Prepare for Goodbye: The Era of PlayStation 4 is Coming to an End
As the PlayStation 4's lifecycle winds down due to discontinued support from game developers and platforms, it may be time for many gamers to consider upgrading to a PlayStation 5.
Jonathan Dubinski · 2 min read
In short
Support for the PlayStation 4 is winding down: according to GamesIndustry.biz, studios and online games plan to stop updating it by 2026, starting with Genshin Impact, which drops PS4 updates in the coming year. The reasons are the PS4's slow hard drive, which limits large game worlds, and the PS5's 80.3 million units shipped.
End of an Era: PS4 Support Winding Down by 2026
The PlayStation 4's lifecycle is nearing its end, with game studios and online gaming platforms planning to cease support by 2026. This transition is already evident: Hoyoverse has announced that Genshin Impact will no longer receive PS4 updates in the coming year. The console's technical constraints, particularly its slower hard drive, drive this decision, as these limitations impact performance in large-scale game worlds. According to GamesIndustry.biz, this is not an isolated incident. Many other titles, especially live-service games, are expected to follow suit. Both technical limitations and the PlayStation 5's substantial user base prompt this shift. The PS5's 80.3 million units shipped increasingly incentivize publishers to focus on current-generation systems. This console generation has experienced the longest transition period to date, primarily due to the initial scarcity of PS5 consoles. Sony continued to release games for the PS4 during this time, a decision that drew some criticism but was crucial for keeping the player base engaged and allowing them time to adapt to the new technology. Now, with greater PS5 availability, the impending end of PS4 support signifies that players who have not yet upgraded will likely need to upgrade.
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Frequently asked questions
When does PS4 support end?
Game studios and online platforms plan to stop supporting the PS4 by 2026, according to GamesIndustry.biz. Live-service games are expected to go first.
Which games are dropping PS4 updates?
Hoyoverse announced that Genshin Impact will no longer get PS4 updates in the coming year, and other titles are expected to follow.
Why are developers leaving the PS4?
Its slower hard drive limits performance in large game worlds, and with 80.3 million PS5 consoles shipped, publishers have a big enough audience on the current generation.
Further reading
// The Friday recap



