PS4

The PlayStation 4 (PS4) is a home video game console developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment and released in November 2013. It is the successor to the PlayStation 3 and is part of the eighth generation of video game consoles, competing with Microsoft’s Xbox One and later models.

Hardware and features include an AMD x86-64 eight-core CPU and a Radeon-based GPU delivering about 1.84 teraflops of performance. The system includes 8 GB of GDDR5 memory, a Blu-ray Disc optical drive, and a controller known as the DualShock 4, which adds a touchpad, a light bar, and a Share button. The PS4 runs on the Orbis operating system and supports online services, multimedia playback, and digital game distribution.

Variants of the platform released during its lifecycle include the PS4 Slim, a smaller, more energy-efficient revision, and the PS4 Pro, a more powerful model with 4K video output and enhanced performance for compatible games. The Pro is targeted at higher-end displays and experiences, while the Slim offers a compact form factor with similar core capabilities.

Software and ecosystem features include a large library of games, with notable exclusives such as Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, Bloodborne, and God of War (2018). Games can be purchased digitally via the PlayStation Network (PSN) or on physical Blu-ray discs. Native backward compatibility with PS3 or earlier discs is limited; some titles are available through streaming via PlayStation Now, and PlayStation VR support enables virtual reality experiences on compatible hardware.

Impact and legacy: The PS4 sold more than 117 million units worldwide by the early 2020s, making it one of the best-selling home consoles. It remained a core platform for Sony until the release of the PlayStation 5 in 2020, with ongoing software support for several years.