Sony PS4 Slim 1TB Review: Still Worth Buying?
The Sony PlayStation PS4 1TB Console has earned an exceptional 9.5/10 score from aggregated user feedback, riding on a decade-long run of strong performance, exclusive games, and solid value. Despite next-gen competition from the PS5, thousands of buyers still see the PS4 as the sweet spot for casual and dedicated gamers alike. As one verified Best Buy customer put it: “For those just getting back into PlayStation or can’t get ahold of a PS5, this PS4 slim is fantastic! I love playing games like Spider-Man and God of War on this console.”
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — ideal for gamers prioritizing exclusive titles, affordability, and reliable performance, but less compelling for those needing 4K or future-proofing.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ample 1TB storage for games and media | No native 4K support |
| Strong library of exclusives | Paid subscription required for online multiplayer |
| Slim, energy-efficient design | Occasional heat and fan noise under load |
| Smooth performance and intuitive UI | Frequent game updates can be time-consuming |
| Affordable compared to PS5 | Controller design not universally loved |
Claims vs Reality
Sony’s marketing promises “incredible games, non-stop entertainment” and “vibrant HDR technology.” While HDR visuals are indeed praised, the absence of native 4K is notable for users expecting next-gen-level fidelity. A Trustpilot reviewer explained, “Although the PS4 slim doesn’t include 4K UHD… at HDMI 1080p with HDR, I’m set until the time comes to seek new NOS with the added resolution in form of the PS4 Pro or PS5.”
Another claim is “store your games, apps, screenshots and videos with up to 1TB,” which aligns with most user experiences. Best Buy buyer black vidya games guy stated, “The 1TB makes a world of difference… I traded in my old PS4 and I’m glad I did.”
Sony also touts “fast and quiet operation,” but community feedback shows mixed reality. While many owners describe the PS4 as “quiet and smooth,” some report intermittent fan noise. A review on PSGamesReview noted “noisy fan operation during intense gaming sessions,” particularly in graphic-heavy titles.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
A recurring theme across Amazon, Best Buy, and Reddit threads is the console’s exclusive game lineup. Titles like Horizon Zero Dawn, Persona 5, and God of War are repeatedly cited as purchase drivers. Reddit user said: “It’s nice to relax in my recliner and play awesome exclusives like Horizon and Persona 5.”
The 1TB storage solves a major pain point from early 500GB models. Best Buy customer Tito praised the upgrade: “Double the storage to store my digital games… you won’t have to deal with the fan struggling on startup after 6 months.”
Slimness and energy efficiency are appreciated in small spaces. A Best Buy review reads: “Love how slim this PS4 is and it doesn’t take up any space at all. Works well and will guarantee!” Multiple buyers also enjoy its role as a family entertainment hub — streaming movies, music, and video alongside gaming.
Ease of use is repeatedly affirmed. As Ashley123 shared: “There are games for all ages and types! Very easy to use… overall I am very satisfied.”
Common Complaints
Heat generation and occasional noise under load are the most consistent negatives. Trustpilot feedback cites “issues with heat and noise” even on the slim model, though these rarely prevent gameplay.
The lack of 4K native gaming is a letdown for graphics-focused buyers, especially given HDR marketing. One Best Buy customer lamented, “I have a 4K Sony TV and I do not like that it won't turn my TV on by just turning on the system like the old one did.”
Frequent updates are another annoyance for some: Valm noted, “The only downside would be the constant updates needed for games but it may be the actual games and not the system.”
Online multiplayer’s paywall via PlayStation Plus is a barrier for casual players, with multiple users surprised by the subscription requirement.
Divisive Features
The controller redesign draws mixed sentiments — many praise its ergonomics and touchpad feedback, but others prefer the prior DualShock feel. A PSGamesReview analysis found “some users may find the controller’s new design takes time to get used to.”
Color variants like gold or Days of Play editions inspire strong fandom, with All gold everything admitting: “I got it mainly for the color… now I’m just waiting for the CoD green version to release.” For others, cosmetic flair is irrelevant compared to performance metrics.
Trust & Reliability
Digging into long-term accounts, PS4 durability impresses. Trustpilot and Best Buy users cite reliability over years of use. One buyer summed it up: “This console is super reliable, it has stood the time for the past 10 years.”
Even after heavy use, most report consistent performance without major hardware failures. However, as Ochoseis06 shared, upgrading from a first-gen model solved loudness issues, implying newer slim models are refined.
On packaging and delivery trust, a few noted minor shipping damages, but no actual console harm. Zavvi UK’s Jwalt noted “third party packaging… didn’t even indicate which way was up” but still received a flawless unit.
Alternatives
From buyer mentions, the notable alternatives are PS4 Pro and PS5. The Pro offers 4K, making it attractive for UHD owners, while the PS5 provides future-proof hardware but at higher cost and lower availability. Some users, like black vidya games guy, intentionally skipped Pro for the slim’s cooler operation and lower profile.
Xbox is occasionally mentioned, often as a prior platform for switchers. Mark, a Best Buy reviewer, moved from Xbox due to superior PS exclusives: “The PS exclusives are far superior than Xbox.”
Price & Value
Community consensus situates the PS4 Slim 1TB around $250–$300 new (often discounted for limited edition colors), with used units on eBay ranging $105–$220 depending on condition. Limited editions like gold or themed bundles can command a premium.
Resale value remains strong due to continued demand and backward compatibility via PS5 digital library support. Reddit users advise timing purchases around seasonal sales. One early adopter crowed, “$250… is a steal for something this great.”
FAQ
Q: Can the PS4 Slim 1TB play 4K games?
A: No — it supports HDR at 1080p. For native 4K, you’d need a PS4 Pro.
Q: Is PlayStation Plus required for streaming services?
A: No — services like Netflix work without Plus, but online multiplayer does need it.
Q: How quiet is the PS4 Slim compared to older models?
A: Significantly quieter for most, though some report fan noise during intense sessions.
Q: Can I use the DualShock 4 with my PC?
A: Yes — it requires either USB connection or the official wireless adapter/software.
Q: Does the PS4 Slim support PS3 discs?
A: No — but PS3 titles can be streamed via PlayStation Now.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a gamer who values exclusives, reliable hardware, and an affordable entry into PlayStation’s ecosystem. Avoid if you demand 4K fidelity or intend to future-proof for the next five years. Community pro tip: wait for holiday sales or special color editions to maximize value — “Gold looks better in person,” as one Best Buy user noted.
