PlayStation 4 Review: A Generation-Defining Console, Now a Budget Gem
8/10 — Sony PlayStation 4
Pros
- Superb library of exclusives
- Cheap second-hand, with cheap games to match
- PS4 Pro adds 4K and better performance
- Comfortable DualShock 4 controller
Cons
- Fans get loud, especially on the Pro
- Slow hard drive
- New releases, including GTA 6, are skipping PS4
- DualShock 4 battery life is poor
The PlayStation 4 is one of the most successful consoles ever made. Launched in 2013 at £349, it undercut the Xbox One, offered more power and avoided the controversies that dogged Microsoft’s launch. It went on to sell well over 100 million units and build a library that is still among the best in gaming.
Models
There are three main versions. The original PS4 (2013) is the largest and is known for fan noise as it ages. The PS4 Slim (2016) is smaller, quieter and more efficient. The PS4 Pro (2016) adds a more powerful GPU, 4K output and HDR, with many games offering higher resolution or smoother frame rates. If you have a 4K TV, the Pro is the one to get. Otherwise, the Slim is the sweet spot.
Performance
Standard PS4 models run games at up to 1080p, often at 30fps. The Pro improves on that with “checkerboard” 4K and better performance in supported games. All models use mechanical hard drives, so loading is slow compared with modern SSD consoles. Swapping in an SSD is a popular upgrade.
Games
This is the PS4’s true strength. God of War, The Last of Us Part II, Bloodborne, Uncharted 4, Horizon Zero Dawn, Marvel’s Spider-Man and Ghost of Tsushima are just some of the highlights, alongside almost every big multiplatform release of its era. And because the games are now cheap second-hand, you can build a superb collection on a small budget.
Controller
The DualShock 4 is comfortable and adds a touchpad and a light bar. Its battery life is short, though, and old controllers often suffer from worn sticks.
Buying one today
A used PS4 is a great budget console, particularly for younger players or anyone catching up on the classics. But Sony is starting to wind down some PS4 features, and new releases, including GTA 6, are increasingly PS5-only. Almost all PS4 games also run on PS5, often with better performance. If you plan to keep playing new games for years, a PS5 is the safer long-term investment.
Verdict
The PlayStation 4 is a classic, home to some of the greatest games ever made. Its hardware shows its age in noise and loading times, and it’s no longer getting the biggest new releases. As a cheap second-hand console for a fantastic back catalogue, though, it’s hard to beat.
