PlayStation 4
The PlayStation 4 (PS4) is an eighth-generation video game console developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It was first released in North America on November 15, 2013. The fourth console in the PlayStation family, it succeeded the PlayStation 3 and preceded the PlayStation 5. It was the first PlayStation console to launch in North America before Japan.
The PlayStation 4 uses Blu-ray discs for its games and can also play Blu-ray movies, DVDs, and audio CDs. It has a user-upgradeable hard drive, built-in Wi-Fi, gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0 ports, and HDMI output. A later hardware revision, the PS4 Pro, added support for 4K resolution and HDR output. The console does not support native backwards compatibility with PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, or original PlayStation discs. Some older games are available through the PlayStation Now streaming service or as digital re-releases on the PlayStation Store.
The PlayStation 4 introduced the DualShock 4 controller, which added a clickable touch pad, a light bar, a built-in speaker, and a Share button. It retained the motion sensing and vibration feedback of the DualShock 3.
The PlayStation 4 added several system-level accessibility features. A firmware update in 2015 introduced text-to-speech, zoom, inverted colors, bold text, high contrast, closed captions, and custom button assignments. Text-to-speech and custom button assignments are available from the Quick Menu.[1]
Accessibility
- PlayStation 4 console tactile guide
- PlayStation 4 controller tactile guide
- PlayStation 4 menu walkthrough
Games
Hardware and Setup
Related Pages
- PlayStation
- PlayStation 3
- PlayStation 5
- Eighth generation of video game consoles
- List of video game console generations
References
- Accessibility settings on PS4 consoles - Sony Interactive Entertainment. Documents Text to Speech, Custom Button Assignments, Zoom, Invert Colors, Bold Text, Closed Captions, and more under Settings > Accessibility. Archived on 2026-07-17. Live version