Yes, the PlayStation 4 is still a worthwhile console in 2026

Even in the third year after the PlayStation 5 launch, the PlayStation 4 remains a very relevant and practical choice for gamers in 2024. With strong game support, attractive pricing, and unique strengths over the newer PS5, the PS4 is still a smart buy for budget-focused gamers or families looking for a secondary console.

Game support will remain strong through 2023

The most important factor in a console‘s ongoing usefulness is its game support. By this metric, the PS4 is still in a healthy position for 2024.

Sony has confirmed they plan to continue releasing major new PS4 games through 2023 and into 2024. Here are some of the biggest upcoming titles still planned for PS4:

• Resident Evil 4 Remake
• Final Fantasy XVI
• Street Fighter 6
• FIFA 23
• Call of Duty 2023
• Assassin‘s Creed Codename Red

This shows that all the major publishers are still onboard with supporting the PS4 for new releases in the near future.

In addition, many PS5 exclusives are seeing PS4 ports or remakes, including:

• Marvel‘s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
• Sackboy: A Big Adventure
• Horizon: Forbidden West

This provides PS4 owners access to many of the PS5‘s biggest new games.

And according to VGC analysis, Sony expects to sell 37 million PS4 consoles in 2024. They clearly anticipate strong ongoing demand.

With these data points, the PS4 looks positioned to receive plenty of new games for at least another full year.

The PS4 maintains a big pricing advantage

Another major factor that keeps the PS4 relevant is its very affordable price point, compared to modern consoles.

Here is a breakdown of current pricing on the PS4 versus other consoles:

For budget-focused buyers, the pricing advantage of the PS4 is massive. Paying under $300 for a new PS4 Slim with a game included is an incredible value compared to the pricing and availability struggles of the newer consoles.

The large install base of over 117 million PS4s also means there is a huge secondary market of quality used consoles often available under $200. Again, this is far cheaper than any current generation system.

So for parents buying for kids, gamers on a budget, or those wanting a cheap secondary console, the PS4 provides incredible affordability.

Unique strengths the PS4 still holds over the PS5

Beyond cost and games, the mature PS4 platform offers some unique benefits that continue giving it an edge over the newer PS5.

For one, the PS4 has an absolutely massive game library of over 4000 titles. This includes many iconic PlayStation exclusives not yet remastered or playable on PS5, such as:

• God of War III
• Shadow of the Colossus
• Persona 5
• Uncharted 1-3
• Ratchet & Clank Future series

The PS4 also benefits from its huge global install base of 117 million consoles. This means its online gaming communities are vastly larger and more active than PS5‘s. Finding multiplayer matches and connecting with other players is far easier on PS4 right now.

In addition, the PS4 offers total compatibility with the full PlayStation ecosystem. It works with all standard PS4 controllers, PS Move, PSVR, and any third-party accessories. This provides a continuity of experience for PlayStation gamers.

Finally, some PS4 games offer free or discounted next-gen upgrades. So buying a PS4 title now means you can later upgrade to the PS5 version. This provides an upgrade path.

So for those who value legacy content, multiplayer strength, and ecosystem continuity, the PS4 still holds advantages over the PS5.

Hardware limitations prevent long-term viability

Of course, being a 2013 console does come with drawbacks that prevent the PS4 from remaining truly viable long-term.

The relatively underpowered CPU and HDD storage of the PS4 makes it struggle to run newer cross-gen games smoothly. Titles like Elden Ring and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 have noticeable frame rate and resolution drops on base PS4 models. As games become more demanding, this issue will compound.

Digital Foundry analysis of Elden Ring illustrates this discrepancy, with the PS4 running at 720-900p resolution and just 30 FPS, versus the PS5‘s 1800-2160p at 60 FPS.

The PS4 also lacks support for current gaming technology like 4K displays, high refresh rate output, ray tracing features, and 3D spatial audio. Those wanting to experience these modern enhancements need to upgrade to PS5 or Xbox Series X/S.

And Sony‘s next-generation PSVR 2 headset coming in 2024 will be incompatible with PS4, meaning the PS4 loses any edge in VR gaming going forward.

So in capabilities that require modern hardware, the PS4 will rapidly decline in suitability.

Conclusion

Given all these factors, the PlayStation 4 remains a practical and recommended console purchase in 2024 if your needs align with its strengths. For those wanting:

• A budget gaming option under $300
• A secondary family console
• Access to a huge legacy game library
• Strong multiplayer communities

The PS4 absolutely delivers excellent value and enjoyment. Its game support, pricing, and unique perks give it continued relevance in 2024 that thrifty gamers can benefit from.

However, for buyers wanting a primary console built for the future, the PS4‘s hardware limitations make it a poor long-term choice. Gamers focused on maximizing next-gen features and performance should look to the PS5 or Xbox Series X instead.

But for most budget-focused or casual gamers, the PS4 remains a worthwhile, smart console buy for 2024. It‘s just important to understand the trade-offs versus newer systems. So weigh your needs and gaming priorities carefully.

Overall, while its days as a leading platform are numbered, the PlayStation 4 still provides practical value that gives it relevance in the current gaming landscape for at least one more year. Discerning shoppers can absolutely justify a PS4 purchase in 2024.