eligible PS4 disc copies require a PS5 with a disc drive for the digital PS5 upgrade.
- All-digital library: a digital PS5 configuration can make sense if its current local price suits you and you do not need physical discs.
- Existing PS4 owner on a tight budget: keep the PS4 and buy the PS4 edition of Ragnarök. You do not need a PS5 just to play that version.
- Enthusiast considering PS5 Pro: check the current premium in your market and buy it only if the PS5 Pro designation is important to you. No official model-to-model performance figures establish that it is better value for God of War.
Which God of War games work on each console?
God of War (2018)
The 2018 game was originally a PS4 release. PlayStation’s franchise information lists it as available on PS4, PS5 and PC. Therefore, a PS4 is enough for the original game, while any PS5 configuration also covers it.
God of War Ragnarök
Ragnarök has both PS4 and PS5 editions, and it is also available on PC. The standard PlayStation listing identifies a combined PS4/PS5 edition, while the PS4 listing explains that the digital PS5 version can be purchased as an upgrade for an additional cost.
| Console | God of War (2018) | Ragnarök | Upgrade or designation |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS4 | Available | PS4 edition available | Buy and play the PS4 edition |
| PS5 digital configuration | Available | PS5 edition available | Digital PS4-to-PS5 upgrade costs extra; PS4 disc upgrades are not supported on a console without a disc drive |
| PS5 with disc drive | Available | PS5 edition available | Eligible PS4 disc copies can use the additional-cost digital PS5 upgrade; digital PS4 copies can also be upgraded for an additional cost |
| PS5 Pro | Available | Available and labeled “PS5 Pro Enhanced” | Official materials reviewed do not quantify the difference from a standard PS5 |
Why the standard PS5 is the default choice
You get the PS5 edition of Ragnarök
The main reason to select a PS5 is not that a PS4 cannot run Ragnarök. It can. The reason is access to the PS5 edition and the features PlayStation associates with it. The official game page describes DualSense haptic feedback and adaptive triggers for the PS5 version. Those are vendor-described features, not independent measurements of image quality or performance.
#1 Best Overall
- Model Number CFI-2000
- Includes DualSense Wireless Controller, 1TB SSD, 2 Horizontal Stand Feet, HDMI Cable, AC power cord, USB cable, printed materials, ASTRO’s PLAYROOM (Pre-installed game)
- Vertical Stand sold seperately
You avoid choosing the older edition when you are starting fresh
A new buyer who purchases a PS4 today is deliberately choosing the PS4 edition of Ragnarök even though a PS5 edition exists. That can be a sensible cost decision, but it is less flexible if you later decide that you want the PS5 version. A PS5 starts with both console generations covered and lets you choose a digital or disc-based game library.
Your display and audio determine which features you can use
PlayStation states that 4K resolution requires a compatible 4K television or display. If your screen is not 4K-capable, buying a PS5 does not turn it into a 4K display. PlayStation also describes 3D Audio support with stereo headphones. These are equipment-dependent features, so include your television, monitor and headphones in the decision rather than assuming every setup will expose every advertised capability.
When buying or keeping a PS4 makes sense
You only need the PS4 edition
If your plan is to play the 2018 game and the PS4 edition of Ragnarök, a PS4 meets that requirement. This is the clearest case for choosing a PS4: you value access to the games more than the PS5 edition and want to limit the console purchase.
You already own a PS4
Existing PS4 owners do not have to replace the console to play Ragnarök. The game is sold for PS4, so buying that edition is the straightforward path. Move to a PS5 when you specifically want the PS5 edition, DualSense features, or a disc-based upgrade path—not merely because Ragnarök exists.
Local price matters more than a general recommendation
The relative value of a PS4 and a PS5 depends on your country, current retail offers and the condition of used hardware. No general price claim can settle that comparison. Check the actual prices for the console, the game edition and any accessories in your market before deciding.
Choosing between a PS5 with a disc drive and a digital configuration
Choose the disc-drive configuration when you own physical PS4 games
PlayStation’s upgrade FAQ is explicit: “Yes, God of War Ragnarök will offer a digital upgrade* option from a disc or digital PS4 game to the digital PS5 version for an additional cost.” It then adds: “To upgrade eligible PS4™ disc copies, players need a PS5™ console with a disc drive.”
Rank #2
- CPU: x86-64-AMD Ryzen Zen 8 Cores / 16 Threads at 3.5GHz.GPU: AMD Radeon RDNA 2-based graphics engine.
- 16GB GDDR6/256-bit Memory; 825GB SSD Storage Capacity
- Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T), IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.1
- HDR technology, 8K output, 4K TV gaming, Up to 120 fps with 120Hz output, Tempest 3D AudioTech
- What's Included: Sony PlayStation 5 Disc Version; Wireless controller; USB cable, HDMI cable, AC power cord. Nogtox PVT HDMI_cable
Two details matter. First, the disc must be eligible; PlayStation does not say that every possible disc copy qualifies. Second, the upgrade is not free: it is an additional-cost digital upgrade. Verify the terms shown for your region and edition before buying a PS4 disc because eligibility and pricing can vary.
Recommended Free Tools
Choose digital when your library is already digital
If you do not buy or trade physical games, a digital PS5 configuration may fit better. PlayStation also describes an upgrade from a digital PS4 game to the digital PS5 version for an additional cost. Compare the current local price of the digital and disc-drive configurations, then decide whether the ability to use discs is worth the difference to you.
Do not assume a disc upgrade is a free next-generation copy
The wording “upgrade” does not mean that you automatically receive the PS5 version at no charge. The official statement says “for an additional cost.” It also distinguishes eligible disc copies from all disc copies. Keep the exact edition and region in mind when checking the store listing.
What PS5 Pro changes—and what is not established
PlayStation currently labels God of War Ragnarök “PS5 Pro Enhanced.” That designation confirms that the game is identified as enhanced for the Pro model, but the official material cited here does not provide a numerical comparison with a standard PS5.
There is no supported figure here for resolution, frame rate, loading time or image-quality improvement. Consequently, do not buy PS5 Pro on the assumption that it guarantees a particular performance mode or a specific visual gain in Ragnarök. Treat it as an enthusiast option and investigate the current price premium in your region. If the premium is substantial and you have no other reason to prefer Pro, the standard PS5 remains the evidence-based recommendation.
A practical decision process
- List the games you will actually play. If you want only the PS4 editions, a PS4 can meet the requirement. If you want the PS5 edition of Ragnarök, start with a PS5.
- Check your existing library. Separate physical PS4 discs from digital purchases. Physical discs point toward a PS5 with a disc drive; a fully digital library leaves both PS5 configurations open.
- Confirm the edition before purchasing. Ragnarök is sold for PS4 and PS5. Read the regional store or retail listing so you do not buy the PS4 edition expecting a free PS5 copy.
- Calculate the complete local cost. Include the console, game, any additional-cost upgrade and accessories. Use current prices in your market rather than a general online price claim.
- Match the console to your display and audio equipment. A compatible 4K display is required for 4K output, and stereo headphones are part of PlayStation’s stated 3D Audio setup.
- Consider Pro last. First decide whether a standard PS5 fits your games and discs. Then compare the current Pro premium and the value you personally place on the “PS5 Pro Enhanced” designation.
Common buying scenarios
Scenario: You have no PlayStation and want both games
Buy a standard PS5. Select the disc-drive configuration if you might purchase physical games or want the option to upgrade an eligible Ragnarök PS4 disc. Select digital only when you are comfortable with a digital library and its current regional price.
Rank #3
- 🚀 CPU: 3.5GHz, 8-core AMD Zen 2
- 🚀 Storage: Custom 825GB SSD
- 🚀 RAM: 16GB GDDR6
- 🚀 GPU: 10.3 teraflop RDNA 2 GPU
Scenario: You own Ragnarök on PS4 disc
To pursue the digital PS5 version, you need a PS5 with a disc drive, and the copy must be eligible. The upgrade costs extra. A digital-only PS5 does not satisfy PlayStation’s stated requirement for upgrading an eligible PS4 disc copy.
Scenario: You own Ragnarök digitally on PS4
PlayStation says the digital PS4 game can be upgraded to the digital PS5 version for an additional cost. Check the offer attached to your account and region before assuming the upgrade price or terms.
Scenario: You already have a PS4 and want the least expensive route
Keep the PS4 and purchase the PS4 edition of Ragnarök. This avoids buying another console, but you will be using the PS4 edition rather than the PS5 edition and its described DualSense features.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteScenario: You want the best-supported premium option
Compare PS5 Pro with the standard PS5 only after checking the current local premium. Ragnarök’s Pro-enhanced label is real, but the cited official information does not establish how much better it looks or runs. A higher price therefore cannot be justified from the available God of War specifications alone.
Details worth checking before checkout
- Region: Store prices and upgrade terms are regional and time-sensitive.
- Copy type: Digital and disc PS4 copies follow different upgrade requirements.
- Disc eligibility: PlayStation says eligible PS4 discs, not every disc, qualify.
- Display: 4K requires a compatible 4K television or monitor.
- Audio: PlayStation’s 3D Audio description refers to stereo headphones.
- Accessories: DualSense features are described for Ragnarök on PS5, but an extra controller is not required to play.
- Bundle listings: PlayStation has described a PS5 bundle containing a game voucher; confirm availability and included content in your market rather than assuming every bundle is still sold.
- Used hardware: Condition, included cables, storage state and controller wear can change the value of a used console; inspect these locally.
Bottom line
For most new God of War buyers, the standard PS5 is the right console. Buy the disc-drive version if physical PS4 games or an eligible disc upgrade matter. Keep or buy a PS4 only when the PS4 editions satisfy your needs and the lower local cost is decisive. PS5 Pro is a specialized choice for buyers willing to pay its current premium without a quantified guarantee of better Ragnarök performance.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
