Sony’s latest console is the PlayStation 5, but the PlayStation 4 is still available (at least as a used system). Should you buy a PlayStation 4 in 2022?
Let’s take a look at why the PlayStation 4 may still be a good investment for you, along with some things to keep in mind if you’re considering purchasing the console now.
PS4 and PS5 Pricing in 2022
Given that the PS4 is currently only available in pre-owned and bundled forms, it is difficult to provide an accurate market price at this time. Sony’s PS4 Slim product page currently states “Out of Stock” as evidence.
The PS4 Slim has a suggested retail price of $300, while the PS4 Pro has an MSRP of $400 from Sony.
The PS4 Pro has more powerful hardware, so it can play games at 4K resolution. After the launch of the PS5, Sony has not reduced the suggested prices of either system.
If you’re looking for a used PS4, you might also come across the first-generation console. Compared to the PS4 Slim, this older model is essentially the same except for its larger size and a few minor tweaks.
The standard PS5 retails for $500, while the disc-less PS5 Digital Edition costs $400. Even if you can’t afford a PlayStation 5 (or don’t want to upgrade to the next generation just yet), you might want to give the PS4 some thought.
The PS4 Has an Excellent Library of Games
It’s common knowledge that the PlayStation 4’s library is enormous. These range from third-party behemoths like Call of Duty and Assassin’s Creed to indie titles and remasters of classic PlayStation games to Sony’s own exclusives like God of War and Ratchet & Clank for the PS4.
The PlayStation 4 is an excellent choice for gaming if you don’t have access to another console or a dedicated gaming PC. This is especially true since June 2022, when PlayStation Plus was redesigned. Paying for the “Extra” or “Premium” tier grants access to a plethora of PS4 and PS3 games. The savings over buying games separately make this a great way to get started with the PlayStation family of products.
However, if you’re only interested in PS4 exclusives in 2022, the console will be a tough sell.
Many PS4 Games Are Playable Elsewhere
PlayStation Plus is an annual subscription service that will set you back at least $60. If you’re interested in playing a lot of these games, however, you’d be better off waiting for a PS5 and subscribing to Plus rather than getting a PS4 and purchasing them individually.
It’s important to keep in mind that not all of the games in the PS Plus Collection are available in the Extra and Premium PS Plus tiers. PS4 users can subscribe to PS Plus Extra or Premium, but only PS5 owners can access the PS Plus Collection.
The PS5’s built-in SSD makes playing PS4 games a more pleasant experience. Bear in mind that the PS5 only has 825GB of storage space, so all of those PS4 games will add up fast. You can play PS4 games on a PS5 with the help of an external USB drive or an M.2 SSD, but doing so will set you back some cash.
The PlayStation brand of video games isn’t exclusive to the PlayStation console. Previously PS4-only titles like Horizon: Zero Dawn and God of War can now be purchased on Steam for PC. PS Plus is also accessible on a computer. Previously known as PlayStation Now, this service lets you play a wide variety of popular PlayStation 4 (and PS3) games online on your computer. For more details, check out Sony’s PS Plus for PC page.
How Long Will the PS4 Receive Support?
Sony Japan announced in January 2021 that it would stop making virtually all PS4 consoles. This came as a shock because Sony had previously promised to continue providing updates and fixes for the PS4 for at least another few years.
The available stock of PS4s has probably run out by now. Neither Best Buy nor Amazon nor GameStop currently have any new PS4s in stock. Buying a PlayStation 4 from these retailers, online marketplaces, and other similar resources will limit you to used consoles.
When major companies like Sony stop making updates or releasing games for a console, it’s a good idea to skip it. Sony isn’t likely to continue providing hardware support for a discontinued console for much longer, and the console will soon stop receiving new games.
You may be wondering how long game support will last if you decide to purchase a PS4 in 2022. When making predictions, the previous generation of game consoles can be used as a benchmark.
Should You Buy a PS4 in 2022?
Taking everything into account, will the PS4 still be worth buying in 2022? Most likely not, though this will vary depending on the specifics of your case.
The PS4 still has some value if you want to play a lot of PS4-exclusive games but don’t have access to any other gaming consoles. Although the PS4 Pro is better prepared for the future, we advise against upgrading from the PS4 Slim unless you absolutely have to. You can save a lot of money by purchasing a refurbished model from a reliable retailer or a pre-owned unit from a conscientious owner. In 2022, a Playstation 4 should cost no more than $200, in our opinion.
Many games still allow cross-play between PS4 and PS5 users. Furthermore, when you upgrade to a PS5, you can still play the vast majority of your previous games (either through backward compatibility or free upgrade offers). However, since not all upcoming games will be available for the PS4 in its first year, most of what you’re actually paying for is access to older titles.
We advise you to hold off on purchasing a PS4 until the PS5 is released next year. Buying a PS4 for $300 now and a PS5 for $500 in a few years makes little financial sense. In the meantime, if your PC can handle it, you can try out some games with PS Plus or Steam.