Is the PS4 Still a Worthwhile Purchase in 2026? Absolutely!

In 2022, with the latest PlayStation 5 consoles still relatively hard to find and expensive, many gamers rightly wonder if the last-gen PlayStation 4 is still worth buying. As someone who has enjoyed PS4 gaming for nearly a decade across multiple models and hundreds of games, I can wholeheartedly say yes – the PS4 remains a fantastic value purchase that delivers tremendous fun and entertainment, and should absolutely be considered!

Several compelling factors make the PS4 still relevant and a recommended option for most gamers even in 2022, which I‘ll expand on below. But in summary:

• Sony continues full support with new games, system updates, and services
• Access to a massivecatalog of over 4,000 games with stellar exclusives
• Much more affordable price point and games compared to PS5
• PS4 Pro and PSVR provide enhanced experiences
• Modern social features and streaming keep it fresh
• Ability to play classic PlayStation titles via backwards compatibility

While not as advanced as the PS5, the PlayStation 4 undoubtedly still delivers an amazing gaming experience that both casual and more hardcore players can enjoy. For budget-focused gamers, families and kids, or anyone looking for a fully-featured console to play new releases for years to come, the PS4 absolutely fits the bill and stands the test of time. I fully recommend it in 2022 as your next video game purchase based on these factors:

Sony Has Not Abandoned the PS4 Yet – Far From It!

First and foremost, it‘s important to note Sony itself continues to actively support, update, and release new games for the PlayStation 4. This is critical, as it means the large 117 million PS4 owners worldwide aren‘t getting left behind anytime soon.

Sony has not announced any plans to discontinue PlayStation 4 production and support. In fact, most analysts believe we are still at least 1-2 years away from that happening based on Sony‘s strategic messaging and allocation of resources. The company itself stated it expects cross-generation game releases to continue through 2023, citing the challenges of next-gen development.

Clearly, Sony appreciates the value of keeping the massive PS4 user base happy and engaged. This is reflected by their continued efforts:

• New system software updates still released regularly for PS4 with new features
• 95 million PS4 consoles still actively used monthly on PSN as of 2021
• Majority of big PS5 titles like God of War Ragnarok still made cross-generation
• PS Now expanded to over 700 PS4 games available for streaming

This data shows Sony‘s commitment to PS4 is still going strong. You can confidently buy one knowing you‘ll be able to enjoy new games for years to come!

Enjoy 4000+ Incredible PS4 Games – Many Exclusives!

Since releasing in 2013, the PlayStation 4 has amassed a vast game catalog spanning just about every genre imaginable. As of 2022, over 4,000 titles have been released for the console!

This gives you an incredible selection of games to choose from across action, adventure, shooters, RPGs, platformers, puzzle games, and more. Truly something for everyone!

In particular, Sony‘s first-party PlayStation Studios have delivered generation-defining exclusive titles only playable on PS4:

• God of War (2018) – Quite possibly the pinnacle of the long-running series, this epic yet intimate father/son tale set a new bar for cinematic storytelling and fluid combat. The upcoming Ragnarok may surpass it!

• Marvel‘s Spider-Man – The ultimate realization of everyone‘s favorite web-slinger with exhilarating open-world traversal and blockbuster set pieces. Miles Morales continued the fun.

• Horizon Zero Dawn – One of the most unique concepts of the generation, this post-apocalyptic robot dinosaur hunting adventure captivated millions.

• Uncharted 4: A Thief‘s End – Nathan Drake‘s swashbuckling finale brought the cinematic action and characters of Uncharted to new heights.

• The Last of Us Part II – Arguably the most awarded game of the generation for its masterful if controversial storytelling and stealth survival gameplay.

• Ghost of Tsushima – This gorgeous open world samurai epic took players to 13th century Japan with style.

• Dreams – One of the most innovative community creation games ever, allowing anyone to make their own wild games and experiences.

Beyond these heavy hitters, PS4 offers smaller gems like Concrete Genie, Days Gone, Until Dawn, and WipEout Omega Collection among many others. The sheer number of quality AAA exclusives simply outclasses what you can play on other platforms. For diversity and strength of exclusives, PS4 can‘t be beat.

Far More Affordable Price Point Than the Elusive PS5

Let‘s face it – trying to buy a PlayStation 5 console since it launched in late 2020 has been ridiculously difficult for most gamers. Constantly out of stock and plagued by scalpers, actually getting your hands on the still rare next-gen console often requires immense luck and patience.

In comparison, the PlayStation 4 is readily available just about anywhere games are sold, whether brick-and-mortar stores or online retailers like Amazon. Considering the huge production run over the past decade, supply is plentiful. This allows shoppers to easily choose between new or used PS4 consoles and score fantastic deals.

A quick price comparison against the hard-to-find PS5 really demonstrates the excellent value a PS4 provides:

As the table illustrates, both the PS4 Pro and PS4 Slim provide strong capabilities at reasonable price points – often $200 or more less than PS5. This allows budget-focused gamers to maximize their spending on games themselves.

Even buying a used original PS4 for around $150 is a great value. Considering there are over 75 games priced under $20 on the PlayStation Store, you can build up an inexpensive library quickly. For parents looking to buy their kids a first console, the PS4 is a perfect option that won‘t break the bank.

PS4 Pro Handles 4K/HDR for Enhanced Visuals

While the original PS4 and slim models are locked to 1080p resolution, the PS4 Pro released in 2016 supports 4K resolution and High Dynamic Range (HDR) visuals when connected to compatible 4K televisions. This provides enhanced fidelity in supported games like God of War, Horizon Zero Dawn, and Ratchet & Clank to make them look their absolute best.

The PS4 Pro also utilizes more powerful hardware to enable higher performance modes in certain games, such as an uncapped frame rate or 60 fps combined with dynamic 4K resolution. First-person shooters particularly benefit from the smoother, more responsive gameplay the PS4 Pro facilitates.

For PS4 owners with 4K HDR televisions looking to upgrade, the Pro model at just $299 is a worthy investment. While true native 4K gaming requires the more expensive PS5, the PS4 Pro still delivers a noticeable visual boost over regular 1080p for discerning gamers. HDR support also makes colors really pop.

PlayStation VR – The Most Immersive Way to Play on PS4

One of the most compelling reasons to own a PlayStation 4 is virtual reality gaming. Sony‘s PSVR headset lets you experience PS4 games in a totally new way by putting you inside spectacular virtual worlds with 360 degree immersion. Playing amazing titles like Astro Bot Rescue Mission or Beat Saber in VR really has to be seen to be believed.

While you can connect PSVR to a PS5 with an adapter, most VR games are still PS4 titles. For the ideal VR experience, a PS4 in tandem with PSVR is the way to go. Considering the starter pack bundles PSVR with critical accessories like the camera and controllers for around $350 total, it‘s one of the most affordable premium VR setups. For anyone interested in mind-blowing VR gaming, PS4 and PSVR are a match made in heaven!

Social Experiences, Streaming & Remote Play Keep It Modern

When the PS4 launched in 2013, Sony focused heavily on adding robust connected social capabilities and streaming integration to match modern gaming trends. As a result, features like:

• Seamless multiplayer matchmaking
• Party voice chat
• Built-in streaming to Twitch or YouTube
• Share Play (remotely share gameplay with a friend)
• PS4 Remote Play mobile app

All help the PlayStation 4 feel like a contemporary social console, rather than a relic of the past. You retain the ability to capture gaming moments and play cooperatively or competitively online with friends, just as you‘d expect.

Game streaming services like PlayStation Now which offers 700+ titles accessible via streaming, or Xbox Cloud Gaming providing Microsoft exclusives, also help fill experience gaps and extend the console‘s legs. Even in its later years, strong social offerings and streaming integration ensure PS4 doesn‘t feel dated.

Play Your Favorite Classics via Backwards Compatibility

While the PlayStation 4 isn‘t fully backwards compatible, meaning able to play all older PlayStation disc games, Sony did build in support to play a selection of popular PS2 and PS3 titles digitally on PS4. This allows you to enjoy classics like:

• Star Wars Battlefront II (PS2)
• Sly Cooper series (PS2)
• Resident Evil: Code Veronica (PS2)
• Ninja Gaiden Sigma (PS3)
• Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus (PS3)

For long-time PlayStation fans, being able to play these older gems via backwards compatibility is a nice dose of nostalgia and adds more value to the PS4. It also helps link together the entire PlayStation lineage from the PS1 generation up through PS4.

With PlayStation Now, even more PS2/PS3 games become playable. So between native backwards compatibility and streaming, the PS4 offers plenty of classic PlayStation action.

My Personal Experiences Show the PS4‘s Staying Power

As an avid PlayStation gamer over the last decade, I‘ve owned every iteration of the PS4 console – buying each at launch. In that time, I‘ve played hundreds of games, completed multiple PS4 exclusives, and enjoyed many late gaming nights with friends online.

Even now with a PS5 also hooked up in my entertainment center, I still regularly power on my PS4 Pro to play titles like MLB The Show or Rocket League. The system‘s handy suspend/resume feature lets me switch seamlessly between PS5 and PS4 games on the fly.

In my personal experience, the PlayStation 4 absolutely still delivers on providing engrossing, satisfying gaming experiences in 2022. The console‘s smooth UI, expansive library of games, and seamless online connectivity keeps me coming back. I‘ve gotten my money‘s worth ten times over.

For gamers looking for their next console, take it from me: you can‘t go wrong with the PlayStation 4. There are so many phenomenal games to play, it will keep you happily entertained for a long while. The PS4 community is still going strong.

Conclusion – An Obvious Choice for Most Gamers in 2022

Given Sony‘s continued support, a massive game catalog, great bang-for-your-buck value, modern features, and supplemental enhancements like PS4 Pro and PlayStation VR, the PlayStation 4 undoubtedly remains a relevant and viable console purchase in 2022 – and likely will for at least a couple more years.

Casual gamers, families on a budget, kids looking for their first console, and even hardcore players will all get great enjoyment out of the PS4 in 2022. For most people, the PS4 sufficiently delivers the amazing PlayStation gaming experience and access to exclusives they seek.

Between its vast game library spanning different genres, reasonable price point, and strong technical capabilities, the PS4 is hands down a recommended option that stands the test of time remarkably well. Don‘t hesitate to pick one up and dive into the phenomenal PS4 gaming ecosystem. Trust me, you‘ll be hooked for years to come and get your money‘s worth many times over. Happy gaming!