💻 1. Key Specifications
- CPU: Custom 8-core AMD Jaguar @ 1.6 GHz (2.13 GHz on PS4 Pro) .
- GPU:
- Base/Slim: AMD Radeon GCN (18 CUs, 1.84 TFLOPS @ 800 MHz) .
- Pro: Upgraded GCN (36 CUs, 4.2 TFLOPS @ 911 MHz) with 4K upscaling/HDR support .
- Memory: 8 GB GDDR5 RAM + 256 MB DDR3 background RAM (1 GB DDR3 on Pro) .
- Storage: 500 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB HDD (user-replaceable) .
- Connectivity: HDMI 1.4a (2.0b on Pro), USB 3.1, Ethernet, Wi-Fi 802.11ac (5 GHz on Pro) .
- Power Consumption: 165W (base), 230W (Slim), 310W (Pro) .
📦 2. Models & Design Evolution
| Model | Key Features | Dimensions & Weight |
|---|---|---|
| PS4 (2013) | Glossy/matte finish, touch-sensitive buttons, slot-loading Blu-ray drive | 305 × 275 × 53 mm; 2.8 kg |
| PS4 Slim (2016) | Matte finish, mechanical buttons, 28% lighter, 16% smaller | 265 × 39 × 288 mm; 2.1 kg |
| PS4 Pro (2016) | 4K/HDR gaming, 2× GPU power, 1 TB HDD, quieter cooling (CUH-7200 revision) | 295 × 55 × 327 mm; 3.3 kg |
🎮 3. Key Features & Technologies
- DualShock 4 Controller:
- Integrated touchpad, lightbar, speaker, and motion sensors .
- Share button for screenshots/video clips; 3.5mm headset jack .
- Gaming Enhancements:
- PS4 Pro: Supersampling (sharper visuals on HD TVs), faster frame rates, improved draw distances/vivid textures .
- HDR Support: Added via firmware update (2016) for compatible games/TVs .
- Social & Streaming:
- Remote Play (stream to Vita/PC), Share Play (co-op via cloud), 1080p broadcasting .
- Backward Compatibility: Supports digital PS2 classics; no native PS3 compatibility .
🕹️ 4. Exclusive Games & Library
- Critically Acclaimed Titles:
- The Last of Us Part II (award-winning narrative), God of War (2018), Marvel’s Spider-Man (20M+ sales) .
- Bloodborne, Horizon Zero Dawn, Ghost of Tsushima .
- Services:
- PlayStation Plus: Free monthly games, online multiplayer access .
- PS Now: Game streaming (discontinued in 2024; merged with PS Plus Premium) .
📊 5. Market Impact & Legacy (2005 Update)
- Sales: >117 million units (as of 2022), making it the second best-selling PlayStation console after PS2 .
- Longevity:
- Production continued until 2025 in developing markets due to PS5 chip shortages .
- Used units widely available (~$100–$250); digital store still active .
- Competitive Edge:
- Outperformed Xbox One in GPU power and exclusives; Xbox led in backward compatibility/services (Game Pass) .
- PS4 Pro’s 4K capabilities countered Xbox One X’s native 4K but lacked UHD Blu-ray support .
⚙️ 6. Technical Innovations
- APU Design: Unified AMD CPU/GPU on 28nm TSMC process; “most powerful APU” at launch (2013) .
- Memory Bandwidth: 176 GB/s (base) → 217.6 GB/s (Pro) via faster GDDR5 clocks .
- Thermal Management: Revisions (e.g., CUH-7200) reduced noise via improved fans/thermal paste .
💎 Conclusion
The PS4 redefined console gaming with its developer-friendly architecture, social integration, and blockbuster exclusives. Its iterative Pro model set benchmarks for mid-gen upgrades, while the Slim extended accessibility.
Even in 2025, it remains a viable entry point for budget gamers, supported by a robust library and ongoing digital services. For full specs or game lists, visit PlayStation Official or TechPowerUp GPU Database .