Is the PS4 Still Worth It in 2026? An In-Depth Look

If you‘re thinking about getting a PlayStation 4 console in 2024, you probably have some questions. After all, isn‘t PS4 an old system that‘s been replaced by the newer, shinier PS5? Well, my friend, I‘m here to tell you that the trusty PS4 absolutely remains a fantastic choice in 2024, especially for cost-conscious gamers or casual users who don‘t need the latest and greatest specs. Let‘s take an in-depth look at why PS4 is still a worthwhile purchase with plenty of life left!

PS4 Still Has a Strong Active Userbase

Let‘s start with some numbers. As of January 2022, Sony has sold over 117.2 million PS4 consoles globally since launch. For comparison, the newer PS5 has sold "only" 17.3 million units. So the PS4 still dwarfs PS5 in install base. In fact, Statista reports PS4 remains the most used current generation console, with 56% of surveyed gamers playing on PS4 versus 39% on PS5.

Clearly, the PS4 remains highly popular thanks to its affordability and huge game library. Developers will continue supporting it for years to come.

Impressive PS4 Graphics and Performance

Now you might think the PS4 would feel extremely outdated in 2024, but that‘s not the case. The base PS4 utilizes some capable AMD Jaguar x86 CPU and GPU hardware that has aged gracefully. While not as powerful as PS5, Digital Foundry analysis shows it still delivers between 30-60 fps for most new cross-generation games at 1920×1080 resolution with graphics settings comparable to PS5.

And the PS4 Pro model takes performance up a notch with enhanced visuals, resolution and frame rates thanks to its 4.2 TFLOP AMD Polaris GPU. So whether you get a base PS4 or PS4 Pro, you‘ll be impressed by the strong performance you can get for such an affordable price.

Tons of Great PS4 Exclusives

A major reason PS4 remains so popular in 2024 is its stellar library of exclusives titles you can‘t play anywhere else. These are some of the highest rated games of all time, like:

• God of War (2018)
• The Last of Us Remastered
• The Last of Us Part II
• Uncharted 4: A Thief‘s End
• Ghost of Tsushima
• Marvel‘s Spider-Man
• Horizon Zero Dawn
• Bloodborne
• Persona 5
• Ratchet & Clank

And so many more legendary PlayStation exclusives across genres like action adventures, RPGs, platformers, and horror games. The variety is incredible.

PS4 Multiplayer and Online Services

In addition to its single player exclusives, a PS4 gives you access to multiplayer gaming with a huge community. You can play popular online titles like Call of Duty, Overwatch, Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Destiny 2.

A PlayStation Plus membership provides free monthly games, exclusive discounts and bonuses. And thanks to cross-generation support, you can play online against PS5 friends. The PlayStation ecosystem keeps you connected.

Media Features Beyond Gaming

Besides gaming, a PS4 also works as an excellent media hub in your living room in 2024. You can access all the major entertainment streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, and Prime Video. This replaces the need for a separate streaming box.

PS4 also supports Blu-ray movie playback on disc-based models. So you can enjoy your movie collection or rentals. It may not have next-gen features like 8K or Dolby Vision, but for casual TV/movie viewing, the standard PS4 Blu-ray drive is more than enough.

Backwards Compatibility and Free Upgrades

One amazing thing about investing in a PS4 now is that you‘re also investing in the future. An incredible 98% of PS4 games are backwards compatible on the PS5, so your PS4 game library will carry over seamlessly when you upgrade later.

Some PS4 games also qualify for free next-gen digital upgrades on PS5, like Horizon Forbidden West. So buying them now essentially guarantees the PS5 version later at no extra cost. That provides great future value.

Virtual Reality Capabilities

A key advantage PS4 has over some competitors in 2024 is support for virtual reality gaming. The PlayStation VR headset lets you experience amazing VR worlds and games in your living room that truly immerse you in the action.

Top PSVR exclusives like Astro Bot Rescue Mission, Beat Saber, Tetris Effect and Resident Evil VII showcase how much fun and innovative VR gaming can be. This is a PS4 capability that shouldn‘t be overlooked.

Customizable Controllers

The PS4‘s DualShock 4 controller is comfortable, full-featured and customizable to your liking. You can swap out analog sticks for different height and grip preferences. The touchpad adds a handy new input method. And the audio jack lets you plug in any headphones for private listening.

The controller‘s integrated gyroscope and accelerometer enable accurate motion controls for racing/flying games or aiming. And the colorful light bar is not only cool but provides actual gameplay functionality when paired with the PS Camera accessory.

Catering to All Gamers

Accessibility is important, and PS4 delivers gaming experiences for all types of players. Custom button mapping makes controls easier for disabled gamers. Text chat and text-to-speech features provides alternatives to voice chat. Screen magnification and inverted colors assists visually impaired players.

So everyone can enjoy PS4, regardless of physical capability. Games are for everyone on PlayStation.

Repairs Can Extend Lifespan

With good maintenance and care, a PS4 can last well beyond its warranty period. Replacing the internal CMOS battery or faulty HDMI ports down the road can restore functionality. Cleaning dust buildup from the heat sink and fan helps avoid overheating. Reapplying thermal paste maintains optimal heat transfer.

Following Sony‘s guidelines for proper ventilation for your PS4 is also advised. With some occasional repairs, a PS4 can keep working for many years past its prime. Proper maintenance goes a long way.

PS4 Still Beats Switch and Xbox One

Let‘s quickly compare the PS4 to Nintendo‘s Switch and Xbox One consoles in 2024. The PS4 has a major game library advantage over Switch, with far more third-party support. Graphics and performance are also superior on PS4. While Switch offers portability, PS4 excels as a powerful living room system.

Compared to Xbox One, the PS4 wins on platform exclusives, VR capability and media features. Xbox One is still decent for multiplatforms, but can‘t match the PS4‘s overall strengths in its late lifecycle. PS4 remains the better value than these competitors.

Conclusion

Given everything we‘ve discussed, I hope I‘ve made a strong case that the PlayStation 4 absolutely still remains a fantastic console purchase in 2024. For the budget-focused gamer, casual fan, or family looking for an affordable shared system, PS4 can‘t be beat.

The large game library, strong tech specs and performance, extensive features, and accessibility make the PS4 a wonderful way to enjoy video games both now and for years to come. Considering you can find a used PS4 bundle for under $200, that‘s practically stealing for the hundreds of hours of entertainment you‘ll get from this legendary console.

In 2023 and beyond, PlayStation Nation is still going strong on PS4. There has never been a better time to join the club and enjoy what PlayStation has to offer. The PS4 party continues, my friend!