Sony PS4 1TB Slim Review: Still Worth Buying in 2025?
Unlikely as it may seem for a console released in 2013, the Sony PlayStation PS4 1TB Console still commands loyalty in 2025—earning an impressive 9.6/10 across aggregated scores. It’s consistently praised for “beautiful graphics & super reliability” as a verified Best Buy customer put it, and for some, it’s “perfect for small time gamers” who want accessible fun without the hunt for a PS5. While its age shows in 4K limitations, its blend of exclusive titles, sturdy build, and ample storage has kept it relevant.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — Excellent for casual to mid-core gamers, families, and those seeking PlayStation exclusives without the price or scarcity of PS5.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Gorgeous graphics at 1080p HDR | No native 4K |
| Reliable performance over years | Occasional heat/noise under heavy use |
| Large 1TB storage for game libraries | Requires paid PS Plus for online multiplayer |
| Slim, lighter design | Controller durability concerns |
| Strong exclusive game catalog | 1TB can fill quickly for heavy gamers |
| Affordable compared to newer consoles | Limited backward compatibility |
Claims vs Reality
Sony markets the PS4 1TB Slim as delivering “incredible games & non-stop entertainment” in a compact, lighter form with vibrant HDR. Digging deeper into user reports, the HDR indeed delivers richer colors—Best Buy customers describe “incredible colour and clarity” on compatible TVs. Yet while HDR lives up to its billing, multiple owners point out the absence of true 4K gaming, noting that “although the PS4 Slim doesn’t include 4K UHD resolution like its PS4 Pro successor, at HDMI 1080p with HDR, I’m set until… the PS4 Pro or PS5.”
Storage capacity is another marketing claim—1TB intended to alleviate space concerns. For family setups or moderate gamers, it’s a success. One Best Buy reviewer said, “I’m glad I waited and didn’t buy the 500GB model… some games take 50-80GB.” However, heavy users filling libraries with AAA titles report hitting limits fast. A Trustpilot reviewer cautioned, “the 1TB hard drive can fill up quickly with a large game library.”
The ‘slimmer, lighter’ promise is met with near-universal acclaim. Customers appreciate how “it doesn’t take much space, lightweight,” and improved energy efficiency is silently appreciated. Amazon.de data shows the revised architecture reduced dimensions by 30% and weight by up to 25%, with power consumption cuts up to 34% compared to launch models—features that small apartment dwellers and frequent movers find particularly useful.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Graphics and performance dominate the praise, with buyers calling visuals “stunning” and framerates smooth even years into use. For mid-core gamers wanting immersive detail in exclusives like Horizon Zero Dawn, the console delivers that at a fraction of PS5 cost. Reddit user feedback reinforces this, with one player stating: “It’s nice to relax in my recliner and play awesome exclusives like Horizon and Persona 5.”
Reliability emerges as a long-term strength. A Best Buy customer proudly asserted their PS4 “has stood the time for the past 10 years.” Families benefit from its stability—multiple reviews cite it as “the best gaming system I could have bought my son… loads fast, very simple and not bulky.”
Exclusive titles shape its enduring value. Stories blossom around franchise loyalty: one Reddit user reminisced about moving from PS3 to PS4 “all the way” without regret, citing extensive must-play titles like Bloodborne and Uncharted 4. This library remains a magnetic pull for anyone locked into PlayStation’s ecosystem.
Storage convenience earns points. The larger drive enables multiple installs without constant deletes, appreciated when handed to kids or used in multi-gamer households. A buyer with dual systems said, “I got 2—one for me and one for my kids. Great graphics and huge amounts of memory.”
Common Complaints
Heat generation during long, intensive sessions is a recurring annoyance. A Best Buy reviewer flagged summer overheating as an issue with older designs, even in Slim form. Noise, while less frequent, is noted: “Noisy fan operation during intense gaming sessions,” reported in one review aggregation.
The lack of backward compatibility is a sticking point for players with older collections. Enthusiasts lament no native PS3 disc play, relegating these titles to streaming via PlayStation Now. Reviewer “thecentre” loved the gold Slim but admitted, “Sony still refuses to give us backwards compatibility.”
Paid online multiplayer via PS Plus remains divisive, seen by casual players as an extra cost that discourages frequent online play. One Trustpilot customer noted the “need for a paid online subscription” as a drawback alongside missing 4K support.
Controller durability has some detractors. Reports of “controller sticking” surface in multiple threads, leading users to replace or repair more often than expected.
Divisive Features
Color and special editions polarize buyers—some will pay premium for limited finishes, others view it as unnecessary. Best Buy gold edition owners gush over aesthetics: “The gold shines just like jewelry.” Yet some, like reviewer abbiej, found that despite loving the look, performance felt “slower” compared to an older 500GB model.
Energy efficiency and smaller footprint win over urban gamers but matter little to rural owners with ample space. External storage compatibility is embraced by power users but irrelevant to minimalists who rarely install more than a handful of titles at once.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot-sourced feedback shows high satisfaction with deliveries from official retailers—“fast delivery, works perfectly” said shay on Zavvi UK—alongside praise for smooth transactions even via third-party sellers. Concerns about packaging emerge in edge cases, such as jwalt’s gripe about no “this way up” branding on fragile item boxes, though damage was rarely reported.
Long-term durability threads on Reddit reveal consoles lasting nearly a decade with little degradation. Owners emphasize consistent boot-up speeds and sustained online connectivity, particularly compared to earlier Pro models that “would always disconnect off the wi-fi” per one Best Buy user. The Slim variant earns specific credit for running “much cooler and draws less power.”
Alternatives
The PS4 Pro surfaces in discussions as the logical step-up for those wanting 4K HDR gaming. While the Pro delivers improved visuals, users who have both often emphasize value differences—Slim’s lower noise profile and lighter build appeal more to casual players. Competitors like Xbox One offer backward compatibility but lack PS exclusives that anchor PlayStation loyalty.
For those purely chasing minimal entry price, discontinued 500GB Slim units occasionally trade cheaper, but several reviews caution against smaller drives due to space constraints in modern gaming.
Price & Value
Current resale prices on eBay and other marketplaces vary widely—from sub-$100 for parts-only units to $400+ for mint-condition limited editions. Market patterns show bundled deals with multiple controllers or games commanding higher bids. Community tips suggest buying during major sales events or targeting special colors at base price, then reselling later for collectors’ premiums.
Reddit mentions the gold 1TB at $250 as “an awesome deal,” and Best Buy sale watchers saved “a ton” during Black Friday. Notably, the Slim retains respectable resale value compared to many consoles its age, aided by sustained demand among casual gamers and families.
FAQ
Q: Can the PS4 Slim output 4K video?
A: No, the PS4 Slim only supports up to 1080p resolution with HDR. For native 4K gaming, users need a PS4 Pro or PS5.
Q: Is PS Plus required for all online gaming?
A: Yes, most multiplayer games require an active PS Plus subscription, though free-to-play titles like Fortnite are exceptions.
Q: How much space does a typical AAA game take up?
A: Many modern blockbusters occupy 50–80GB, meaning a heavy gamer can fill 1TB faster than expected.
Q: Can I play PS3 discs on PS4 Slim?
A: No, the PS4 lacks backward compatibility for PS3 discs. PS3 titles can be streamed via PlayStation Now.
Q: Does the PS4 work well with PlayStation VR?
A: Yes, several reviewers report quick, responsive gameplay in VR titles like Beat Saber when using PS VR with PS4 Slim.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a casual-to-mid-core player, a family seeking a stable entertainment hub, or someone wanting to dive into PlayStation’s exclusive catalog without chasing PS5 stock. Avoid if native 4K or full backward compatibility is critical to you. Pro tip from the community: aim for seasonal discounts or special edition colors, and you might turn your purchase into a future collector’s item.
