The current generation of video game consoles has been around for awhile now, but this Christmas is the best time to finally put down that PS3 or 360 controller and finally get a PlayStation 4. Whether you’re looking to buy a new console for yourself or a loved one, you can’t go wrong with the PS4 thanks to its lower price tag (compared with its main rival, the Xbox One) a variety of exclusive games and accessories, and a more mature gaming experience (when compared with its other rival, the Wii U). Let’s explore why the PlayStation 4 is the best gaming console to buy this Christmas.
So when you unbox your new PS4, what will you be getting? Here’s a quick overview:
- One Sony PS4 console
- One DualShock 4 controller (USB charger included)
- One HDMI cable
- One AC power cord
- One Ethernet cable
- One headset/mic
This is basically everything you need to start playing the console directly out of the box, especially since almost every PS4 comes bundled with at least one game. As far as the tech specs for the console itself, this is everything you need to know about the PS4:
CPU: 8 Cores/Threads, runs at a base clock speed of 1.6 Ghz on a 2.75 Ghz capable chip, 2×2 Mb shared L2 cache, 28 nm manufacturing process, background processing for recording gameplay.
GPU: AMD Radeon based graphics engine with 8 cores, clocked at 800 MHz
Memory: 8 gigs of GDDR5
Frequency: 5500 MHz
Storage Size: 500 gig hard disk drive, 5200 RPM
System Memory Bus: 256-bit
System Memory Bandwidth: 176 GB/s
Disc Drive: Blurays and DVDs
AV Output: 720p and 1080p supported through one HDMI port and one optical port
Input/Output: Two USB 3.0 ports, one aux port
Networking: 1 Ethernet port, IEEE 802. 11b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
External Dimensions: 275 x 53 x 305 mm
Mass: 6.2 lbs
If you don’t know a ton about what all these numbers mean, that’s not important- all you really need to worry about is to make sure that you have an HDTV with an HDMI or optical port to play the console, and if you want to play online, you’ll need WiFi or a nearby modem/router.
The PS4 Exclusive Games You Need to Know About
Of course, a console is only as good as its games, and the PS4 has plenty of exclusives that make it a worthwhile purchase over the Xbox One, Wii U and even the PC. There are a ton of different games in a variety of genres, so there’s truly something for everyone. For a good idea of what games you may like, check out this list below:
The Last of Us Remastered– One of the best games of the last generation, theTLoU remake is an epic journey through a post-apocalyptic world that will pull you into the story right from the opening sequence. It’s sometimes sad, often tense, and every once in a while will make you smile… and you won’t forget a single second of the experience.
Infamous: Second Son– The sequel to another great PS3 exclusive, Second Son is a game with an intriguing story in which you take control of a unique and very powerful man as you wreak havoc all across an open world sandbox. It looks and feels great as you play, and is definitely a must-play for anyone who loves open worlds and super powers.
Bloodborne– for fans of dark fantasy that love a good challenge, Bloodborne is the perfect game. If you’ve played or heard of Dark Souls or Demons Souls, you’ll be pleased to know that Bloodborne is very similar- it’s a game where you will die a lot, but overcoming a certain boss or area will make you feel incredibly accomplished.
Killzone Shadow Fall– An exclusive for the FPS crowd, Shadow Fall is the latest entry in the Killzone series, and it brought shooters into the next generation in a very big way. With both a great campaign and challenging multiplayer, there’s a lot to enjoy when it comes to Shadow Fall.
Until Dawn– Open world, parkour and zombies mix very well, as Until Dawn will prove once you boot it up for the first time. There’s a ton of depth here, and the cooperative modes allow you to enjoy the zombie-filled sandbox with a friend so that you don’t have to face the danger alone.
All the Best PS4 Exclusive Accessories
Once you’ve set up your console and started playing your first exclusive game, you may be interested in picking up some accessories in order to take your gaming experience to the next level. The PS4 has a plethora of great accessories available, and this is a list of some of the best ones:
PlayStation Camera– A fantastic addition to your console, the PlayStation Camera allows you to play games like Just Dance or record yourself playing for Twitch streams or YouTube videos. You can also video chat with other friends who also own their own camera.
A Second Controller– There are plenty of great multiplayer games for the PS4, and having a second controller will allow you and a friend to enjoy many of them on the same console. Players of sports games, shooters, racing games, and more can all take advantage of a second DualShock 4.
PlayStation Gold Headset– the one downside of the PS4 is that the headset that comes with it isn’t all that great. Buying the officially Sony licensed PlayStation Gold Headset is a great idea because it gives you the ultimate balance between communication, game audio, and outside noise cancellation.
Charging Station– the PS4 only comes with one charging cable, so if you own more than one controller, the best way to charge all of them at once is to buy a charging station. These can be set up right next to your console in order to both display and charge the controllers at the same time.
Credits: Images made by Jay Allsopp.
This post didnt have a specific author and was published by PS4 Home.