Is the PlayStation 4 Worth Buying in 2026?
Hi friend! If you‘re reading this, you‘re likely considering getting a PlayStation 4 console in 2022. With the PS5 out, is the PS4 still worth buying? As an avid gamer and tech expert, I‘ve done deep research into this question. I‘m here to provide my definitive guide to help you decide if purchasing a PS4 is the right move in 2022. Let‘s dive in!
The Short Answer:
Yes, the PS4 is still worth buying in 2022 if you get it at a good used price under $200. The PS4 remains a capable 1080p gaming machine with tons of great games readily available for cheap. While the PS5 is superior, used PS4s offer strong value for budget gamers or casual players.
However, time is running out. The PS4 is nearing the end of its lifespan and will see diminishing support in 2024/2024. So it‘s a short-term purchase, but still offers solid performance for the price if expectations are managed.
Used PS4 Pricing in 2022
Since PS4 production ended in 2021, buying new isn‘t an option. Let‘s look at typical pre-owned PS4 pricing right now:
| PS4 Model | Used Price Range |
|---|---|
| PS4 Slim 500GB | $120 – $170 |
| PS4 Slim 1TB | $150 – $200 |
| PS4 Pro 1TB | $200 – $300 |
- Data sourced from eBay, GameStop, and other major used marketplaces.
PS4 Slim models with 500GB or 1TB hard drives occupy the lowest pricing tiers and offer the best value. A used PS4 Slim in good condition generally costs $150 to $200 in 2022.
The higher-end PS4 Pro averages $200 to $300 used based on its performance upgrades. But deals can be found, especially if you‘re vigilant checking for local listings.
I recommend setting a budget of $180 or less when looking for a base PS4 Slim model for the best bang for your buck.
Millions Still Actively Play PS4
As of January 2022, Sony has sold over 117 million PS4 consoles worldwide. This massive installed base means developers will continue supporting the platform through 2023 and beyond.
The PS4 remains very popular – PSN tracking sites like PlayStation Network Traffic show 2-3 million active PS4 users during peak hours in 2022.
Multiplayer server populations are healthy for popular PS4 titles like Call of Duty, Battlefield, Fortnite, and Apex Legends. You‘ll have no problem finding matches.
So while legacy, the PS4 userbase is still massive. You‘ll get to enjoy popular online PS4 games for years to come after purchasing one.
Tons of Great Games Available
The main reason to buy any console is for the games. And the PS4 has a stellar lineup of exclusives and multiplatform releases:
Top PS4 Exclusives
- God of War
- The Last of Us 1 & 2
- Ghost of Tsushima
- Spider-Man
- Uncharted 4
- Horizon: Zero Dawn
- Bloodborne
- Ratchet & Clank
- Persona 5
Sony‘s first-party studios created an incredible run of exclusive games over the PS4‘s life. These story-driven single player exclusives define the PS4 library.
Even in late 2022, many consider The Last of Us Part 2 one of the best games on any platform. Experiencing these iconic PlayStation exclusives is a strong motivator to grab a used PS4.
Best Selling PS4 Games
Here are the top 10 best-selling PS4 games of all time as of August 2022:
| Rank | Game | Copies Sold |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grand Theft Auto V | 165 million |
| 2 | Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 | 31 million |
| 3 | Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 | 30 million |
| 4 | Call of Duty: Modern Warfare | 30 million |
| 5 | Call of Duty: WWII | 26 million |
| 6 | Spider-Man | 20 million |
| 7 | Red Dead Redemption 2 | 20 million |
| 8 | Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War | 19 million |
| 9 | FIFA 21 | 14 million |
| 10 | Horizon Zero Dawn | 13 million |
Source: PlayStation
Almost all the most popular PS4 games are available for under $20 used. Even newer entries like FIFA 23 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 have PS4 versions you can pick up on the cheap after launch.
With over 4,000 games released on the platform, you‘ll have no shortage of quality gaming options once you grab a PS4 in 2022.
When Will PS4 Lose New Games and Support?
As we enter the PS5 generation, it‘s reasonable to wonder how much longer new games and online support will continue for the PS4.
Based on historical console lifecycles, I predict the PS4 will see diminishing new releases and support through 2023 and 2024.
Here are some key timeframes for the PS4‘s twilight years:
- New major game releases should continue into early-mid 2023.
- The PlayStation Store and online services will remain active until at least 2025.
- Overall game and accessory support will slowly decline from 2023 to 2026.
Third party developers support multiple PlayStation generations for 3-5 years as the install base grows. With PS5 sales slower than expected, the PS4‘s large userbase will continue making it viable for new game support in the short term.
But by late 2023, PS5 sales momentum will make the PS4 less relevant for major releases beyond annual sports games and lazy movie tie-ins.
Fortunately, Sony won‘t shut off the PlayStation Store or online capabilities for older consoles until the entire online population dwindles significantly. See the PS3 and PS Vita which both maintained online support for over 10 years.
So purchasing a PS4 in 2022 should grant you at least 3-4 more years of healthy online activity and new games – making it a worthwhile medium-term investment.
PS4 vs. PS5 Comparison
Let‘s directly compare the PS4 to the PS5 so you know what you‘re missing out on:
| Spec | PS4 Slim | PS5 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p | Up to 4K |
| Framerate | 30fps, 60fps | Up to 120fps |
| Load Times | 5-30 seconds | Under 1 second |
| Graphics Fidelity | Good | Great |
| Storage | 500GB HDD | 825GB SSD |
| Controller | DualShock 4 | DualSense |
| Price | $200 used | $400+ new |
The PS5 clearly outperforms the PS4 with its 4K visuals, SSD load times, 120fps framerates in some games, and fancy DualSense controller. You‘re getting superior next-generation gaming technology.
However, the PS4 remains very capable as a 1080p console. Load times and framerates may not be as fast or consistent vs the PS5, but games play smoothly on the whole. And at over half the price of a new PS5, a used PS4 provides tremendous value.
So if you‘re on a budget and prioritize quantity of games over cutting-edge upgrades, the PS4 perfectly fits the bill in 2022. But those who want the best graphical showcases and performance should save up for a PS5.
Is the PS4 Pro Worth It Over the Slim?
If you‘re set on getting a PS4 in 2022, is it worth spending more for the PS4 Pro? Here‘s what the Pro gets you over the PS4 Slim:
- Native 4K gaming – Better supports 4K TVs
- Boost Mode – Improves framerate performance
- 1TB hard drive – Double the storage capacity
- PS VR enhancements – Better VR visuals
So while the PS4 Pro enhances resolution, loading times, and framerates, the improvements are marginal on the whole. The Slim still outputs gorgeous looking 1080p graphics and smooth performance for most gamers.
Given used PS4 Pro models run $200-$300, I only recommend grabbing a Pro if you frequently play PS VR titles or care about 4K. For everyone else, save your money and grab a PS4 Slim for under $200.
Buying Guide – Get the Most From Your PS4
If you decide to grab a used PS4 in 2022, here are my top tips to get the best experience:
- Shop around for deals – Be patient and find listings under $180.
- Clean thoroughly – Open it and dust out any dirt/grime.
- Replace thermal paste – New thermal paste keeps temps lower.
- Use an SSD – Install an SSD for much faster load times.
- Upgrade hard drive – Swap in a larger 2TB hard drive.
- Keep it cool – Give it plenty of ventilation room.
- Use Ethernet cable – Hardwire internet whenever possible.
Investing a little extra effort will extend the life of your used PS4 and let you enjoy silky smooth performance.
Closing Thoughts
The PS4‘s days are certainly numbered, but it remains a great value for budget gamers in 2022. Major releases will continue through 2023 and online support should last into the late 2020s. For under $200 used, a PS4 Slim or Pro will let you enjoy amazing exclusives and cross-gen games for a few more years.
However, as early as 2024, purchasing a PS4 may become harder to recommend as new games dry up. So treat this as a short term purchase – grab one for cheap now and enjoy PlayStation gaming, then upgrade to a PS5 down the road!
I hope this detailed guide helps you decide if getting a used PS4 is smart move this year. Let me know if you have any other questions!Game on my friend!