Sony PS4 1TB Gold Slim Review: Strong but Not 4K
A limited edition gold finish, sleek slim design, and a decade-long legacy of exclusive titles have kept the Sony PlayStation 4 1TB Console firmly in demand—earning a solid 9.2/10 from aggregated community ratings.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — a great choice for those focused on PS4 exclusives, couch gaming comfort, and reliable build. Skip if 4K native resolution or future-proofing are priorities.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Impressive 1080p HDR graphics | No native 4K (only PS4 Pro offers upscaled 4K) |
| 1TB storage fits large game libraries | Paid online play via PS Plus |
| Slim, lighter design saves space | Noticeable heat for extended sessions |
| Huge exclusive game library | Occasional noisy fan under high load |
| Reliable performance over years | Controller durability concerns |
Claims vs Reality
Sony markets the PS4 1TB Slim as offering “awesome gaming power” with vibrant HDR, and a compact build that’s “30% smaller, 16% lighter, and 28% more energy efficient” than the launch model. Users largely confirm these size and efficiency gains. Best Buy reviewer “thecentre” praised, “This new slimmed down version… looks absolutely beautiful in gold… not loud, like the original cinder block PS4. Load times… vastly better.”
However, while Sony highlights HDR for richer visuals, this model lacks native 4K. That gap matters most for players with high-end TVs—Best Buy customer “mikes” noted, “The PS4 slim doesn’t include 4K UHD… at HDMI 1080p with HDR, I’m set until the time comes to seek… PS4 Pro or PS5.”
Another claim centers on “incredible games… millions of players worldwide.” Reddit users consistently back the game library strength, with one listing “Horizon Zero Dawn, Persona 5, Nioh, Nier, Bloodborne, Uncharted 4…” as must-play titles. Yet, as ConsolesHub user alan 5475 pointed out, requiring a PS Plus subscription for online multiplayer “annoys me… you pay 50 euro in the year then… get online and various new games.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The standout win: performance durability. Trustpilot data shows customers impressed by longevity—one called it “super reliable… stood the time for the past 10 years” with “graphics… beautiful” and smooth online access. For family gaming, ease-of-use rated highly. A Best Buy reviewer wrote, “Best gaming console I could have bought my son… loads fast… absolutely 10/10.”
1TB storage solves constraints seen with older 500GB units. Reddit users quantify the need: “A game can draw 100GB… with 500GB… hard to download 5 games.” Best Buy’s “black vidya games guy” reaffirmed, “1TB makes a world of difference.”
Style draws love too, especially the gold edition. User “jor carr” highlighted, “Shines just like jewelry… picture doesn’t do it justice.” Design enthusiasts enjoy the slim footprint—functional for small setups and even mounting behind TVs.
Common Complaints
Heat build-up emerged in multiple reviews. While not crippling performance, extended sessions see the slim model run warm. Six Best Buy reviews mention fan noise under load. One PS Games Review recap noted “noisy fan operation during intense sessions” as a recurring point.
Lack of native 4K limits appeal for those with advanced home theater setups. This drives some players toward PS4 Pro or PS5, especially with 4K upscaling’s diminished quality. ConsolesHub discussions also cite frustration over PS Plus costs, especially for irregular gamers who feel online fees add up quickly.
Controllers earn mixed reports: newer DualShock 4 designs have touchpad light integration, but durability questions persist—one Best Buy buyer said the “new controller… isn’t as durable” compared to older models.
Divisive Features
Backwards compatibility sits at the heart of debates. While marketing optimism leans on PS4-to-PS5 cross-generation play, retro gamers lament the inability to run PS3 or older discs. “thecentre” cut to the chase: “Sony still refuses to give us backwards compatibility.”
Social features—Share Play, streaming, second screen—are celebrated by connected gamers, yet irrelevant to solo players who focus purely on disc-based single-player titles. Zavvi UK customer “tomo” described enjoying solo gaming with “voice-only chat… no subscription fee” in certain game contexts.
Trust & Reliability
Durability claims are largely upheld. Multiple Best Buy reviewers note systems performing flawlessly for years, even after heavy daily play. Reddit threads feature owners who’ve kept their PS4s since launch without hardware failure. Zavvi’s “miguel_brito” reinforced, “Sony top quality console… plenty of space… recommend it for the players.”
That said, isolated shipping mishaps occur, like “havok 1” receiving a box with a damaged corner—no impact on console function, but disconcerting for collectors. Trustpilot reviews raise no systemic scam issues; most concerns are minor and quickly resolved via retailer support.
Alternatives
When considering alternatives, community discussions focus on PS4 Pro and PS5. PS4 Pro adds upscaled 4K and marginally better FPS, but still falls short of native next-gen capabilities. PS5 offers backwards compatibility with PS4 discs and major upgrades—though scarcity keeps its price high. For buyers unconcerned with 4K, the PS4 1TB Slim remains more affordable while retaining access to the vast PS4 game catalog.
Price & Value
At launch, limited edition gold units retailed near $249–$299 with bundles like Marvel’s Spider-Man. On resale markets like eBay, pre-owned prices vary from ~$100 for console-only units to $400+ for rare designs. Persistent demand means strong resale value—condition, edition, and accessories heavily influence price.
Buying tips from Reddit and Trustpilot users:
- Watch for holiday bundles with extra games
- Avoid 500GB if you play multiple AAA titles due to storage strain
- Verify PS Plus costs in your budget if online multiplayer matters
FAQ
Q: Can the PS4 Slim output native 4K?
A: No—this model maxes at 1080p, though it supports HDR. For native 4K, upgrade to PS4 Pro or PS5.
Q: Does the PS4 1TB work with PSVR?
A: Yes—users confirm smooth performance with PSVR games like Beat Saber, provided setup follows Sony guidelines.
Q: How long does a PS4 console typically last?
A: Many owners report reliable use for 5–10 years with proper maintenance and occasional cleaning.
Q: Can you use PS4 controllers on PC?
A: Yes—with either USB cable or Bluetooth and software support like Sony’s DualShock 4 adapter.
Q: Is online play free?
A: No—multiplayer requires a paid PlayStation Plus subscription, though single-player and media streaming stay free.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a gamer who values Sony exclusives, reliable long-term performance, and a slim console that suits living room or bedroom setups without native next-gen ambitions. Avoid if your priority is 4K display utilization or you want full backwards compatibility. Pro tip from community members: choose the 1TB over the 500GB model to comfortably fit today’s sprawling game installs.
