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For over a decade, the PlayStation 4 has been one of Sony’s most iconic and best-selling gaming consoles, defining an entire generation of gaming. Since its launch in 2013, the PS4 has amassed a staggering 117 million units sold worldwide, making it one of the most successful consoles in history. However, as technology advances and gaming shifts toward more powerful hardware, Sony is set to begin phasing out for the PS4 in 2025, marking the gradual end of an era.

What This Means for PS4 Owners
While first-party game development for the PS4 is winding down, players won’t be left entirely in the dark. Existing games will remain accessible, and digital purchases from the PlayStation Store will still be available for the foreseeable future. Third-party developers may continue releasing titles on the PS4, but the focus will heavily shift toward the PlayStation 5.

The PS4’s Legacy and Longevity
Despite Sony’s shift toward next-generation gaming, the PS4 remains a powerhouse with an extensive game library, including legendary exclusives like The Last of Us Part II, God of War, Bloodborne, and Marvel’s Spider-Man. Many PS4 consoles can remain fully functional for 7–10 years with proper maintenance, ensuring players can still enjoy their favorite games long after official ends.

Even as Sony transitions away from active PS4 development, the console’s impact on gaming history is undeniable. The PS4 pioneered digital game distribution, introduced PlayStation VR, and saw the rise of live service games like Fortnite and Destiny 2, shaping modern gaming trends.

Why the Shift to PS5?
Sony’s decision to phase out the PS4 is a natural evolution as the PS5 becomes more widely available. With powerful next-gen features like 4K gaming, ray tracing, ultra-fast SSD storage, and the immersive DualSense controller, the PS5 offers a substantial upgrade for players looking to experience the future of gaming.

to Expect
Sony hasn’t pinned down an exact date for the end of PS4 . Historically, consoles enjoy around a 10-year run, and the PS4, launched in 2013, fits that pattern. 2025 aligns with this trend.

Online Services: The Lingering Question
PlayStation Network (PSN) and online multiplayer are a different story. Sony will probably keep these services running for PS4 s for a while longer. It benefits them to have players engaged in the PlayStation ecosystem, even if they’re not on the latest hardware. So, you should still be able to play your existing digital library and connect with friends online.

The Shifting Landscape of PlayStation
Sony’s strategy is clear: they’re pushing the PS5, PC, and mobile gaming. They’ve stated their intention to migrate the bulk of their game catalog to the PS5 by 2025. This makes sense from a business perspective. They want to sell new consoles and drive adoption of their latest technology.

What to Do With Your PS4
Don’t panic! Your PS4 isn’t becoming a paperweight anytime soon. You can still enjoy your existing game collection. However, if you’re eager for the newest releases, it might be time to start thinking about upgrading to a PS5.

Comparing PS4 and PS5 Timelines

Key Takeaways
Sony will begin phasing out PS4 in 2025 while keeping existing games available
Well-maintained PS4 consoles can remain functional for up to 10 years
The PS5 offers significant upgrades with 4K graphics and enhanced controller features
History and Evolution of PS4
Sony’s PlayStation 4 timeline spans over a decade, marked by strategic transitions, technology updates, and a commitment to backward compatibility.

Initial Launch and PlayStation Ecosystem
The PS4 launched on November 15, 2013, quickly becoming Sony’s fastest-selling console with over 1 million units sold at launch.

The PlayStation Store expanded significantly during the PS4 era, offering digital games, DLC, and streaming services. This digital infrastructure became essential to Sony’s long-term strategy.

Sony strengthened the PlayStation Network during this period, adding features like PlayStation Plus and SharePlay. These services helped maintain the PS4’s relevance even after newer hardware releases.

Past Generational Patterns
Sony typically s its consoles for 10-13 years after launch. The PS3, for example, received software updates and PlayStation Network access long after production ended.

The PS4’s hardware manufacturing continued well into the PS5 era due to strong demand and semiconductor shortages affecting PS5 production.

Game developers maintained PS4 through cross-generation releases. Major titles in 2023 and 2024 launched on both PS4 and PS5 platforms.

Comparison with Competing Consoles
Microsoft’s Xbox One followed a similar timeline to the PS4, with both companies releasing mid-generation upgrades (PS4 Pro and Xbox One X).

The PS4 maintained a larger active base compared to Xbox One, influencing publishers’ decisions to continue PS4 game development.

Cross-platform gaming features became standard during this generation, with both Sony and Microsoft ing online multiplayer between different console versions.

PS4 achieved higher lifetime sales than Xbox One, reaching 116 million units by 2021. This large install base encouraged extended software from third-party developers.


Future of PS4
services for PS4 s?
Sony has made no announcements about discontinuing PS4 PlayStation Network services. The PS4’s large base ensures continued PSN .

Previous PlayStation consoles maintained network functionality years after their successors launched.

What is Sony’s policy on maintaining multiplayer servers for PS4 games?
Individual game servers operate independently of the PS4’s general timeline. Game publishers decide how long to maintain their multiplayer servers.

Popular multiplayer games often keep servers running as long as they maintain an active player base.



Source: https://9meters.com/technology/consoles/how-long-will-sony--the-ps4-console

Sony don learn from Apple

mariovito:
Sony don learn from Apple

Honestly ps4 is a hero.. it gave way to Ai