How to identify your PlayStation 4 model. PlayStation 4 pro 500gb
How to Upgrade or Replace Your PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 4 Pro Hard Drive
Need more space for your growing library of games on your new Playstation 4 Pro? Maybe you had a hard drive failure in your launch PlayStation 4 and don’t have the heart to get rid of it. Don’t stress! Replacing or upgrading the internal HDD in a PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 4 Pro is a simply process.
The two process are very similar for each system, but what differs is finding the drive rack.
When replacing the hard drive, you can use a standard SATA II hard drive or use a solid state (flash) drive no thicker than 9.5mm. As of the 4.5 system update, you can now use external HDD to store your games and saved data as well. The External Hard Drive must be USB 3.0 and a minimum of 250GB of storage with a maximum allowance of 8TB. Below are the directions for installation.
How Difficult Is it to Upgrade My PlayStation 4’s Hard Drive?
Whatever drive you choose, the upgrade process is fairly simple and requires minimal technical knowledge. Depending on your internet speed, the file download and drive switch combined shouldn’t take you more than 15-20 minutes.
If you follow these steps, none of your save data or digital games will be lost and your upgrade should ensure that you have plenty of space to store your favorite games and media.
What Hard Drive Should I Choose for My PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 4 Pro?
The standard PlayStation 4 hard drive is a 500GB 5400 RPM SATA II hard dri, whereas the PlayStation 4 Pro includes a 1TB drive. You can replace either hard drive with any hard drive that complies with these standards, is no thicker than 9.5mm, and is larger than 160GB[1]. Given that HDD have come down significantly, you should definitely consider a drive that gives you plenty of space, such as a 2TB version. Replacing your hard drive with a compatible device does not void your PlayStation 4’s warranty. You can also upgrade to a faster 7200 RPM SATA II hard drive. Note that SATA II is sometimes called SATA/300 or SATA 3.0 GBps. A newer SATA III (SATA/600 or faster) drive will work fine in the PlayStation 4, but you won’t get the speed benefit as it’ll operate at SATA II speeds. For more details on compatible hard drives, see: PlayStation 4 Third-Party Hard Drive Solutions. Some popular hard drives compatible with Playstation 4 are:
Note that the below pictures show the installation for the Samsung Seagate Momentus 2TB drive, but the drives all look very similar and the process is the same.
Note: The Playstation 4 supports the connection of external hard drives or USB storage devices. You can play games off your external storage, but be sure the connection isn’t interrupted while you’re playing. To change the install location to a external hard drive or USB storage, go to Settings Storage and hit the Options button. There you can select App Install Location and choose the “extended storage” device.
If you have a PlayStation, TRY THIS!
If you want to use a hard drive you already own that doesn’t conform to the PlayStation 4 size restrictions, you can of course connect it via a SATA cable instead of the built-in hard drive, but that would mean leaving the top of your PlayStation 4 open. So the better path remains swapping out the internal drive entirely.- and it’s easy to do. Note that there is also a third-party drive upgrade solution on the horizon custom-made for the PlayStation 4 by Nyko, called the Nyko DataBank, but we have yet to test it. The DataBank enables the use of physically larger drives that wouldn’t otherwise fit into the PlayStation 4 drive bay.
With the addition of external HDD support, you can now use any USB 3.0 HDD with a minimum of 250 GB and a max of 8TB. There is now a large amount of options to expand your PlayStation 4 Storage. Here are some of 2018’s best external Hard Drive options for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 4 Pro:
- WD My Passport 4TB Portable Hard Drive
- Samsung SSD T5 500GB (For those looking for an External SSD option)
- WD 2TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive
No matter what solution you choose, since you’re replacing your drive outright, you will lose any of the data stored on the (old) hard drive itself. This includes your Wi-Fi settings, game and app installs, save data, and other local user data. Don’t worry, though: you can ensure that you don’t lose anything by creating back-ups and reinstalling the games you own. The process for that is detailed below.
Note that your account settings are stored in your PSN account, so once the new hard drive is in place, you can re-add your account to the PlayStation 4 and log in. Once you’re logged in, you can redownload any of the games and DLC you purchased from the Playstation Store. Disc-based games will have to be reinstalled by inserting them one by one. You should back up your game saves to a USB device or to the Cloud (available to PS Plus users). The steps to do that are described below.
How to Replace or Upgrade Your Hard Drive on PlayStation 4
Go to Playstation.com, and find the most recent system software. The current page for this is here: https://www.Playstation.com/en-us/support/system-updates/PlayStation 4/ (US) or here: https://www.Playstation.com/en-gb/get-help/PlayStation 4-system-software/ (UK). Scroll down and look for this section:
Click the link (circled in red in our image). There are multiple system software files on Sony’s system software page.- update versions and full installs. Make sure you find the latest version (the page will display the latest version number up top.- but the file download listed at the top is usually the update, not the full install you’ll need for a hard drive replacement). Look for the full install listed under “Perform a New Installation of the System Software,” as the smaller update file won’t work for a fresh install. The file should be closer to 1 GB in size (some previous versions were around 700-800 MB, whereas update files are around 300 MB).
Download the 700-800 MB system recovery/new install software. The most recent download is this one, if you’re having trouble finding it on your own.
There is no danger in your PlayStation 4 using the wrong installation file as long as you downloaded it from Playstation.com.- your system will notifiy you if it’s the wrong install file (eg, an upgrade or outdated install file). Do not download system software files from any other websites, however!
Test your USB drive with your PlayStation 4 first. Make sure it plugs snugly into one of the USB ports on your PlayStation 4.- some drives are too fat and can’t be inserted all the way. If your drive works, move on to the next step.
Plug your USB drive into your computer. You can use a PC or a Mac, but you have to make sure the USB flash drive is formatted as FAT or FAT32 to avoid issues. Most flash drives come preformatted and should be ready to go, but if you want to be sure note that erasing and formatting your drive only takes a few seconds and the system may return an error with other formats. On a PC, right-click the drive and select Format from the menu. On Mac, use Disk Utility and erase and reformat using MS DOS (FAT) and Master Boot Record scheme.
Create a folder titled PlayStation 4 (all caps) on the flash drive. Create another folder titled UPDATE (all caps) within that PlayStation 4 folder.
Move the system software download into the UPDATE folder. The file name is PS4UPDATE.PUP. If the filename is different (perhaps because you have multiple instances of update files on your computer), make sure to change it back to that name before you move on. Safely eject the USB flash drive. On Mac, hit the eject button next to your drive in Finder.
It’s time to back up your Playstation 4 game save data. You can either back up your saves to another (or the same) USB storage device, or if you’ve got Playstation Plus, to the Cloud. Either way, go to the Settings, Application Saved Data Management, and then select System Storage and copy your saved data to the USB Storage Device or to the Cloud.
You are about to take out your old hard drive. If you want to resell it or give it to someone else, remember that it still contains all your user and save data. If that’s a concern, make sure to delete all the data after you create back-ups. You can do this from your PlayStation 4 or via a computer.
Turn off your PlayStation 4. If the amber light is on, the system is still in standby mode. Hold the off button until it turns off completely. Then unplug the power cable and remove any other wires that may get in the way of working on the system.
Remove the left side of the PlayStation 4 case by simply depressing it and sliding it to the side, as shown.
The entire left portion of the casing can be removed. It’s not on rollers.- you can just lift it up and off once you’ve slid it to the left.
Look for the screw head with Playstation button symbols on it. It’s a large Philips/cross-style screw at the front left of the Playstation. It holds the hard drive case in place inside the Playstation 4. Remove this screw.
Tug the default hard drive out by pulling it forward.- it should slide out freely.
You now have to remove the hard drive from its casing. Don’t worry, it’s super-easy.
There are four screws, two on each side. Remove them as shown, leaving the small rubber parts in place. You should have four screws plus the silver Playstation-branded screw to keep safe.
Remove the hard drive from its case and replace it with your new hard drive. Make sure the screw holes line up on all sides and use the screw driver to put everything back to gether.
Re-insert the hard drive caddy with your new hard drive into the Playstation 4. Slide it in all the way and screw the engraved Playstation screw back in. Replace the cover.
Reconnect the Playstation 4 to your TV and plug the power cord back in.
Your PlayStation 4 has two USB ports on the front. Plug the USB Flash Drive into either port and the Dualshock 4 controller into the other one using your controller charge cable (or any other USB cable).
Hold the power button (the top of the two hidden buttons located in the “crack” between the two PlayStation 4 halves) down for 7 seconds to initiate safe mode.
The Safe Mode options screen will appear. Use your controller to pick the bottom option: Initialize PlayStation 4 (Reinstall System Software).
It may take a few minutes for the action to be executed and for the reinstall process to commence. If you get an error message at this point, it is most likely related to the version of the System Install Software you’ve got on the memory stick (get the latest version of the full install, not the upgrade), or the directory (make sure it’s PlayStation 4, UPDATE), or the format (FAT32).
Once the install completes, sign back into your PSN account and complete the initial setup. This includes time and date settings, internet/Wi-Fi setup, and some basic options. From here, you can restore your game installs from discs and your game saves from a USB stick or from the Cloud.
Restoring game saves is done via the Setttings function screen. Select Application Saved Data Management, then select the source (USB or Cloud) to restore each title’s data. To reinstall games you downloaded from the Playstation Store, simply head into the store application and access the Library option. You can pick and choose what games to redownload. Note that you sometimes have to dive into the “My DLC” section of each game to download DLC content you’ve previously installed.
How to Replace the Hard Drive on your PlayStation 4 Pro
The PlayStation 4 Pro hard drive is functionally almost identical to the PlayStation 4 for replacement purposes. The only real differences are in the location of the hard drive in the chassis and the shape of the mounting bracket. First, follow steps 1-6 above. Before beginning, be sure your PlayStation 4 is powered down and unplugged.
The Pro Hard drive is hidden behind this panel on the back of the PlayStaton 4 Pro.The tab to gently remove the plastic is near the Ethernet port. Pull the tab to reveal the HDD bay.
You will see a single screw. Remove it carefully with a Phillips-head screwdriver to open the bay.
Slip the hard drive out. You’ll now need to remove it from its mounting bracket by unscrewing the four screws holding it in position.
Replace the hard drive with your new drive in the mount, matching up the mounting points and gently replacing the screws.
Slide it gently but firmly into the HDD slot and secure the screw into the PlayStation 4 Pro case, then replace the plastic panel. Then proceed with steps 12 and beyond from above. Make sure you have that Flash drive near by!
How to identify your PlayStation 4 model
With the release of the PS5 on the horizon, now is the time that everyone is looking to sell their PlayStation 4. Alternatively, with the price of the PlayStation 4 coming down you may be considering purchasing one and are currently researching the differences between the models. To help we look at how to identify different PlayStation 4 models.
How to identify your PlayStation 4 model
In the age of the PS3 this was quite straightforward. You only needed to worry about its storage capacity and if it was a slim or pro version. However, with the PlayStation 4 it’s not quite as simple.
In this guide we hope to explain a few things. Firstly, how to identify which model of PlayStation 4 you own. Secondly, what differences there are between the various models in terms of performance, storage space and price.
The three PlayStation 4 models
There are three main models of PlayStation 4.
PlayStation 4 Original
First launched in 2013 with a 500GB hard drive, this is the original PlayStation 4. The console was the only model available for around two years, until the 1TB version was released in 2015. Eventually the 500GB device was discontinued after the introduction of the Slim and Pro versions.
PlayStation 4 Slim
The PlayStation 4 Slim launched in two versions – a 500GB and a 1TB. This is the most common PlayStation 4 Unit as it sold nearly double both of the other versions. If you have a PlayStation 4 it’s likely to be a Slim.
PlayStation 4 Pro
Launching a few months after the PlayStation 4 Slim, this model only exists in one version, which is the 1TB model. The PlayStation 4 Pro is the easiest version to identify due to the fact they only ever produced one type of it.
The easy way to identify PlayStation 4 models
Visually is the easiest way to begin breaking down the difference between the various PlayStation 4 models.
The original PlayStation 4 has two tiers of equal height.
How to identify the PlayStation 4 original by the two tiers of equal height.
The PlayStation 4 Slim has two tiers of differing height, the upper tier being the thinnest. This slimmer upper tier makes it easy to identify against the other PlayStation 4 models.
How to identify PlayStation 4 Slim games console by the differing height tiers.
The PlayStation 4 Pro has three tiers, which makes it easy to identify the model against the other two versions.
Once that you have identified which Playstation model you have, there are a couple of sub types and version differences between the Original and the Slim.
Original PlayStation 4
There are five distinct sub-types of the original PlayStation 4. You can tell which one you have by the model number on the back of the device.
CUH-10 is the original launch console, featuring 500GB of storage space.
CUH-11 featured an updated WLAN transceiver, as this could not be rectified with a software update on the previous version. The console featured 500GB of storage space.
CUH-12 reduced the power intake of the device, lowered the weight of the machine and also swapped the touch buttons on the console for physical hard button. The console featured 500GB of storage space.
CUH-11-1TB featured an updated WLAN transceiver, as this could not be rectified with a software update on the previous version. The console featured 1TB of storage space.
CUH-12-1TB reduced the power intake of the device, lowered the weight of the machine and also swapped the touch buttons on the console for physical hard button. The console featured 1TB of storage space.
PlayStation 4 Slim
For the PlayStation 4 Slim there has only ever been one distinct version with two sizes of storage. The best way to check this is to go into the settings menu. Go to storage and see what the max capacity of the device is.
PlayStation 4 Pro
If you have a PlayStation 4 Pro it’s very straightforward to check. The console only ever came in one version. Potentially you may have a special model with a paint job from a collector’s edition, such as God of War or Monster Hunter World, but these only vary on the outside. On the inside they are identical.
PlayStation 4 4k support
All versions of the Playstation 4 can play PlayStation 4 games. The only limitations that exists between the different machines is storage space and 4K support.
Currently the PlayStation 4 Pro is the only version of the device that supports 4k and also has a slightly better processor inside. There is a huge difference in terms of graphical performance in comparison to the original PlayStation 4.
The PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 4 Slim have very little difference aside from look. Unless, of course, you have one of the early models that may suffer from a few WLAN issues, as per the original PlayStation 4.
How to identify your PlayStation 4 conclusion
Now that you know which Playstation 4 you have, you can easily find a good price to sell it. Alternatively, if you are experiencing any issues, to arrange a repair.
If you were looking to get your PlayStation 4 fixed, check out our guide on the most common PlayStation 4 problems and what we can do to help remedy them for you.
PlayStation 4 Pro review
Five after its launch, the PlayStation 4 Pro is still an easy buy for newcomers to the world of Playstation and 4K HDR TV owners but it’s increasingly hard to find. For most, the new PS5 is likely to be the most sensible option for future-proofing.
Pros
- First 4K HDR Sony console
- Larger 1TB hard drive
- The best Pro Mode games look great
Cons
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The PlayStation 4 Pro was Sony’s most powerful console before the launch of the PS5, but even then, it doesn’t take away from the fact the Pro is still a significant bit of gaming kit. Its slick design and 4K capabilities mean it still performs incredibly well, even when compared to its next-gen equivalent.
Now that the PlayStation 4 Pro has been discontinued finding a brand-new one may pose a challenge. Luckily, a pre-owned one isn’t out of the question, and there’s always a chance you may find a decent standard PlayStation 4 bundle, but if you’re looking for the latest specs and gaming experience, looking for PS5 bundles may be a better alternative than just a PlayStation 4 pro.
Our review of the Playstation 4 Pro below details everything you need to know about Sony’s 2016 mid-generation upgrade. We’ve covered the specs, outlined the capabilities and listed some of the games that are great to play. There are other important things to mention too, like whether you should grab a PSVR headset to go along with the PlayStation 4 Pro.
The PlayStation 4 Pro has the same impressive back catalogue of titles as the standard PlayStation 4. The titles released for the PlayStation 4 Pro will continue to work on the original console (as well as the PlayStation 4 Slim). While the PS Now service is now defunct, you can still get a wide library of games with a PS Plus Extra or PS Plus Premium subscription.
The big question is: should I get a PlayStation 4 Pro? That largely depends on what kind of TV you own, and what kind of console you have at the moment. If you don’t yet have a PlayStation 4 console, then the PlayStation 4 Pro gives you 4K capabilities (on some titles) and extra power over the PlayStation 4 Slim, in return for paying a bit more money.
You should also note that Sony’s PlayStation 4 Pro system has a few deficiencies in the home entertainment department: particularly in not having an Ultra HD Blu-ray player installed. If that’s important to you, you might need to look elsewhere. Keep reading for our full review of the PlayStation 4 Pro.
PlayStation 4 Pro: FAQ
What’s the difference between the PlayStation 4 and the PlayStation 4 Pro?
On one hand, there’s isn’t much difference. Both consoles allow you to play the same games, use the same peripherals, and give you access to the same Playstation Store – but when it comes to the look and feel of the games you play, you’re getting a completely different experience.
The PlayStation 4 Pro is Sony’s more premium PlayStation 4 console. It plays games in a higher resolution (4K) and often in High Dynamic Range (HDR). It’s a little more expensive than the regular PlayStation 4 was, but that’s because it uses slightly different hardware to get better results in terms of performance. Check out our guide to the main differences between the PlayStation 4 Pro vs PlayStation 4 for more.
Is the PlayStation 4 Pro true 4K?
Yes, but games will need to receive a PlayStation 4 Pro patch to enable these more detailed resolutions. We only point that last part out because it’s up to game developers themselves to issue those patches and ultimately utilize the more powerful hardware. No PlayStation 4 Pro mode, no PlayStation 4 Pro performance.
Now, it’s worth noting that should you want to see what games in 4K HDR look like, you’re going to need a 4K HDR TV. your old 1080p screen probably won’t see a benefit outside of a few extra frames.
Is it worth buying a PlayStation 4 Pro without a 4K TV?
That depends. Without a 4K TV, you won’t be able to take advantage of the superior viewing offered up by the PlayStation 4 Pro. But the Pro does offer plenty of other benefits for those with 1080p screens. For example, many of the games with Pro patches do boast a sharper image while many also run at higher frame rates compared to the standard PlayStation 4.
What games are native 4K on PlayStation 4 Pro?
Loads of games run 4K natively on the PlayStation 4, including Red Dead Redemption 2, Marvel’s Spider-Man and No Man’s Sky. You can check out our full guide to the best PlayStation 4 Pro games to see them all.
PlayStation 4 Pro: design
- Slightly bigger than standard PlayStation 4
- Additional 3.1 USB port on the rear
- Upgraded Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
We wouldn’t say the PlayStation 4 Pro’s design is a complete copy of the original PlayStation 4’s, there are a lot of similarities – the first being the decision to keep the console a flat parallelogram.
When Sony first unveiled the PlayStation 4 Pro, there were jokes that the system felt like two PS4s stacked on top of one another, but the second you pull the system from the box that observation becomes less of a joke and more a fair observation.
Compared to the original PlayStation 4’s 27.5 x 30 x 5.3 cm package, the PlayStation 4 Pro takes up a bit more shelf space at 29.5 x 32.7 x 5.5 cm (W x L x H). It’s both a little wider and a little taller than the original PlayStation 4, and a fair bit heavier, too (though unless you carry your console around a lot, that’s unlikely to matter).
The system is encased in a matte black shell, similar to the one used on the PlayStation 4 Slim released in September 2016. However, this time around you won’t find rounded corners along the edges – the Playstation 4 Pro is sharp in every sense of the word.
Another design difference is the silver Playstation logo that sits in the center of the top surface, adding a nice touch of elegance. The PlayStation 4 Pro also uses a bulkier female connector on its power cable to draw more power, instead of the generic two-prong cable Sony has traditionally supplied with every PlayStation 4.
On the front of the console, you might notice that there are no touch-capacitive buttons: Sony has decided to ditch the accident-prone pads for more traditional plastic buttons, but they do the job just the same.
Next, let’s talk inputs and outputs. You’ve got two Superspeed USB 3.1 ports on the front of the PlayStation 4 Pro and one on the back, used for syncing and charging controllers, as well as connecting your brand new Playstation VR, should you buy one. HDMI 2.0a, Ethernet, optical audio and Playstation Camera ports line up along the back next to the power connector.
You won’t find an HDMI input port here like you would on the Xbox One, but Sony’s workaround to its cable conundrum, Playstation Vue, is an arguably effective one.
One final point here: while the exterior is nice, Sony has spent more time working on the inside of the console. Inside is a larger 1TB hard drive, which is 500GB more than you’ll find on the original PlayStation 4 or the base model of the PlayStation 4 Slim. There’s also an improved Wi-Fi antenna that uses dual-Band 802.11ac wireless and Bluetooth 4.0 instead of 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1.
While the swapping out of a Wi-Fi antenna may not seem like a big deal, it helps the PlayStation 4 Pro download games faster: a 160MB game (Pac-Man 256) downloaded in under a minute on a 15Mbps connection, something that should have always been the case but wasn’t on the original PlayStation 4.
PlayStation 4 Pro: controller
- Minor changes made
- Can be used in wired or wireless modes
- Light bar added to the front
A new system needs a new PlayStation 4 controller, and Sony obliges here – the controller that ships with the new PlayStation 4 Pro is the same one that will also ship with all Playstation 4 Slim systems going forward.
It is, essentially, a very small iteration on the DualShock 4 controller you’ve probably been using for years. There’s now a light bar built into the touchpad – a nice feature when you don’t want to turn the controller over in your hand to find out what player you are – but more importantly the triggers have been tweaked and it feels a bit lighter in the hand.
Plus, as we pointed out in the Playstation 4 Slim review, the controller can also switch seamlessly between Bluetooth and wired mode when it’s connected to the system via USB cable. While that might not sound like a huge addition, for a pro gamer it can mean the difference between a win (and a pot of esports prize money) or a loss.
PlayStation 4 Pro vs. PlayStation 4 Slim: Which Playstation is Right For You?
In the battle of PlayStation 4 Pro vs. PlayStation 4 Slim, which the best option for you?
Weighing up the PlayStation 4 Pro vs. the PlayStation 4 Slim is still something you may want to consider, even with the PS5 now available. Although the new console has got through the worst of its availability problems, the PlayStation 4 Slim and PlayStation 4 Pro are still offering a compelling gaming experience given they can run some cross-generation games. So picking up one of the last-generation consoles might not seems so strange.
The 299 PlayStation 4 Slim (which is now simply known as PlayStation 4) replaced the original model with a slightly shrunk-down design. The 399 PlayStation 4 Pro is a 4K entertainment machine that can play games and movies in ultra-high resolution.
Read on for a head-to-head between the PlayStation 4 Pro and PlayStation 4 Slim, so if you’re also fed up of not getting a PS5 you’ll know which back-up choice to go for.
PlayStation 4 Pro vs. PlayStation 4 Slim: features
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The PlayStation 4 Slim is the refreshed version of the standard PlayStation 4, with a design that Sony says is 30 percent smaller, 16 percent lighter and consumes 30 percent less power than the launch model. So unless you really need those few inches of extra space, folks who already own a PlayStation 4 have virtually no reason to buy the Slim.
At 299, however, the Slim is the cheapest barrier of entry for aspiring PlayStation 4 owners who want to play Ghost of Tsushima or Death Stranding. Also, the Pro won’t do you much good if you don’t have one of the best TVs with 4K compatibility, so if you don’t already own a 4K TV or don’t have the budget to buy one, go with the Slim.
If you don’t have a PlayStation 4 yet, own a 4K television and can afford to spend a little more, you should absolutely go for the PlayStation 4 Pro. For 100 more, you get a console capable of playing games and streaming movies in 4K resolution.
So should existing PlayStation 4 owners upgrade to the Pro? That’s a tougher call. The ever-growing list of PlayStation 4 Pro enhanced games includes Red Dead Redemption 2, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Horizon: Zero Dawn, Uncharted 4 and Destiny 2, so it all depends on what you play and how badly you want to see those games in shiny 4K. Naturally, due to its extra power, the PlayStation 4 Pro is notably chunkier than the PlayStation 4 Slim, which you may notice if you’re trying to fit it under your TV or in a narrow cubbyhole.
PlayStation 4 Pro vs. PlayStation 4 Slim: Playstation VR and HDR
The Playstation VR headset works on any PlayStation 4, though you’ll get the smoothest virtual reality experience possible on the Pro when getting immersed in games like Tetris Effect and Resident Evil 7.
Both the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 4 Pro support High Dynamic Range for richer, brighter colors on supported TVs. So whether your screen of choice can use HDR or not, it won’t make a difference to your buying decision.
PlayStation 4 Pro vs. PlayStation 4 Slim: Game Library
One thing you won’t have to factor in when choosing your PlayStation 4 is game selection. All current and upcoming PlayStation 4 games work on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 4 Slim and PlayStation 4 Pro — the only difference is they might look a little prettier on the Pro. That means that you’ll get to play excellent exclusives like Spider-Man, God of War and Uncharted 4 as well as third-party blockbusters such as Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare no matter which console you choose. Even new first-party exclusives like God of War Ragnarok are still coming to PlayStation 4.
PlayStation 4 Pro vs. PlayStation 4 Slim: What About the PS5?
If you’re debating between the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 4 Pro, perhaps you’re also wondering whether you should get a PS5. The next-gen Playstation is more powerful, offers new features like its haptics-heavy DualSense controller and 3D audio and comes with some new exclusive games. But it’s more expensive, and difficult to buy due to ridiculously high demand. Besides, it probably won’t come into its own for another year or two yet, once developers have got to grips with making games for the system.
The PlayStation 4 Slim is arguably better to buy right now because it’s cheaper, leaving you more money for the PS5 when you fancy picking one up. However now Sony has ended production of most PlayStation 4 models, you may just accept the wait for the PS5 to come back into stock.
PlayStation 4 Pro vs. PlayStation 4 Slim: Bottom Line
All in all, the PlayStation 4 Slim is a good budget buy, while the PlayStation 4 Pro is a wise choice for gamers with 4K televisions who want the very best experience available. That is, if you want a Playstation right now. Waiting for the PS5 might be a good idea if you want to make more of an investment, albeit a more expensive one, in long-term gaming enjoyment.
You also shouldn’t forget about Microsoft’s offerings either, even if you consider it blasphemy to buy a non-Sony console. There’s the 249 Xbox One S, which has a 4K Blu-ray player and offers HDR gaming, as well as the 499 Xbox One X, which offers even more 4K power than the PlayStation 4 Pro, although it does cost more. Then there’s the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, the next-gen Xbox consoles. Like the PS5, they are more expensive, but will have a longer life overall.
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What are the different PlayStation 4 models?
There was only a single PlayStation 4 500GB model available in 2013 when the Playstation 4 first launched putting all purchasers on a level playing field in terms of memory capability and console potential. When the PlayStation 4 console lifecycle ended in 2021, a whopping 117 million PlayStation 4’s had been sold worldwide, wow!
During the PlayStation 4 lifecycle, there were a further 2 models released, the “slim” and “pro”, which we’ve outlined below including technical specs and the most frequently asked questions about each console. Thankfully, each of the models plays all PlayStation 4 games released, regardless of the model, which means even if you own the original “fat” console from 2013 it’s still compatible with all PlayStation 4 games released up to today!
If you’re having trouble identifying which PlayStation 4 model you own or you’re interested in grabbing a PlayStation 4 for some retro gaming, this guide is for you. Although each PlayStation 4 model can play all PlayStation 4 games, there are subtle differences such as whether your TV is 4K compatible, how much storage you think you’ll need, and whether you plan on introducing PSVR to your home set-up. Whatever your requirements, it’s good to stay informed so you can lay the PlayStation 4 vs PlayStation 4 Pro vs PlayStation 4 Slim debate to rest.
Already know which PlayStation 4 you’re after? Check out our dedicated best PlayStation 4 deals page for all the best offers, just bear in mind that you will only now find “refurbished” or second-hand PlayStation 4’s as they were officially declared as “end of life” by Sony in 2021.
The PS5 is now beginning to be more readily available so If you’re curious about the differences between the PS5 Standard and PS5 Digital Edition consoles we have a handy article covering that exact subject: PS5 Digital vs Disc Edition: What are the major differences?
If you know which PlayStation 4 model you’re interested in, click the console below to jump straight to it:
PlayStation 4 Pro
Console Lifespan: 2016 – 2021Release Price: 399 / £349
Released on 10th November 2016, PlayStation 4 Pro is the newest version of the console. It’s a more powerful version of the original PlayStation 4, with a faster graphics processor and support for 4K and HDR TVs. It plays all the same games as the original PlayStation 4, with improved graphics and performance in certain games that have been specifically developed to make use of this increased functionality.
While the PlayStation 4 Pro is currently the only model capable of playing compatible games in true 4K resolution, those with a standard HDTV will still likely see image improvement thanks to what’s known as High Dynamic Range or HDR. This effectively boosts the vividness of the blacks and whites that sit at opposite ends of the colour spectrum, resulting in higher fidelity graphics as you play.
Even if you don’t have a 4K TV or interest in HDR, the PlayStation 4 Pro is a good choice if you want higher frame rates and detail levels. It’s the PlayStation 4 model most suited to players who want to experience the newest, latest and best. However, it is important to keep in mind that the PS5 is now available and is definitely a huge step up from the PlayStation 4 Pro. Making huge strides in both performance via higher resolutions and framerates whilst also offering super-fast loading thanks to its advanced SSDs.
PlayStation 4 Pro Gallery
(Click to view full size image)
PlayStation 4 Pro Tech Specs
| Dimensions | 295 x 55 x 327 mm |
| Weight | 3.3 kg |
| Processor | CPU: x86-64 AMD “Jaguar”, 8 cores |
| Storage | 1TB |
| Memory | GDDR5 8GB |
| Graphics | GPU: 4.20 TFLOPS, AMD Radeon based graphics engine |
| HDMI resolution and framerate | 4K at up to 60FPS with upscaling. |
| Input/Output | 3x USB 3.1 ports, 1x Aux Port, HDMI out port (Supports 4K/HDR) |
| PSU | 310W |
PlayStation 4 Pro FAQ
The difference between the 500gb PlayStation 4 released at launch and a 4K-ready PlayStation 4 Pro is almost night and day. The two consoles share the same PlayStation 4 game library, but the Pro features an entirely matte chassis design compared to the original PlayStation 4’s glossy top and is the only way to enjoy 4K visuals on Playstation. Read our PlayStation 4 vs PlayStation 4 Pro guide if you have the original PlayStation 4 and you’re considering upgrading to the PlayStation 4 Pro.
Nope, it works with any HDTV. But, if you do have a 4K TV, then some games will display in 4K and, if your TV supports it, HDR. If you don’t have a 4K TV, you’ll still benefit from buying a PlayStation 4 Pro as the framerates will be higher and you’ll notice a higher level of detail and enjoy smoother gameplay.
Nope, PlayStation 4 Pro is limited to regular HD Blu Rays and cannot play UHD 4K Blu Rays.
The PS5 is definitely the way to go if you want the best in power and performance, it is also backward compatible with a majority of PlayStation 4 games so you won’t be missing out on that regard. However, the PlayStation 4 Pro is significantly cheaper and still a fantastic console; but it’s most likely you will have to go down the refurbished/pre-owned route in order to pick one up as they’re rather difficult to find new. Most of Sony’s huge first-party exclusives such as God of War: Ragnarok and Horizon Forbidden West still released with PlayStation 4 versions and we’d expect this to continue for a while due to the sheer number of PlayStation 4 owners. So which one you should buy comes down to your budget and how much you value the improved performance and loading speeds that come with the new PS5 console.
Ps4 vs Ps4 Pro. Comparison Test: Can you tell the difference?
If you’ve been a Playstation 4 gamer for a while, and already amassed a huge game collection, fear not. the PlayStation 4 Pro will still be able to play all of them. You’ll even be tempted to dig out some of your old faves, as some games will have improved performance. Happy days!
It originally launched for slightly higher, but these days you can generally find a Playstation 4 Pro for around £259.99 refurbished (PlayStation 4 refurbished deals can be compared here). The console is hard to find now new due to the fact Playstation have stopped production following the release of the PS5 console.
Even though the PlayStation 4 Pro offers greater performance, there’s no exclusive PlayStation 4 Pro only games planned by Sony. Its policy is quite clear in that all PlayStation 4 games sold will be playable on any PlayStation 4 model you own.
