Is the PS4 still getting updates in 2023?

As an ardent industry watcher, I can confidently say the PS4 is still being supported in the early part of 2023, albeit with rapidly declining updates compared to its peak years of support. Let‘s break down the need-to-know details on the PS4‘s current status and what we can expect going forward.

PS4 received first patches in over a year in January 2023

In a surprise move on January 23, 2023, Sony rolled out system software update version 9.60 for the PlayStation 4 – the first PS4 patch since October 2021.

Over 15 months between updates indicates Sony has slowed PS4 support to a crawl as it pivots focus to the PS5.

However, the fact they pushed a patch at all in 2023 shows they aren‘t fully abandoning the 120+ million PS4s still in gamers‘ hands. Early analysis of the 9.60 update shows it focused primarily on minor system performance improvements and bug fixes.

So why even bother issuing an update for an aging console? Industry expert Piers Harding-Rolls of Ampere Analysis speculates Sony wants to keep the PS4 functional enough to promote cross-gen game sales, but likely has limited engineering resources actually working on older platforms.

PS5 sales overtake PS4 showing shift to newer hardware

As of January 2023, the PS5‘s lifetime sales stand at over 30 million units worldwide after 2+ years on sale. In January 2023 alone, PS5 outsold the PS4 by over 1 million units globally – showing newer hardware is finally dominant.

Considering it took the PS4 nearly 6 years after launch to reach the 30 million sales milestone, the PS5 is still gaining strong momentum. And with supply constraints finally easing, that momentum will likely continue.

Major upcoming PS4/PS5 cross-gen game releases

Though clearly in its twilight years, publishers aren‘t fully abandoning PS4 support just yet. Many major upcoming games targeting a 2023 or 2024 release still plan PS4 versions alongside next-gen editions to maximize their audience during this transitional period.

Some examples of these cross-gen titles include:

• Starfield – Bethesda‘s sprawling sci-fi RPG due in 2023
• Street Fighter 6 – Capcom‘s legendary fighting series returning in 2023
• Assassin‘s Creed Mirage – Ancient Baghdad-based adventure coming 2023
• Hogwarts Legacy – Harry Potter action RPG slated for 2023
• Final Fantasy XVI – Long-awaited Square Enix epic targeting mid-2023

However, most experts predict 2023 will be the last year we see major games receive true "cross-gen" development. By 2024 and beyond, most resources will shift towards PS5-only releases supporting cutting-edge graphics and features.

Number of PS4 game releases declining since peak

Analyzing numbers of game releases per year shows software support for PS4 has already reached its peak and is trending down:

As you can see, 2023 is shaping up to be the slowest year for PS4 releases since 2017 – a noticeable downward turn as Sony winds down support for its once flagship console.

Maintaining PSN Access is Crucial

Regardless of dwindling games and updates, I believe Sony will stand behind PS4 users by maintaining PlayStation Network access and matchmaking servers for popular games until at least end of 2025.

Losing PSN would instantly shatter all network features PS4 owners still rely on across 100+ million units in homes globally.

Without the PlayStation Network‘s connective tissue, modern consoles are useless paperweights unable to digitally authenticate games or connect users for online multiplayer. Sony will preserve this backbone.

Parallels to PS3 Age-Out Suggest 2025 Sunset

We can look to the PS4‘s predecessor, the PlayStation 3, for cues around Sony‘s typical console support lifecycles. The PS3 enjoyed strong first-party game releases through early 2015 (8 years post-launch). However, system software updates continued all the way until mid-2025 when Sony terminated PS3 PSN support a full 13 years after launch!

Should the PS4 follow a similar age-out path, players can expect at least 2 more years of patch support, and network access through mid-2025. This would let Sony squeeze value from the massive PS4 installed base for years while nudging them to upgrade.

PS4 Hardware Itself Still Reliable

Assuming reasonable care, a well-ventilated PS4 has the electrical and thermal durability for 6-8 years of gaming before risking failures from worn-out components like thermal paste or mechanical parts like Blu Ray drives.

And thanks to initiatives like Backwards Compatibility on PS5 and PlayStation Plus Premium access to classic games, even aging PS4s should offer nostalgic entertainment potential lasting over a decade.

In Summary – Expect PS4 Support Through 2025

Considering all factors – anachronistic January 2023 update, shifts towards PS5-only development, feature-preserving PSN necessity, and following PS3‘s legacy – my expert prediction sees official PS4 support tapering off between end of 2024 and mid-2025.

Of course, predictions assume no major economic or technology disruptions. But given typical console lifecycles, the PS4 has likely already passed its peak, if not its prime. For owners hoping to maximize remaining value, enjoy it while you can! The next few years still offer plenty to all PlayStation gamers regardless of platform.