More than a decade after its original launch, people are still purchasing the PS4 and raving about its quality. It was a significant step up from the PS3 in 2013. At a time when it was cheaper than the Xbox and its main competitor was the flailing Wii, Sony filled a hole for many consumers. The launch was slow to begin with and soon after Sony had the Nintendo Switch to compete with, but its quality has more than stood the test of time. Four years after Sony released the PS5, over half of PlayStation players are on a PS4. Though the expectation is that this will change with the recent release of the PS5 Pro. So, why are people still calling the PS4 their main gaming console, more than a decade later?
PS4’s Large gaming library
The main reason many Reddit conversations and blog posts seem to give for why they still use their PS4 regularly, is the sheer amount of games available for play on the console. Many mentioned that they haven’t moved on to the PS5 yet because of the pile of games they still have to play on the PS4. Particularly for casual playing, PS4 is more than worthy of the task. Although it looks like that may change soon. Sony has plans to stop producing games for PS4 by 2025, focusing entirely on the PS5 going forward. Many beloved games like “Fortnite” or “Call of Duty” are still available on the PlayStation 4, suggesting many users are waiting for limited enough gaming options before calling it quits.
High cost of the PS5
After a few years, there was an expectation for a drop in price that never seemed to materialize. For many gamers, why buy a console for double the price that rightfully has better quality and graphics, but provides little improvement in game options? They know Sony will eventually stop producing games for PS4, and when that happens, they will go for the PS5. In the meantime, their PS4 does the job fine. Which also speaks for the quality of the PS4. Gamers are still buying it at high enough rates that, even in 2025, Sony is releasing games for it. On Amazon, a PS4 costs $248. A PS5 costs around $500. A PS5 Pro that was released on November 7th, costs almost $800.
Saving for the PS5 Pro
The expectation is that the trend to continue playing on PS4 will change with the release of the PS5 Pro. As games slowly become unavailable and the PS5 Pro offers enough improvements, it is likely players will be forced to purchase the PS5. Choosing to save for the PS5 Pro option to offer a middle way between the PS5 and anticipated PS6. 2025 will be an interesting year for games and consoles, and regardless what people decide to purchase this year, PS4 was a beloved console for many gamers longer than many expected.