Upgrade from PS Elements to PS CS6 is no longer possible

For the past several years, there's been a "backdoor" into the Adobe store that allowed for a $299 upgrade from Adobe Photoshop Elements to whatever the current CS version was at the time. I used this link (originally provided by John Mumaw) to upgrade from Elements 4 to CS4.

Well that link finally seems to have been shut down with the release of CS6. In addition, I don't currently see a discount option in the Adobe store to go from Elements to CS right now, and I don't know what it will cost if/when they restore it.

Previously, the upgrade price from Elements to CS if you DIDN'T use the backdoor, was $599. I'd expect something in that range again if they restore that path.

At this point you can pick up Adobe CS5 for ~ $200 from various outlets. Once you have it, apply for a free upgrade from Adobe - the process can take awhile but as long as you meet their requirements you will be getting CS for $200, can't beat that deal! Just make sure your purchase qualifies - I know they don't count purchases from the App Store and a few other vendors.

I Bought LR3 from B&H at a cut rate and got a free upgrade from Adobe - though it took about 3 weeks for them to approve it.

Thanks David, and stay tuned. I remember that with the introduction of CS5, this special offer disappeared for a few weeks only to reappear when sales calmed down somewhat.