PlayStation 4

Sony's fourth home video game console, part of the eighth generation of consoles

The PlayStation 4 (also known by the abbreviated name PS4)[6][7] is the fourth home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and is not compatible with the PlayStation 3. It was officially announced at a press conference on February 20, 2013 and launched on November 15, 2013. The PlayStation 4 was discontinued in Japan on 5 January 2021.

PlayStation 4
PlayStation 4 console with DualShock 4 controller and PlayStation Camera
DeveloperSony Computer Entertainment
ManufacturerSony Computer Entertainment
Product familyPlayStation
TypeVideo game console
GenerationEighth generation
Release dateOriginal Model:
  • CHN: March 20, 2015
PS4 Slim:
  • WW: September 15, 2016
  • IND: February 2, 2017
PS4 Pro:
  • WW: November 10, 2016
  • IND: February 2, 2017
Lifespan2013-2025
Introductory priceUS$399/€399/£349/¥38,980
DiscontinuedJapan: January 5, 2021 (all models except PS4 Slim)
Units sold106 million (as of December 31, 2019)
Units shipped113.6 million (as of September 30, 2020)
MediaBlu-ray Disc, DVD, USB Storage
Operating systemPlayStation 4 system software
Memory8 GB GDDR5 (unified)
StorageHard drive, 500GB, 1TB (user upgradeable)
Display
Video output formats
GraphicsSemi-custom AMD Radeon GPU (integrated into APU)
Controller inputDualShock 4, PlayStation Move, PlayStation Vita
CameraPlayStation Camera
Connectivity802.11 b/g/n Wireless, Bluetooth 2.1, USB 3.0, Ethernet 10/100/1000
Backward
compatibility
No native support
Cloud support planned PlayStation 2 emulating
PredecessorPlayStation 3
SuccessorPlayStation 5
WebsiteCountry selector

Sony focused on "social" aspects as a major feature of the console. Although the PS4 has improved social functionality, the features are optional and can be disabled. Users can create or join community groups based on personal interest. Gamers can watch live gameplay of games which their friends are playing. Online friends can join a play session via streaming.[8]

History

Presentation

Sony invited press to a New York City event on 20 February 2013.[9] The company announced the event on Thursday 31 January, inviting us to "see the future".[10]

Add-ons

In 2016, Sony unveiled the PlayStation VR, a virtual reality headset add-on for the PlayStation 4. The PlayStation VR is not included in the pack. It comes with a Mono Headset. The PlayStation VR also has a PlayStation Camera.

Models

There are three different models of the PS4:

  • PS4 (2013, first model): 1.84 TFLOPS,[11] 8 GB GDDR5 RAM, 256 MB DDR3 RAM, 2 x USB 3.0,[12] 500 GB storage, 399 €.
  • PS4 Slim (2016, replaced PS4): Same technical specifications, smaller housing, more quiet and more energy efficient in operation, 500 GB or 1 TB storage, 249 € (500 GB model), 299 (1 TB model).
  • PS4 Pro (2016, more powerful model): 4.198 TFLOPS,[13] 8 GB GDDR5 RAM, 1 GB DDR3 RAM, more powerful GPU, higher clocked CPU, 3 x USB 3.1,[14] 1 TB storage, 399 €.

Related pages

References