What to Do With My PS4 When I Get a PS5
As a hardcore gamer who just got my hands on Sony‘s lightning-fast next-gen console, a common question I had was what to do with my trusty old PS4. Should I keep it as a backup device or give it away to share the gaming love? Here‘s my take as a Playstation enthusiast.
Use the PS4 as a Streaming & Media Console
While the PS5 plays both physical and digital PS4 games, the PS4 still makes for an excellent standalone media center. Both consoles can stream media from popular apps like:
- Netflix
- Disney+
- Hulu
- YouTube
- Plex
And with PS Remote Play, you can even stream PS5 gameplay sessions directly to your PS4‘s screen. according to digitaltrends.com, this allows you to access up to 1080p 60fps game streaming over WiFi, freeing up the living room TV without taking over the new console. It‘s a great supplementary setup!
Share the PS4 with Family & Friends
The PS4 makes for a perfect communal gaming console if you have family or housemates. Over 117.2 million PS4s have been sold since launch according to playstation.com, meaning tons of great multipayer games to enjoy. This lets your shiny new PS5 stay safe in your room while everyone enjoys PS4 gaming on the big screen TV.
Have an Extra Controller? Hand it Over!
By 2025, over 280 million PS4 controllers will be in gamers‘ hands based on Statista data. So if you have an extra DualShock 4 lying around, surprise a friend or family member with a ready-to-game package by including some iconic PS4 titles like God of War (2018) or Spider-Man.
Sell or Trade-in Your PS4
If you won‘t use your PS4 anymore, many retailers and second-hand stores purchase used consoles. As of January 2023, sites like Decluttr and musicMagpie offer trade-in values of:
| PS4 Slim 500GB | $120 |
| PS4 Pro 1TB | $220 |
Your exact offer depends on model, storage space and condition. But selling an older device can offset the cost of new gear!
Don‘t Forget to Factory Reset
Before selling or trading in your console, do a full factory reset in System Settings. This protects your privacy by wiping all personal data according to playstation.com.
Is Now the Right Time to Upgrade?
Jumping to next-gen right away leads to things like launch stock shortages and potential hardware issues. Based on PS4‘s 7-year lifecycle, the PS5 Slim or PS5 Pro models could arrive in 2-3 years according to whathifi.com. These may boast upgrades like:
- 1080p/1440p screens
- Larger base storage (1TB)
- Further performance boosts
If you primarily play single player PS4 games, waiting lets you enjoy an even better next-gen experience down the road!
Recycle Your PS4 Responsibly
If selling or keeping your PS4 isn‘t feasible, please consider recycling – there are much better options than tossing devices into landfills. Sony partners with recycling centers to safely dispose of PlayStation components. Find one close to your location via Sony‘s Sustainability Programme.
Whether you keep it as a streaming box, gift it to a family member or cash out, your trusty PS4 can take on exciting new life after upgrading. As Playstation gamers, we‘re fortunate to have amazing backwards compatibility and eco-friendly recycling too. Here‘s to many more epic gaming years with both the PS4 and PS5!
