Microsoft Xbox (First generation)

The PlayStation 4/Pro  is powered by an Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) developed by AMD in collaboration with Sony. This APU integrates a central processing unit (CPU) and graphics processing unit (GPU), along with a memory controller and video decoder. The CPU comprises two 28 nm quad-core Jaguar modules, totaling eight 64-bit x86-64 cores, seven of which are available for game developers. The GPU includes 18 compute units, delivering a theoretical peak performance of 1.84 teraflops. The system's GDDR5 memory runs at a maximum clock frequency of 2.75 GHz (5500 MT/s) and offers a maximum memory bandwidth of 176 GB/s. The console features 8 GB of GDDR5 memory, which is 16 times more than the RAM in the PS3, providing the PS4 with significant longevity.

Additionally, the PS4 includes secondary custom chips to handle downloading, uploading, and social gameplay tasks, allowing these to run smoothly in the background during gameplay or while the system is in sleep mode. An audio module supports in-game chat and numerous audio streams. All PS4 models support high dynamic range (HDR) color profiles.

The console's read-only optical drive can read Blu-ray Discs at speeds three times faster than its predecessor. It also features a hardware zlib decompression module. The original PS4 model supports up to 1080p and 1080i video standards, while the PS4 Pro model supports 4K resolution. The console comes with a 500-gigabyte hard drive for additional storage, which users can upgrade. System Software 4.50, released on March 9, 2017, enabled the use of external USB hard drives up to 8 TB for additional storage.

Connectivity options for the PS4 include Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and two USB 3.0 ports. It also has an auxiliary port for the PlayStation Camera, a motion detection device first introduced with the PS3. A mono headset, which connects to the DualShock 4 controller, is included with the system. Audio/video output options include HDMI and optical S/PDIF audio, though the console lacks an analog audio/video output.

The PS4 features a "Rest mode" that places the console in a low-power state, allowing users to resume games or apps immediately upon waking the console. During this state, the console can also download content like game and OS updates.

Development of Sony's fourth video game console, the PlayStation 4, began as early as 2008, according to lead architect Mark Cerny. This initiative followed the delayed launch of the PlayStation 3, which had placed Sony almost a year behind Microsoft’s Xbox 360. To avoid similar issues, Sony sought input from software developer Bungie to improve the controller for shooting games and began shipping development kits, known as "Orbis" to developers in 2012.

The PlayStation 4 was officially announced at the PlayStation Meeting 2013 in New York City on February 20, 2013, revealing its hardware, features, and real-time game footage. The console's design and initial prices were unveiled at E3 2013. Sony emphasized the PS4's affordability and ease of media sharing, contrasting it with Microsoft’s more expensive and restrictive Xbox One.

The PS4 launched on November 15, 2013, in the US and Canada, followed by additional releases in other regions by the end of the year and in Japan on February 22, 2014. Subsequent price cuts were made in 2015. In June 2016, Sony announced the PlayStation 4 Pro, a higher-end model supporting 4K gameplay.

PlayStation 4 games are available both on Blu-ray Disc at retail and as digital downloads through the PlayStation Store. These games are not region-locked, allowing titles purchased in one region to be played on consoles worldwide. Players can also log into any PS4 console to access their entire digital game library. All games must be installed on the console's storage. The "PlayGo" system lets users start playing portions of a game, like opening levels, once the installation or download reaches a certain point, with the rest downloading or installing in the background. Game and system software updates also download in the background or while the console is in standby mode.

Sony plans to let users browse and stream games via Gaikai, enabling almost instantaneous demos. They are committed to releasing more free-to-play games, including titles like PlanetSide 2 and War Thunder. Additionally, Sony has made it easier for independent developers to release games on the PS4 by allowing self-publishing, eliminating the need to rely on third-party distributors.

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