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PlayStation 4 support may be nearing its conclusion, yet there's no need to fret if you're still counting on it for Blu-ray disc playback.

Console's Blu-ray playback capabilities remain active on the PS4

PlayStation 4 support potentially nearing termination, reassurance provided for Blu-ray disc users...
PlayStation 4 support potentially nearing termination, reassurance provided for Blu-ray disc users persisting with the console

PlayStation 4 support may be nearing its conclusion, yet there's no need to fret if you're still counting on it for Blu-ray disc playback.

PlayStation 4's Gaming Future Fades, But Its Media Capabilities Remain

As the PlayStation 5 continues to dominate the gaming landscape, its predecessor, the PlayStation 4, is finding a new role as a media-centric device. The PlayStation 4 remains one of the remaining devices that can play Blu-ray movie discs, and despite not supporting 4K Blu-ray discs, it does support HDR10.

The PlayStation 5, on the other hand, supports both 4K Blu-ray disc playback and HDR10. According to various reports, the PlayStation 5's performance with 4K Blu-ray discs is "pretty well," making it an attractive option for movie enthusiasts. Additionally, the PlayStation 5 supports Dolby Atmos for both games and movies, offering an immersive audio experience.

One key difference between the two consoles is the PlayStation 5's solid-state drive, which plays a crucial role in the PS5's speedy performance. The PlayStation 4 does not have this feature, which could be a consideration for those looking to upgrade for media playback purposes.

Despite the PlayStation 5's media capabilities, the PlayStation 4 may still have a place in many households due to its lower cost and continued support for movie playback. Even if gaming support ends, the PlayStation 4 can continue to serve its purpose for movie playback.

However, the gaming landscape is changing, and the PlayStation 4 is gradually losing support from game developers. Major live service games like PUBG and Genshin Impact have announced they will end support for the PlayStation 4 by 2025 and 2026, respectively. This trend is being driven by hardware limitations compared to the PlayStation 5, resource optimization for developers, and a shifting market focus from Sony and publishers.

Despite this, there are still reasons to consider the PlayStation 4 as a budget-friendly option for a Blu-ray player, as it can be found on the second-hand market at a discount compared to its launch price. Additionally, users can access 4K streaming via services like Netflix, Disney Plus, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and more on the PlayStation 4.

In conclusion, while the PlayStation 4's gaming future may be winding down, its media capabilities remain strong, making it a viable option for those looking for a budget-friendly media device.

References:

  1. PUBG to end support for PS4 in 2025
  2. Genshin Impact to end support for PS4 by 2026
  3. Final Fantasy XIV to end PS4 support
  4. Sony refreshes Blu-ray encryption key for PlayStation 3 in March 2021
  5. Sony to cease updates for PS4 after April 2026

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