Do More People Play on PS4 Than PS5?
The short answer is: yes, likely more people are still actively playing on the PlayStation 4 (PS4) than on the PlayStation 5 (PS5), despite the PS5 being the newer and more powerful console. This might seem surprising, but it’s a complex situation influenced by several factors, from pricing and availability to game libraries and user preferences. While the PS5 has certainly gained momentum, the PS4 maintains a strong presence in the gaming landscape. Let’s delve deeper into why this is the case and what it means for the gaming community.
PS4’s Enduring Popularity
The PS4, released back in 2013, has had a significant head start in terms of building a large user base. It’s sold well over 117 million units, establishing itself as one of the best-selling consoles of all time. This massive install base means a substantial number of gamers are already invested in the PS4 ecosystem. Many of these players might not have upgraded yet for a variety of reasons:
Cost Considerations
The PS5 is a premium product with a higher price point, which was further compounded by initial supply shortages. The PS4, on the other hand, is readily available, often at significantly discounted prices. This makes it a more accessible and budget-friendly option for new gamers or those not wanting to invest heavily into the newer console.
Extensive Game Library
The PS4 boasts an impressive catalog of games that have been built up over a decade. This library includes hundreds of titles, many of which are exclusive to the PlayStation platform. While the PS5 is gradually building its library, it still has less breadth than the PS4, offering another reason for players to stick with their current console.
Supply Chain and Availability
The PS5 faced significant supply chain issues following its launch, making it difficult for consumers to acquire for a long time. While these issues have largely been resolved, this period resulted in more gamers being more content with their PS4s.
The Rise of the PS5
Despite the PS4’s ongoing popularity, the PS5 is making strides. While it has not yet surpassed the PS4 in overall user base, the rate of adoption is increasing. The PS5 boasts superior graphics, faster loading times, and innovative features like haptic feedback on the DualSense controller, making it an attractive option for gamers seeking the latest technology.
Growing Exclusive Titles
Sony’s strategy of releasing new and highly anticipated titles specifically for the PS5 is a strong driver for upgrades. Games like Final Fantasy XVI, Returnal, and Demon’s Souls have given serious motivation to gamers to move to the current generation of consoles. As the PS5 library continues to grow with exclusive titles, more players will likely make the jump.
The Push for Next-Gen
Sony’s push to develop and support the PS5 is increasing. The company is slowly reducing support for the PS4 and focusing efforts on its newer console. Eventually, the availability of new games for the PS4 will dwindle, further pushing users to upgrade to the PS5.
Market Share and Sales Figures
While the PS4 may still have more players overall, the PS5 is currently outselling the Xbox Series X/S by roughly two-to-one, indicating its strong performance in the market. The PS5 has also shown a clear market share of over 60% compared to its direct competitors. The current figures show the PS5 has sold over 37 million units in approximately 40 months, while the PS4 sold 37.73 million in its initial 28 months, suggesting a faster and growing adoption of the new console.
The Future of PS4 and PS5
Although the PS5 is on track to be the future of PlayStation gaming, the PS4 is not being abandoned anytime soon. Sony has officially stated that they will continue to support the PS4 until at least 2025, with offline games remaining completely playable. The large user base still using the PS4 makes completely abandoning it difficult, as it’s a source of continued revenue for Sony.
The Crossover Era
We are currently in a crossover period where both consoles are actively supported, though with a strong focus on PS5 titles. This means that you’ll see many of the newest games launch on both PS4 and PS5. While PS5 versions offer an enhanced experience with better graphics and performance, PS4 users aren’t completely excluded from the newest game releases.
Conclusion
While the PS5 represents the cutting edge of PlayStation gaming, the PS4 still retains a large and active user base. Factors like cost, availability, and a vast game library continue to make the PS4 a relevant gaming option. The PS5, however, is quickly gaining ground with its superior hardware and growing library of exclusive games. While more people likely still play on PS4, the shift towards the PS5 is steadily taking place.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about PS4 and PS5 usage, addressing key concerns:
1. Is the PS5 the most popular console right now?
No, while the PS5 is performing very well, it’s not the best-selling console of all time. That title belongs to the PlayStation 2 (PS2), which sold over 159 million units. The PS5 is actively outselling its direct competitor however, which is Microsoft’s Xbox Series X/S consoles.
2. How many PS4s have been sold in total?
The PS4 has sold over 117 million units worldwide, securing its place as one of the most successful consoles in history.
3. How many PS5s have been sold?
As of the latest data, the PS5 has sold approximately 37.44 million units worldwide within a 40-month period. This is a strong number, especially given the initial supply challenges.
4. Will my PS4 games work on PS5?
Yes, the vast majority of PS4 games are playable on the PS5, thanks to backward compatibility. Many also get performance boosts on PS5 through free downloadable upgrades.
5. Should I buy a PS4 in 2023?
It might not be the best idea to buy a brand new PS4 in 2023, unless budget constraints are a primary concern. The PS5 is the current gen console with greater support and the newer releases will be primarily focused on it. However, for offline gameplay, the PS4 remains a good and cheaper option.
6. Is it worth upgrading to a PS5 if I have a PS4?
If you want to play the latest and upcoming games and experience higher graphics, faster loading times, and other enhanced features, then the PS5 is a worthwhile upgrade. Plus, many PS4 games are improved on the PS5.
7. Is the PS5 Pro coming soon?
Rumors of a PS5 Pro are circulating, but Sony has not officially confirmed it. However, several reports from reliable insiders suggest that development of the PS5 Pro is likely in progress, without any official release date or specifications.
8. Which console sells more, PS5 or Xbox?
The PlayStation 5 currently outsells the Xbox Series X/S by a significant margin, maintaining a strong market dominance of over 60% against 36.7% for Xbox.
9. Is the PS5 more powerful than the PS4?
Yes, the PS5 has significantly more powerful hardware than the PS4, leading to better graphics, faster loading times, and more immersive experiences.
10. What are the disadvantages of the PS5?
The PS5 has a few disadvantages, including its large size, limited storage, a sometimes noisy disc drive, and the ongoing issues with dual sense drift.
11. Can I transfer my PS4 games to the PS5?
Yes, you can transfer your digital PS4 games and save files to the PS5. Physical games can be used directly with the disc version of the console.
12. What is the second best-selling video game console of all time?
The second best-selling console of all time is the Nintendo DS, with 154.02 million units sold.
13. What is the most sold game of all time?
The most sold video game of all time is Minecraft, with over 238 million copies sold worldwide.
14. Is the PS4 outdated?
The PS4 is not entirely outdated, but it’s considered last-gen by this point. Sony is still supporting the console but is clearly prioritizing the PS5. The PS4 should be supported until 2025, but new game releases are expected to decrease.
15. What is the most expensive gaming console?
Some of the rarest consoles are also the most expensive. For example, a Nintendo Wii Supreme is worth $375,000, while a prototype Nintendo PlayStation can reach $360,000.
These questions should give a clearer understanding of the current console landscape and help you decide on your next move in the world of PlayStation.