Tips for Newcomers Buying a PlayStation 4

You’ve done the research, you’ve saved up the cash, and now it’s time to invest in your PlayStation 4. Get ready to jump into a whole new universe of gaming excitement— but first, you have to buy the console, the controllers, and the games. So take a deep breath and save the excitement for the hours after you set it up. Here’s your go-to guide to buying your PS4.

Look for a Good Deal

Buying a gaming console is already a big investment, and every bit you can save on the console itself means more money for peripherals and games. Take some time to shop around at local electronics stores, or go online and check out the PS4 prices on reputable sites that sell electronics. Better yet, wait until Black Friday and try to score an unbelievable deal. If you can’t wait that long, but you really want a great deal, how about purchasing a pre-owned or refurbished PS4? Make sure that the seller has good feedback and a complete listing of how old the system is, how it has been used, and what comes with it.

Find a Limited Edition Bundle

Sometimes, you can find limited edition bundles that include the PS4 console, a controller, and a game. For example, in March 2016, you’ll see the Limited Edition “Uncharted 4” PlayStation 4 bundle available for pre-order. The PS4 itself, along with the controller, feature a design and gray-blue color scheme taken from the “Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End” game art. Another Limited Edition Bundle includes “Destiny: The Taken King“, with a white controller and a PS4 console featuring a partial map of the in-game world, along with a coat of arms. Having a unique PS4 is an immediate added coolness factor— not to mention the fact that you’ll have a head start on collecting games and controllers.

Buy New Gear

Maybe you have a perfectly decent pair of headphones, but buying your first PS4 is the ideal time to get an even better pair. You want to thoroughly enjoy the audio potential of your new console, and a snazzy new noise-canceling, high-end, comfortable PS4 headset is the way to do it. Add in a Universal Media Remote for PlayStation 4 and stock up on DualShock 4 controllers, and you’ll be all set. Importantly, if you’re going to use digital media often, then you should invest by upgrading the PS4 HDD. You also find many more PS4 accessories to combine with your new console.

Grab the Exclusives

It’s a good bet that you’re picking the PS4 not only because of its superb hardware and performance, but because of its exclusive content. The PS4 has some games that you cannot play any other way— games like (some are coming soon and available for pre-order) The Last Guardian, Ratchet and Clank, Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, Bloodborne, No Man’s Sky, GT Sport, and many more. Stock up on these must-have games and then invite your friends who own an Xbox One to come over and play with you so they can drool over your PS4 and its capabilities.

Think Ahead

When you’re buying the PS4 and adding all the necessary accessories to your cart, keep in mind that the PlayStation VR (Virtual Reality) technology is on the way, slated to arrive sometime in 2016. Reserve some space in your budget to grab PSVR for when it arrives.