Sony officially ceased production of new PS4 units in Japan in early 2024, but the console remains widely available through second-hand markets and existing retail stock. More importantly, the PS4’s digital ecosystem is still fully operational. PlayStation Network services, including online multiplayer, PlayStation Plus subscriptions, and the PlayStation Store, continue to receive active support. Sony has confirmed that the PS4 will remain a supported platform for the foreseeable future, even as the company focuses its hardware efforts on the PS5.
Game developers have not abandoned the platform either. As of 2025, a steady stream of cross-generation titles still launches on PS4 alongside their PS5 counterparts. While the number of PS4 exclusive releases has dwindled, many major franchises, sports games, and indie hits continue to target the aging hardware. The PS4’s extensive backward compatibility with digitally purchased PS4 games also ensures that your existing library will keep running without issue.
PS5 Adoption and the Shift in Player Base
The PS5 has sold over 50 million units worldwide since launch, and supply constraints that plagued its early years are now a distant memory. By 2025, a significant portion of active PlayStation users have made the switch. Sony’s internal data suggests that roughly half of monthly active PlayStation users are now on PS5, though the exact split fluctuates. However, the PS4 still commands a loyal audience of tens of millions of players, particularly in regions where console pricing is a barrier or where high-speed internet for large game downloads is inconsistent.
Major multiplayer titles like Fortnite, Call of Duty, and GTA Online continue to maintain large, active communities on PS4. Cross-play with PS5 and other platforms ensures that PS4 players are not isolated, even as new content rolls out. The slow transition is partly due to the longevity of the PS4’s hardware and the fact that many of 2025’s most popular games simply do not demand the full power of the PS5.
Reasons to Stick With Your PS4
A Vast and Affordable Game Library
The PS4’s library is enormous, encompassing everything from all-time classics to recent AAA releases. Physical discs are incredibly cheap on the used market, and digital sales frequently slash prices to under ten dollars. If you are a patient gamer or simply want to work through a backlog, the PS4 offers hundreds of hours of entertainment at a fraction of the cost of a PS5.
Stable Performance for Most Games
While the PS4 cannot match the PS5’s 4K resolution or 60+ frames per second performance, the base PS4 and PS4 Pro still run thousands of games smoothly. For gamers who are not obsessed with graphical fidelity, the visual difference is often negligible on a 1080p display. The PS4 Pro, in particular, delivers enhanced performance for many cross-gen titles, bridging the gap further.
No Need to Repurchase Peripherals
If you already own a PS4 with multiple controllers, a charging dock, and other accessories, sticking with the platform avoids the cost of buying new DualSense controllers and potentially replacing other gear. The PS4 remains a perfectly capable family console or streaming device, especially for households with casual players.
Reasons to Upgrade to the PS5
Exclusive Games and Experiences
The PS5 has a growing list of exclusive titles that cannot be played on PS4, including Spider-Man 2, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. These games leverage the console’s ultra-fast SSD, ray tracing, and haptic feedback to deliver experiences that are impossible on last-gen hardware. If you want to play the latest PlayStation exclusives, upgrading is mandatory.
Dramatically Improved Loading Times
One of the most immediate quality-of-life improvements of the PS5 is its custom SSD. Loading screens that took 30 to 60 seconds on PS4 are reduced to a few seconds, and open-world games stream assets seamlessly. This alone has convinced many players that the upgrade was worth the investment.
Future-Proofing and Long-Term Support
As the industry shifts further into the ninth generation, fewer major releases will support the PS4. By 2025, most AAA studios have already phased out PS4 development. Sticking with the PS4 means you will miss out on the next wave of games entirely. Investing in a PS5 now ensures you have access to the full lineup of upcoming titles, including those that will define the rest of the decade.
Cross-Generation Gaming and Backward Compatibility
One of the most reader-friendly features of the PlayStation ecosystem is its approach to backward compatibility and cross-gen support. The PS5 can play nearly every PS4 game, often with enhanced performance through Game Boost. Many new releases offer a free or discounted upgrade path from the PS4 version to the PS5 version. This means you can start a game on PS4 and later continue on PS5 without losing progress, or you can buy the PS4 disc and enjoy the upgraded PS5 version at no extra cost. This seamless transition makes it easier than ever to move to the new console at your own pace.
Should You Buy a PS4 in 2025?
If you are completely new to the PlayStation ecosystem and on a tight budget, a used PS4 can still be a fantastic entry point. It offers thousands of games, robust online services, and a very low price of admission. However, if you can stretch your budget to accommodate a PS5 Digital Edition or a used PS5, you will get far more longevity and immediate access to the newest games. For most people, the PS5 represents better value in the long run, but the PS4 is far from obsolete for those who prioritize affordability and a massive back catalog.
In short, the PS4 remains a viable gaming machine in 2025 for specific use cases, but the tide has clearly turned toward the PS5. Your decision should hinge on your budget, the types of games you play, and how important cutting-edge performance and exclusives are to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still play online multiplayer on PS4 in 2025?
Yes, PS4 online multiplayer remains fully supported, and PlayStation Plus is required for most paid online games. Cross-play with PS5 players is common in popular titles.
Are new games still being released on PS4?
Yes, many cross-generation games still launch on PS4, particularly sports titles, annual franchises, and indie games. However, the number of new PS4 games is declining each year.
Will my PS4 library work on a PS5 later?
Absolutely. The PS5 is backward compatible with the vast majority of PS4 games. You can transfer your digital purchases and save data, and many games even run better on the newer console.
Is PS Plus still available on PS4?
Yes, all tiers of PlayStation Plus (Essential, Extra, and Premium) are fully supported on PS4. You can claim monthly games, access the game catalog, and use cloud saves.
Can I use my DualShock 4 controller on PS5?
You can use a DualShock 4 on PS5, but only to play PS4 games. PS5 games require the DualSense controller to take advantage of its unique features.
Is the PS4 Pro a better option than the base PS4 in 2025?
The PS4 Pro offers improved performance and 4K upscaling for many games, making it a noticeable upgrade over the base model. It is a good middle ground if you cannot afford a PS5 but want better visuals.
When will Sony stop supporting the PS4 entirely?
Sony has not announced a shutdown date for PS4 services. Given the company’s history, it will likely continue supporting PS4 online features and the store for several more years.
