EA user buckethead232 and NeoGAF user TheVanillaGorilla both claim to have run into trouble while attempting to download the content after upgrading their physical PlayStation 3 copy of Battlefield 4 to a digital PlayStation 4 copy, and discovering that they are no longer eligible to download the expansion pack provided with their original purchase.

Battlefield 4 pre-order customers who received a code to download China Rising with their current-gen copy are not eligible to carry the content over when upgrading to a digital next-gen version, according to various user reports.

"I bought BF4 for my PS3, I waited to redeem my download code until after the PS4 came out and I utilized the 10 dollar upgrade to the PS4 version," said buckethead. "I go to download China Rising Today and it wont let me download for free. Start an advisor chat and EA has evidently decided this afternoon that if you took this path to upgrade your game you are out of luck and have to pay 14.99 or buy Premium to get it."

According to an alleged transcript of the conversation between buckethead and EA customer support, EA apologised for the problem but said that it "can't help".

"There are two conditions of getting the China Risings Expansion" the rep is alleged to have said. "1-Customers should have pre-ordered Battlefield 4 for their Next Gen Console at full retail price... OR... 2- Customers should have purchased Battlefield 4 Premium for either their Gen 3 or Gen 4 Console."

The NeoGAF user, meanwhile, claims that EA offered them a 15 per cent voucher "as a token of appreciation" for their trouble. "I can't support that," the user wrote. "Bye bye BF4." Other users also appear to be affected.

If you were one of those hoping to grab China Rising for free after upgrading from current to next-gen, it appears like you may be out of luck. Players who purchased Battlefield 4 Premium on PS3 or Xbox 360 are able to transfer the content over to next-gen, however, including China Rising and all future DLC packs.

Battlefield 4: China Rising launched to all users earlier this week, two weeks after releasing to Premium users.

VideoGamer.com has contacted EA for comment.

Source: answers.ea.com, neogaf.com