Well, it appears that at long last, the PS4 era is coming to an end. We all knew this day was coming. It just seems like it’s coming a bit sooner than some might’ve anticipated. That is if these latest rumors are true.

The End of an Era in Sight?

PS4 Slim standing on edge next to a DualShock 4 controller.
I already miss you, PS4. You were a wonderful console.

Sony has just released their latest gaming earnings report for 2022, and it’s a bit revealing about the PS4. Not in what’s there, but in what’s not there. According to original reporter TweakTown, Sony used to report PS4 sales numbers in its own category. In this latest earnings report though, that category no longer exists. Instead, in its place, is a report for PS5 sales. Which, according to Sony, sold about 11.5 million units in 2021.

Now to be fair, a cessation of reporting of PS4 sales figures isn’t a guarantee that Sony is ceasing production of it. Whether in the Slim or the Pro versions. However, it’s pretty damning evidence. Once you stop caring about how many PS4s you’re selling, it’s only a matter of time before you stop making it altogether. That said, this is still technically a rumor based on speculation. Without any official statement from Sony on this subject, you might want to take this with a grain of salt until then.

Probable Death of the PS4: Opinion

The perfect montage video for the PS4’s waning days.

If the life cycle of the PS4 really is coming to an end, it’s a bit of a disappointment. As of this writing, you can’t even find any PS5s available for delivery from online distributors like Amazon. They’re just not available due to low production numbers combined with high demand. If Sony were to discontinue PS4 production this early, then all it would ensure is that there wouldn’t be enough of either PS4s or PS5s to go around for everyone.

It’s even worse if Sony immediately ceases support for the PS4. If developers stop making games for the PS4 this early, all it would ensure is to create an even higher demand for a console that virtually no one even owns. 11.5 million PS5s sounds like a lot until you consider that the US has a population of around 331.9 million people as of the 2021 census. 11.5 million is a drop in the bucket compared to the population that wants a PS5, and it only gets worse when you consider everyone else outside the US who also wants a PS5.

Personally, I think Sony should just keep up production and support for the PS4 for at least a couple more years. At least, until they can be sure that there are enough PS5s available for a reasonably large number of customers. This is just my opinion on the matter though. You may take it with as many grains of salt as you like.

Source: Sony, TweakTown