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PlayStation 4

The PlayStation 4 is Sony's eighth-generation home video game console, powered by the FreeBSD-based Orbis OS and a suite of social and multimedia features.

Last updated October 30, 2026

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Overview

The PlayStation 4 (PS4) is a home video game console developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment, released in 2013 as the successor to the PlayStation 3. It competes in the eighth generation of video game consoles alongside Microsoft's Xbox One and Nintendo's Wii U and Switch. The PS4 is part of the broader PlayStation brand, which is owned by Sony Group Corporation. The console is designed around a social and connected experience, with a strong emphasis on sharing gameplay, live streaming, and second-screen functionality. The PS4 runs Orbis OS, a customized operating system based on FreeBSD 9.0. This choice of a Unix-like kernel provides a stable and secure foundation for the console's software ecosystem. The system software includes a graphical shell called the PlayStation Dynamic Menu, which adapts to the user's context and recent activities. The console supports two graphics APIs, GNM (low-level) and GNMX (high-level), and uses the PlayStation Shader Language (PSSL) for programmable pixel shaders. These technologies enable developers to harness the console's hardware efficiently. Key features of the PS4 include Remote Play, which allows users to stream games to a PlayStation Vita or other supported devices; the SHARE button on the DualShock 4 controller for capturing and broadcasting gameplay; and social features like Party Chat and What's New. The console also supports augmented reality experiences through The Playroom, a pre-installed application that uses the PlayStation Camera and the DualShock 4's light bar. The PS4 has sold over 117 million units worldwide, making it one of the best-selling home consoles of all time. It remains supported with system software updates and a vast library of games, though production of new units has largely ceased as Sony focuses on the PlayStation 5.

History

The PlayStation 4 was announced in February 2013 and released in November 2013. It was designed by lead system architect Mark Cerny, who emphasized a developer-friendly architecture based on x86-64 hardware. The console launched with a strong lineup of games and quickly gained momentum, surpassing sales of its predecessor and competing strongly against the Xbox One. In 2016, Sony released the PlayStation 4 Slim and the PlayStation 4 Pro, the latter offering enhanced performance for 4K gaming and PlayStation VR. The PS4's system software has been regularly updated, introducing features like Remote Play, Share Play, and social enhancements. By 2020, the PS4 had sold over 117 million units worldwide, becoming one of the best-selling consoles ever. Although succeeded by the PlayStation 5 in 2020, the PS4 continues to receive software support and remains popular.

  • PlayStation 4 announced at PlayStation Meeting

  • PlayStation 4 launched in North America

  • PlayStation 4 Slim and Pro models released

  • PlayStation 5 launched, succeeding PS4

Products and positioning

A social, connected home console for core gamers, emphasizing sharing and streaming.

  • PlayStation 4

    Original model with 500GB or 1TB HDD

  • PlayStation 4 Slim

    Smaller, lighter revision

  • PlayStation 4 Pro

    Enhanced model with 4K and HDR support

  • DualShock 4

    Wireless controller with touchpad and light bar

  • PlayStation VR

    Virtual reality headset for PS4

Marketing campaigns

  • Greatness Awaits
  • This is for the Players

Sources4 sources

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