The PlayStation 4 is Now Over 9 Years Old: A Retrospective on an Iconic Console
The PlayStation 4 (PS4) first released over 9 years ago on November 15, 2013. As we enter 2023, let‘s take a nostalgic look back at the history and evolution of this legendary console.
The Launch of a New Generation
The PS4 marked a major generational leap, dazzling gamers with its x86 architecture, 8GB GDDR5 RAM, and powerful single-chip processor. During the 2013 launch event, Sony touted the PS4 as "the most powerful platform ever" – a claim largely validated by reviewers.
Beyond just specs, the PS4 delivered social innovations through share buttons, remote play, and game live streaming. An entire ecosystem of shared gaming experiences emerged.
As a passionate gamer myself, I still distinctly remember unboxing the PS4 at midnight on launch day. Seeing the sleek, angular design and booting up next-gen titles like Knack and Killzone for the first time – it felt like a monumental step into unknown possibilities.
Other gamers clearly agreed. The PS4 became the fastest selling console in Sony‘s history, selling over 1 million units within 24 hours globally.
| Specification | PlayStation 4 |
|---|---|
| Release Date | November 15, 2013 |
| Manufacturer | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| CPU | Custom 8-Core AMD x86-64 Jaguar 1.6GHz CPU |
| GPU | Custom AMD RadeonTM Graphics Core Next Engine 1.84 TFLOPS GPU |
| Memory | 8GB GDDR5 RAM, 176GB/s memory bandwidth |
| Resolution | Up to 1080p |
Rapid Adoption and Growing Pains
Fueled by strong exclusives like Bloodborne, Uncharted 4, and Horizon Zero Dawn, PS4 sales rapidly eclipsed 20 million units by the end of 2015. Momentum continued surging past the PS4‘s 3rd birthday, reaching over 70 million consoles sold.
However, these early years also faced growing pains. The launch PS4 model in particular suffered from excessive power draw, overheating, and loud fan noise issues. Owners (myself included) struggled with frequent crashes and hardware failures.
Thankfully, Sony iterated via hardware refreshes. The slimmer, cooler-running PS4 Slim (CUH-2000) launched in Sep 2016 for $299. This mass adoption model proved far more reliable.
For enthusiasts seeking premium performance, Sony also released the PS4 Pro in Nov 2016. Costing $399, the Pro featured an upgraded CPU, GPU, and 4K video output.
By successfully extending the PS4 platform, Sony maintained dominance that generation. And thus the legendary PS4 marched onwards…
A Stalwart of Gaming Through the Turn of a Decade
Entering 2020, Sony faced its greatest challenge yet – transitioning loyal fans to an entirely new generation of console.
The PlayStation 5 arrived in late 2020 as a technological showpiece, with cutting-edge SSD speeds, ray tracing graphics, and radical futuristic design.
However, this created a difficult balancing act. Backwards compatibility and cross-generational releases aimed to entice PS4 gamers. But focusing too heavily on past generations could constrain the PS5‘s optics.
It was a transition period filled with tensions between old and new. But the PS4 remained resilient as ever, continuing to receive game support even 3 years post-PS5 launch.
In 2023, the PS4‘s place seems more cemented as an affordable entry point into Sony‘s ecosystems. With ~115 million units sold, its vast community preserves an enduring legacy.
Like the beloved PS2 before it, don‘t expect the PS4 to disappear from gamer conversations or living rooms anytime soon. As arguably Sony‘s most successful home console ever, its iconic status seems set.
The Sunset Stretch: What‘s Next for the PS4?
- 2023 – Present: The PS4 remains in active production and support over 9 years since launch. Though game releases now target next-gen first, the PS4 continually receives ports. 2023 will see major titles like Final Fantasy XVI, Street Fighter 6, Assassin’s Creed Mirage and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor on PS4.
- 2024 – 2025: PS4 support will enter its "sunset" period. Game releases may skip PS4, but system updates and PSN access will likely continue. We will probably see a gradual ramp-down of first-party Sony titles by 2025.
- 2026 – 2027 The PS4 will likely reach official end-of-life in 2026 at the earliest, marking ~13 years of support. Sony will terminate hardware/software updates and slowly phase out PSN services. We bid farewell to an era…
The PS4‘s twilight years are filled with uncertainty. But after redefining gaming for so many fans, its legacy seems written. Now over 9 years and counting since launch, the PS4 has fundamentally shaped modern PlayStation.
For myself as a longtime fan, saying goodbye to my PS4 one day feels unthinkable. All we can do is enjoy its enduring moments however long they last.
So here‘s to you, PS4 – old friend, trusty companion, deliverer of endless adventure. May your APU run smoothly for years ahead! What are your favorite PS4 memories so far? Let me know in the comments below!
