How old is the PlayStation 4?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

The PlayStation 4 (PS4) launched over 9 years ago on November 15, 2013 in North America and November 29th in Europe. As Sony‘s 8th generation console, the PS4 succeeded the 7-year lifespan of the PS3.

Sony supported the PS4 for an impressively long time considering the rapid evolution of technology. In this article, we‘ll analyze the trajectory of the iconic PS4 console and predict what the future may hold.

A New Generation: PS4 Launch and Specs

The PlayStation 4 ushered in modern console gaming as we know it today. Powerful x86 architecture, 8GB of GDDR5 RAM, and an improved graphics processor enabled visually stunning, high fidelity games.

As a passionate gamer myself, I still remember unboxing the PS4 at midnight on launch day. While Xbox competed strongly that generation, the PS4 ultimately won the hearts of players and developers across the globe.

PS4 Tech Specs:

  • x86-64 AMD Jaguar 8-core CPU
  • 1.84 TFLOPS AMD Radeon GPU
  • 8GB GDDR5 RAM
  • 500GB/1TB HDD Internal Storage
  • Optical Disc Drive (Blu-Ray)
  • Original MSRP: $399 USD

These capabilities exceeded anything console gamers experienced before. Sony sold over 1 million PS4 units within 24 hours of launch in North America.

Launch titles like Knack and Killzone Shadow Fall provided a small glimpse of what these evolutionary specs could achieve. And PlayStation‘s strong first-party studios assured a steady stream of high-quality exclusives in subsequent years.

Iterative Updates – Enter PS4 Pro

In September 2016, Sony announced the PS4 Pro – a more powerful mid-generation update focused on 4K and high dynamic range (HDR) gaming.

The Pro launched on November 10, 2016 with an MSRP of $399. The improved specs targeted enthusiasts and early adopters of 4K televisions.

PS4 Pro Enhancements:

  • Enhanced x86 AMD Jaguar CPU (clocked at 2.1GHz vs 1.6GHz)
  • Double GPU power – 4.2 TFLOPS vs 1.84 TFLOPS
  • Added 1GB DDR3 RAM for background system processes
  • 1TB stock hard drive size

The more capable PS4 Pro extended the console‘s viability and relevance considerably. As 4K TV adoption grew, buyers could enjoy enhanced PS4 games without needing to wait for a full generational transition.

First-party studios led the charge re-releasing major PS4 exclusives with 4K/HDR patches. God of War, Horizon Zero Dawn, Uncharted 4, and more provided transformative visual upgrades to showcase the Pro‘s power.

The Inevitable Transition – PS5 Launch

By early 2019, rumors and leaks pointed to Sony prepping its next generation PlayStation 5 console. On October 8, 2019, Sony officially announced the PS5 alongside key details about the new hardware and innovations on tap.

The PS5 ultimately released on November 12, 2020 in core markets. This marked almost exactly 7 years since the original PS4 launch.

Notable PS5 Improvements:

  • 8-core AMD Zen 2 CPU (3.5GHz variable frequency)
  • Custom RDNA 2 GPU – 10.3 TFLOPS
  • 16GB GDDR6 RAM
  • Custom 825GB SSD Storage
  • 4K UHD Blu-ray Drive
  • Original MSRP: $499 USD

The PS5 introduced groundbreaking new features like lightning fast load times, ray tracing graphics, and 3D spatial audio support. Exciting PS5 exclusives like Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart provided a compelling reason for PS4 owners to upgrade.

However, with the PS5 remaining supply constrained even now in 2024, Sony planned a longer than usual cross-generation support period.

PS4 Support Projections

The PS4 enjoyed strong sales momentum even years after launch. By December 2021, cumulative worldwide sales for the PS4 family of systems topped 117.2 million units.

Given that massive install base, Sony confirmed plans to support PS4 game development until at least 2023. Most analysts predict support tapering off fully between 2023-2024.

I speculate that core PS4 system functions and PSN access will remain untouched for many years. Sony won‘t want to lose the ability to resell games and services to over 100 million legacy customers. However, major new releases will eventually shift focus exclusively to PS5 optimization.

By 2025, the PS4 ecosystem will enter an unofficial sunset period. First-party studios like Naughty Dog and third parties like Activision will move forward solely focused on leveraging PS5 capabilities.

But the console‘s reputation and mammoth user base practically guarantees some level of ongoing indie and cross-platform support. The 150+ million PS2 owners can still enjoy active release today – so why not PS4?

Notable Facts and Figures

After dominating two straight generations, the PlayStation brand stands strong heading into an exciting high-tech future. Here are some notable statistics that showcase the PS4‘s wild popularity and success:

  • 100 million PS4 units sold faster than any other home console in history
  • Generated over $6 billion in game sales during 2020 alone
  • 84 PS4 games scored 90+ on Metacritic (2nd place all-time behind PS2)
  • Sony sold 1.5 million PS VR headsets as of early 2022
  • Monthly active PSN users grew to 47.4 million as of 2021
  • PlayStation Plus subscribers hit 45 million by December 2021

These milestones quantify Sony‘s masterful execution capitalizing on the PS4‘s momentum and broad appeal since launch.

The PS4‘s Lasting Gaming Legacy

Given the rapid evolution of technology these days, the PS4 managed to stay cutting edge and relevant for an impressively long window.

Regular cost reductions made the console very affordable to a wide demographic of players. And the PS4 Pro mid-generation update demonstrated Sony‘s commitment to keep pace with innovations like 4K and HDR.

As a gamer and industry observer, I believe Sony supported the PS4 platform longer than any PlayStation before it. Between the launch, Pro refresh, and gradual PS5 transition, fans constantly had reason for excitement throughout the 2010s gaming era.

After over nine fantastic years, the PlayStation 4 leaves behind a lasting legacy marked by tremendous value and industry-leading exclusive software. Even with an eye toward the future, the PS4 will remain an integral, beloved part of Sony‘s gaming legacy for decades to come.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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