How to Transfer Data From PS4 to Your Shiny New PS4 Pro
Many of you who have looked into purchasing a PS4 Pro probably already have an existing PlayStation 4. One of the things you probably don’t want to have to do is redownload all of the games you’ve already got on your console. Well, good news on that front is that you don’t have to. Overall the process is fairly simple and all you need to complete the process is a network cable.
Over on the PlayStation Blog they posted a detailed guide on how to transfer all that precious info but here it is more summarily:
- Ensure your PS4 and PS4 Pro are running system software 4.0 or higher.
- Connect both consoles to the internet and your PS4 Pro to your TV.
- Sign into the PlayStation Network (PSN) on your PS4 Pro.
- The PS4 Pro will ask if you want to start a transfer of data… well, yeah, obviously!
- Press and hold the power button on your PS4 (not the PS4 Pro) until it beeps.
- Connect both PS4 consoles together using a network cable.
- Select the types of data to be transferred from the on-screen list.
- Allow the data to transfer, which could take a couple of hours.
- Once complete, activate your PS4 Pro as the primary PS4.
- Remove the LAN cable and you are done.
- Checking your system software version before you start is easy to do, as is the process of updating it when connected to the internet.
Following the steps listed will see all your data, everything from your game data, save games, captured screens and videos, themes, trophy data and more safely moved over to your new PS4 Pro. The only data you will be missing will be passwords needed to sign back into all of your services so things like PSN, Netflix and the like. Any trophy data that hadn’t been synced before the transfer is lost so make sure to sync up before disconnecting your old console!
If you’re required to be hardwired to your router and using a single network cable won’t work for you then you can still make the transfer quite easily. You can make the transfer using two cables by wiring them via your router but all in all the single cable route is likely easiest. You can obviously cancel the data transfer altogether when you turn on your PS4 Pro but keep in mind all your games and apps will need to be reinstalled. Your game saves can simply be backed up on a USB key as well so no stress there either.
If you are parting ways with your existing PS4 be aware that the transfer process does not clear the hard drive. You’ll want to format before sending it on by following this; Settings > Initialization > Initialize PS4 > Full. Once that’s all done your beloved PS4 is ready for a new home!