Sony PS4 Slim 1TB Review: Still Worth Buying in 2024?
Launching nearly a decade ago, the Sony PlayStation PS4 1TB Console continues to pull strong ratings — averaging 4.8–4.9/5 across thousands of reviews — and earns an overall verdict of 9.2/10 from user feedback. From Reddit threads in 2024 to Best Buy ratings and Trustpilot notes, players still praise its exclusive game library, storage capacity, and ease of use, but warn about noise under load and the paid online subscription requirement.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — ideal for casual and mid-core gamers who value exclusives and reliable performance, but less appealing for those chasing top-tier graphics or silent operation.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large 1TB storage for multiple installs | Noticeable fan noise with demanding games |
| Strong exclusive game library | No native 4K on Slim model |
| Slim, compact form factor | Paid online multiplayer via PS Plus |
| Reliable performance over years | Occasional heat buildup reported |
| Good value in used and refurbished market | Controller durability varies |
| Easy setup and user-friendly UI | Frequent game and system updates |
Claims vs Reality
Sony’s marketing promises “incredible games, non-stop entertainment” and “vibrant HDR gaming.” While official specs tout HDR support and up to 1TB storage, users confirm these hold true — but with context. A verified buyer on Best Buy said: “HDR enabled PS4 games burst into life with incredible colour and clarity on an HDR TV,” noting that without the right TV, this benefit is irrelevant.
The company also emphasizes the PS4 Slim’s “slimmer and lighter” design. Reddit user u/ochoseis06 agreed: “Not loud like my first one and runs pretty smoothly,” contrasting it with the launch model’s roar. Yet others found the noise still intrusive: one Redditor warned “playing God of War… that thing was louder than the TV.”
Sony positions 1TB storage as game-changing. Feedback supports this. Havok 1 on Best Buy explained: “I needed more space… traded in my old PS4… the 1TB makes a world of difference.” However, some point out large installs still fill drives quickly, recommending external drives for heavy libraries.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Storage and exclusives dominate the praise. For RPG fans or players avoiding competitive shooters, Reddit threads highlight how the PS4 remains the cheapest gateway to PlayStation’s top-tier library. A Reddit casual gamer noted: “The only reason I want the console is for the PlayStation exclusive games… I’m interested in RPG games with a good story.” This aligns with Best Buy reviewer mark, who ditched Xbox for PS exclusives and “has not been disappointed.”
Ease of use matters to families and non-tech-savvy buyers. Momofagamer described how it kept her 11-year-old connected to friends during stay-at-home orders, regardless of platform. Others appreciated the PS4’s role as a media hub — Trustpilot users mentioned using it for Blu-ray playback and Netflix.
Design and size also earn praise. Eric on Best Buy called it “very quiet and nice and slim,” ideal for small TV setups. From Zavvi, Nate Dogg cited “fantastic graphics and much bigger memory than the standard 500GB” in a console that was “perfect for downloading games and demos.”
Common Complaints
Noise under load is the most consistent complaint. Multiple Reddit users likened it to “a jet engine” when running newer titles. While the Slim is quieter than the launch model, heavy games still trigger fan spikes — particularly in older units.
Paid online multiplayer frustrates casual users. ConsolesHub’s Alan 5475 noted: “You have to pay to play online… worth it if you play regularly… but still an annoyance.” This sentiment repeats across Trustpilot, where even satisfied users mention the PlayStation Plus fee as a downside.
Heat and controller durability surface occasionally. Best Buy reviewer Kandied91z praised cooler operation but called the controller “not as durable.” A few Quora-sourced reviews cited random restarts or lag in the UI compared to older models.
Divisive Features
Graphics quality divides opinion. On one hand, users call HDR and 1080p “beautiful” and “amazing,” especially for the price. On the other, PS4 Slim’s lack of 4K — compared to the PS4 Pro — feels limiting for those with 4K TVs. Reddit user from Mexico declined the Pro due to cost but acknowledged its boost in visual fidelity.
Physical vs digital game preferences also split buyers. Some love the flexibility of downloads given the large drive; others dislike update frequency and limited offline play without internet, as Ashley123 on Best Buy lamented: “Need internet to basically play any game or download it.”
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and long-term Reddit accounts show a pattern of durable performance. One Trustpilot reviewer said: “This console is super reliable… it has stood the time for the past 10 years.” Reddit veterans echo this, with users noting multi-year runs “still running fantastic” after SSD upgrades.
Scam or poor-condition concerns mostly center on third-party sales. Zavvi and Best Choice comparisons highlight satisfaction when buying from reputable sellers — fast delivery and working systems — but Reddit discussions caution about used buys without local testing: “Don’t miss the jet engine noise” as a test before paying.
Alternatives
Community chatter often pivots to the PS4 Pro. While officially launched as a 4K-capable upgrade, Reddit users stress that in the used market, “you can get a Pro for the same price” as a Slim if hunting locally — offering better performance and quieter fans. However, shipping costs and taxes in certain regions spike Pro prices, making Slim more sensible despite lower specs.
The PS5 emerges in discussions as a future-proof option, but buyers like those on ConsolesHub weigh scarcity and cost, with resale opportunities for PS4 if upgrading later.
Price & Value
eBay market data in 2024 shows PS4 Slim 1TB units ranging from ~$149 to $299 USD depending on condition and region. Limited editions, such as “Days of Play,” command higher prices. Resale holds surprisingly strong, aided by its role as an exclusive-game platform with media capabilities.
Buying tips from Reddit:
- Check local marketplaces for Pro bargains.
- Inspect for fan noise before committing.
- Factor in the cost of additional controllers or external drives if buying bundles.
FAQ
Q: Does the PS4 Slim 1TB support 4K gaming?
A: No. It supports up to 1080p with HDR. The PS4 Pro offers 4K upscaling, but the Slim is designed for full HD performance.
Q: How loud is the PS4 Slim compared to the original?
A: Quieter under most loads, but demanding games can still trigger noticeable fan noise. Users liken the original’s roar to a jet engine.
Q: Can you expand PS4 Slim storage easily?
A: Yes. External USB hard drives are supported, making it simple to expand beyond 1TB if needed.
Q: Is PlayStation Plus required for all online play?
A: For most multiplayer titles, yes. Single-player and offline modes do not require the subscription.
Q: How does it handle heat over long sessions?
A: Generally well, but adequate ventilation helps. Some users reported heat buildup in confined spaces.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a story-focused or family gamer seeking reliable performance, strong exclusives, and affordable entry into the PlayStation ecosystem. Avoid if you need native 4K or silent operation for high-load games. Pro tip from Reddit: compare Slim and Pro prices locally — you might get Pro-level performance for Slim money.
