Is it worth getting a ps4 slim in 23/24?

Gambit · 19 Dec 2023 at 16:05

Getting back into gaming, since the days of my ps3, but can’t seem to justify getting a ps5 as i reckon I will be more of a casual gamer.

Keen to play devil may cry, god of war and fifa, potentially keen to dabble into other newer series/ titles so thinking a ps4 slim would cover it.

But heard rumours of a ps5 pro - so don’t know if the ps4 will still be supported and whether hold out and buy a ps5 when the pro is out??

Appreciate any thoughts.

Armageus · 19 Dec 2023 at 16:15

Support for PS4 has already started to be dropped, and especially as you mention FIFA (now called EA Sports FC), the PS4 version is missing some features compared to the PS5/PC/Xbox Series X/S version.

Given the PS5 is fully backwards compatible, even if you're only looking to catch up on PS4 titles, it seems bonkers to buy a PS4 now, if you are thinking about a PS5 further down the line.
At least if you buy a PS5 you can buy the odd PS5 title that interests you, and some PS4 titles have had free/cheap PS5 upgrades which makes the experience better (or if not, then they play more at the level of a PS4 Pro)

Gambit · 19 Dec 2023 at 16:29

Armageus said:
Support for PS4 has already started to be dropped, and especially as you mention FIFA (now called EA Sports FC), the PS4 version is missing some features compared to the PS5/PC/Xbox Series X/S version.

Given the PS5 is fully backwards compatible, even if you're only looking to catch up on PS4 titles, it seems bonkers to buy a PS4 now, if you are thinking about a PS5 further down the line.
At least if you buy a PS5 you can buy the odd PS5 title that interests you, and some PS4 titles have had free/cheap PS5 upgrades which makes the experience better (or if not, then they play more at the level of a PS4 Pro)

That’s a fair point, didn’t realise support was winding down.

The PS5 seems a beast of a machine also… is it quiet or like a plane taking off?!

Also is the PS5 slim the way forward or digital or original?

Armageus · 19 Dec 2023 at 16:40

Gambit said:
The PS5 seems a beast of a machine also… is it quiet or like a plane taking off?!

I've got a disc drive model that I got about a year after launch - the disc drive is the noisiest part of it. Unlike the PS4 or PS4 Pro you can barely hear the fan noise

Gambit said:
Also is the PS5 slim the way forward or digital or original?

Personally I'd go for one with an optical drive - at least that way you can pick up the PS4 back catalogue cheaply as time goes on and people get rid of the games.
However, if you're not averse to subscriptions/renting games (as opposed to owning physical discs) then the higher tier of PSN Plus subscription will have a lot of the PS4 back catalogue available digitally

easyrider · 19 Dec 2023 at 16:48

Ps5 and extra sub

Then just buy games in the sale at like 6 quid each or less you get extra discount on top if subbed.

Mobius 1 · 19 Dec 2023 at 18:05

Ps5 slim. Don’t bother with a ps4

rare · 19 Dec 2023 at 18:25

I agree it’s worth getting a PS5, get an optical version and you have the whole PS4 back catalogue open to you for reasonable prices second hand. It’s a great system.

Gambit · 19 Dec 2023 at 19:43

OK sold PS5 it is then, will keep an eye out for it in the NY!

Bit of a daft question… can the version with the optical drive be positioned horizontally or is it vertical only?

easyrider · 19 Dec 2023 at 19:44

Gambit said:
OK sold PS5 it is then, will keep an eye out for it in the NY!

Bit of a daft question… can the version with the optical drive be positioned horizontally or is it vertical only?

Both

adidan · 19 Dec 2023 at 19:48

If it's the Slim you're talking about the default position is horizontal (on a couple of small, but sturdy legs).

You have to buy a separate stand if you want it vertical.

The Slim doesn't seem that big to me at all, it sits under the TV comfortably - the dimensions of the original would have had me forcing it in there with my size tens.

But, yeah, the disc drive on first spin up is noisy but it's to be expected.

E: Plus, unless it's a PS4 Pro you were thinking of, you need a PS5 for 4K play.

Deleted member 77746 · 19 Dec 2023 at 19:51

It’s crap when support winds down and technology becomes useless when once upon a time they were top end devices.

adidan · 19 Dec 2023 at 19:54

To be fair, upontil a couple of weeks ago I was still happily gaming on my PS4.

But then I only play SP on the PlayStation so I've no need for any online aspects being supported, that would be an issue.

silvagti · 19 Dec 2023 at 20:00

Not unless you can pick up a cheap second hand ps4 IMO. Doesn't make sense buying it for the £250 RRP IMO given it's basically EOL.

Gambit · 19 Dec 2023 at 22:49

silvagti said:
Not unless you can pick up a cheap second hand ps4 IMO. Doesn't make sense buying it for the £250 RRP IMO given it's basically EOL.

I wasn’t thinking full price just a second hand system.

Scouring web though I can’t find any PS5 deals, will wait for NY otherwise might just get that second hand ps4.

Ollie83 · 20 Dec 2023 at 03:14

I'd vote a PS5 slim

Removed User 345456 · 20 Dec 2023 at 07:04

If you can find a PS4 Pro or slim on jailbreak'able firmware, then yes. But get a slim unless you have a jet engine fetish/can test the pro at full whack for an hour.

Gambit · 20 Dec 2023 at 07:47

keef247 said:
If you can find a PS4 Pro or slim on jailbreak'able firmware, then yes. But get a slim unless you have a jet engine fetish/can test the pro at full whack for an hour.

Confused!! So is the PS5 with optical drive loud then?

I can’t see myself getting back into gaming seriously, I don’t have the time, but for casual use, I think a pro will be overkill.

Need something that will sit sensibly under the media unit and not be obvious(visually or audibly).

Removed User 345456 · 20 Dec 2023 at 07:50

Gambit said:
Confused!! So is the PS5 with optical drive loud then?

I can’t see myself getting back into gaming seriously, I don’t have the time, but for casual use, I think a pro will be overkill.

Need something that will sit sensibly under the media unit and not be obvious(visually or audibly).

Sorry mate, I'm referring to the OG original 'phat' ps4, they are like planes taking off lol. My response was merely towards you getting a ps4 slim as per your thread title/OP

I have a slim ps3/4, they're silent, both jailbroken with SSD's. The PS4's are known for drive failure now from age, so it's nice to be able to play all my games off the SSD and cut down a bit on the awfully slow blu-ray drive loading, risk of disk rot etc etc, and you have the benefit of things like homebrew emulators/fan control apps etc etc, list is endless

PS5 was a let down for me, I just built a new gaming rig instead, that's literally only used for that and lives under the tv.

dave28 · 20 Dec 2023 at 08:05

yes because the ps4 games are so cheap now, the PS4 Pro is much better though

Mobius 1 · 21 Dec 2023 at 10:49

Ps: the PS5 slim will stand vertically without the sold separately stand. Mine sits fine.