Sony has announced that they will be providing refunds to players who are confused by the upgrade path for The Last Of Us Part II Remastered on PS5. The upgraded version launched this week, but the pricing and upgrade options have left some players dissatisfied.
Backlash Over Upgrades And Pricing
The Last Of Us Part II originally launched in 2020 as a PlayStation 4 exclusive. The game received critical acclaim, winning multiple game of the year awards. However, it was also controversial among some players for its dark story decisions.
This week saw the launch of The Last Of Us Part II Remastered for PlayStation 5. This updated version runs at native 4K resolution and targets 60 FPS framerate. It also includes new content such as an AI gameplay modifier called No Return.
Despite the visual improvements, many players have expressed frustration regarding the upgrades and pricing:
- Full Price For Owners Of Original Game – The Remastered version is priced at $69.99, even for those who already owned the PS4 version. Players were hoping for a discounted upgrade price.
- Confusing Upgrades – In order to upgrade from PS4 to PS5, players must pay an additional $20. However, some players accidentally purchased the full-price PS5 version instead of the upgrade.
- Features Locked Behind Upgraded Version – The No Return mode and other features are only available in the Remastered version. Players cannot access new content unless they pay to upgrade.
In a series of tweets, fans voiced their complaints over feeling “nickel and dimed” and priced out of new content:
Come on @Naughty_Dog, asking full price AGAIN for a PS5 upgrade is just not cool. Support your biggest fans who want the best experience! https://t.co/3fiAZFSudK
— Steve H. (@Steverino128) January 19, 2024
Sony Announces Refunds
Earlier today, Sony and developer Naughty Dog responded by announcing refunds. Players who accidentally purchased The Last Of Us Part II Remastered at full price will be eligible for a complete refund.
In a press release, Sony clarified the “confusion” around upgrading from PS4 and apologized to players:
“We recognize there has been some confusion over the upgrade path for The Last Of Us Part II from PS4 to PS5. Players who already own the PS4 digital version should only need to pay $20 to upgrade to the native PS5 version. However, we understand some fans accidentally purchased the full PS5 sku at $69.99. To make it right, we will be refunding all purchases of the full-price PS5 version made in error.”
Naughty Dog’s Neil Druckmann followed up by tweeting that the team is “listening” and “course-correcting” based on player feedback about pricing.
The refunds come just a day after The Last Of Us Part II Remastered’s launch on January 19th. It’s unclear how many erroneous purchases were made. Players will need to actively request the refund from the PlayStation Store.
What The Refunds Mean For The Game
The swift refund response suggests that Sony wants to maintain goodwill, especially with The Last Of Us being adapted into an HBO series. However, it also spotlights tensions around upgrade models.
Offering free next-gen upgrades for first-party PS5 games was part of Sony’s initial messaging around the console. The backpedaling and locked content have clearly rubbed some fans the wrong way.
On the other hand, Sony still needs to incentivize PS5 purchases somehow. Making upgrades too cheap or free could discourage new console sales. It’s a tricky balance.
Striking the right compromise with upgrade pricing will continue to be an issue as more first-party PS4 games get “remastered” patches down the road. God of War Ragnarok is the next big title on the horizon that many fans hope won’t repeat this confusion.
For now, The Last Of Us Part II Remastered otherwise seems to be reviewing quite well critically based on early impressions:
| Publication | Score | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| IGN | 9.3 | “An impressive visual upgrade with fun new mode” |
| Game Informer | 9.0 | “The definitive way to experience an unmissable game” |
| GameSpot | 9 | “Gorgeous overhaul, same gut-wrenching story” |
If Sony can smooth over the upgrade misstep, the game should go on to sell well as both franchise fans and newcomers check out the expanded features.
The Last Of Us HBO series premiering this weekend should also drive interest back to the property during a relatively quiet period for major PS5 releases.
But for now, affected players can breath a sign of relief and secure their refunds courtesy of an apologetic Sony.
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