PlayStation 4 remains a viable alternative in an era of rising hardware costs, reaching over 117 million units sold before Sony ended production in 2022, ppe.pl reported. Launched in November 2013 after retail rushes across chains like Media Markt and Media Expert, the system emerged from lessons learned during the early struggles of PlayStation 3.
Mark Cerny Shapes a Developer-Friendly Architecture
Lead architect Mark Cerny designed PlayStation 4 as a deliberate departure from its predecessor’s complex internal setup. Sony engineers established a system built on computer components rather than specialized hardware, which Cerny described at the time as a super-charged PC architecture. This hardware choice allowed production costs to break even much faster than the expensive PlayStation 3, which frequently lagged behind Microsoft’s Xbox 360 on third-party titles like Mafia II and Bayonetta.
Design work on the console officially started in 2008 following internal autopsies of PlayStation 3 hardware conducted by a small team within Sony Computer Entertainment. Dutch studio Guerrilla Games, led by Hermen Hulst, produced the launch title Killzone: Shadow Fall to showcase the new hardware. The game continues to run smoothly on PlayStation 5 nearly thirteen years after the platform’s initial rollout.
Pricing and Library Depth Define Current Value
Used PlayStation 4 units currently sell for between 500 and 600 Polish zlotys, while new systems can reach up to 1,800 zlotys. Despite the arrival of newer hardware, Sony and third-party developers continued supporting the platform with cross-generation software releases. Insomniac Games optimized Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales for the older hardware with a 30 frames-per-second cap and reduced particle effects.
Sony also published exclusive titles such as God of War: Ragnarok, Gran Turismo 7, and Horizon: Forbidden West at lower price points for legacy owners. The console’s software library features major releases including FromSoftware’s Bloodborne, Naughty Dog’s Uncharted entries and The Last of Us Part II, alongside Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding.
Streaming Support and Performance Alternatives
The system continues to function as a media hub supporting standard streaming applications like Netflix and Disney+. Physical media collectors benefit from discounted second-hand software prices, with titles such as the 2018 God of War available at low costs during retail sales events. Buyers seeking incremental performance gains can also look to the PlayStation Pro model, which includes a Boost mode to increase frame rates across existing software libraries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a used PlayStation 4 cost today?
Used consoles generally sell between 500 and 600 Polish zlotys, depending on the specific model and condition. New units can still reach prices up to 1,800 zlotys.
When did Sony stop manufacturing PlayStation 4?
Sony officially ended production of the hardware in 2022, nine years after its initial November 2013 debut.
Which major exclusive games were released across generations?
Sony brought titles such as God of War: Ragnarok, Gran Turismo 7, and Horizon: Forbidden West to both PlayStation 4 and newer hardware.
Related reading