If you have a friend or family member who loves gaming, you may want to surprise them with a Can You Gift Games on PS5. But can you gift games on PS5? The answer is a bit tricky. Sony does not allow direct gifting like some other platforms. However, there are easy and legal ways to send a game as a gift. This guide will show you the safest methods, step-by-step instructions, and smart tips to make gifting simple. Whether you want to send a full game or a gift card, you will learn the best way to do it without getting blocked or wasting money.
Can You Gift Games on PS5 Directly?
The short answer is no. Sony does not offer a direct “gift game” button on the PS5 console. This means you cannot simply pick a game, choose “gift,” and send it to a friend. This can feel frustrating, especially when other gaming platforms allow direct gifting. Still, there are good alternatives that work just as well. The most popular method is to send a PlayStation Store gift card or share your game through family sharing features. These options are safe, legal, and work in most countries.
Why Sony Removed Direct Game Gifting
Sony’s main goal is to reduce fraud and protect users. Direct gifting can lead to scams, stolen accounts, and chargebacks. Because of this, Sony keeps a strict system that only allows purchases from your own account. While this limits direct gifting, it also makes the PlayStation Store more secure. If you want to gift a game, you will need to use a workaround like gift cards or family sharing. These methods are safer and still let the recipient enjoy the game you chose.
Best Way to Gift Games on PS5
The best way to gift games on PS5 is by buying a PlayStation Store gift card. You can buy a digital gift card from online stores or local shops. Once you buy it, you send the code to your friend via message or email. They redeem the code on their PS5, and the money is added to their wallet. Then they can buy any game they like. This method is simple and works every time. It also gives the recipient freedom to choose their favorite game.
How to Gift Games on PS5 Using a Gift Card
Here is the easy step-by-step process:
- Buy a PlayStation Store gift card (digital or physical).
- Send the code to your friend through text or email.
- Your friend goes to the PS Store and selects “Redeem Code.”
- They enter the code and the money is added to their wallet.
- They can now buy the game you want them to play.
This is the most reliable way to gift games on PS5 without breaking any rules. It also avoids scams because the code is valid only once.
Can You Gift PS5 Games Using Share Play
Share Play is a cool feature that lets you play together online. But it is not a gift method. Share Play lets your friend play your game for up to one hour. It’s great for trying a game before buying it. However, the game is not permanently owned by the guest player. So, if you want to gift a game, you still need to use gift cards or family sharing. Share Play is only good for temporary play and fun sessions.
How to Share PS5 Games with Family Sharing
Family Sharing is a feature that lets you share games with one other account. Here is how it works:
- Set your PS5 as the primary console.
- Add your family member to your console.
- They can access your game library.
This is a great option if you want to share games with a close family member. But it is not ideal for friends. Also, only one PS5 can be your primary console at a time.
How to Gift a Digital PS5 Game with a Friend
You can also gift a game by buying it from your own account and letting the friend use your account temporarily. This method is not recommended because it can be risky. Sharing account login details can lead to hacking or account bans. Sony can block accounts that share login info with strangers. So it is safer to stick with gift cards and family sharing.
Can You Gift Games on PS5 via PlayStation Store?
The PlayStation Store does not have a gift button. So you cannot send a game directly. But you can still gift store credit. Store credit is the closest thing to gifting a game on PS5. It lets the recipient buy any game, DLC, or item they want.
How to Send a PS5 Game as a Gift in 2026
In 2026, the rules are still the same. Sony has not changed the direct gift system. So the safest method is still the PlayStation Store gift card. If you want to gift a specific game, you can:
- Buy a gift card for the exact amount
- Send it to the recipient
- Tell them which game to buy
This method is simple and works for all PS5 users worldwide.
Tips for Gifting Games on PS5
Here are some smart tips:
- Always buy gift cards from trusted stores.
- Avoid sharing your PSN account details.
- Check the region of the gift card.
- Make sure the recipient’s account region matches the card region.
- Add a personal message to make it special.
These tips help prevent scams and make the gift feel more personal.
Common Problems When Gifting Games on PS5
Some common issues include:
- The gift card region does not match.
- The code is already used.
- The recipient cannot redeem the code.
- The gift card is fake.
If this happens, contact PlayStation Support or the store where you bought the card. Keep the receipt and proof of purchase.
Why Gift Cards Are Better Than Direct Gifting
Gift cards are safer, flexible, and easy. They also let the recipient choose the game they want. This reduces the risk of buying a game they do not like. Gift cards also work for DLC, movies, and PS Plus subscriptions.
Conclusion
So, can you gift games on PS5? Not directly. But you can still make someone happy by gifting a PlayStation Store gift card or using family sharing. These methods are safe, legal, and work perfectly. If you want a stress-free gift, gift cards are the best choice. Next time you want to surprise a gamer, you now know the best way to do it.
FAQs
1. Can I gift PS5 games directly?
No, Sony does not allow direct game gifting on PS5.
2. What is the best way to gift a game on PS5?
Buy a PlayStation Store gift card and send the code.
3. Can I gift PS Plus on PS5?
Yes, you can gift PS Plus via a gift card or subscription code.
4. Does PS5 support game sharing?
Yes, PS5 supports game sharing through family sharing and primary console settings.
5. Can I gift a digital game through PS Store?
No, PS Store does not offer direct gifting, only gift cards.
6. What should I do if a gift code doesn’t work?
Contact PlayStation Support or the store where you bought the card.