After 12 years of incredible success, the PlayStation 4’s reign is finally coming to a close. In a historic shift, Sony has officially confirmed that the PlayStation 5 now has more monthly active users than the PS4, signaling the true end of an era for one of the most successful gaming consoles of all time.
🎮 A Console That Defined a Generation
The PlayStation 4, launched in 2013, marked a triumphant return to dominance for Sony after the lukewarm start of the PS3. With over 117 million units sold, the PS4 became the fifth-best-selling console in history, surpassing both the original PlayStation and the PS3.
Its library was nothing short of legendary. From God of War to The Last of Us Part II, and Bloodborne to Ghost of Tsushima, the PS4 was home to some of the most celebrated titles in gaming history. The console also benefited from Sony’s aggressive push for exclusivity, enticing Xbox loyalists to jump ship and lock in their digital libraries on PlayStation.
📊 The Shift in Player Base
Despite the PS5’s launch in 2020, the PS4 has consistently maintained a larger active player base—until now. According to Video Games Chronicle, Sony has confirmed that the PS5 has overtaken the PS4 in monthly active users for the first time ever.
This isn’t just a stat—it’s a symbolic turning point. With millions still using their PS4s, the platform remained incredibly resilient. But the recent surge in PS5 availability and exclusive titles has shifted the balance at last.
🛑 What This Means for the PS4
Although the PS4 still sees new game releases and a dedicated user base, this shift marks the beginning of its sunset period. Developers will slowly move away from cross-gen titles. Firmware updates will become less frequent. And eventually, PS4 support will fade entirely, just as it did for the PS3 before it.
That said, Sony is unlikely to pull the plug suddenly. With its massive install base, the PS4 will continue to serve as an entry point for budget-conscious gamers for a few more years. But make no mistake—the focus is now fully on PS5.
🔮 What’s Next for PlayStation?
With this generational handoff now official, Sony can double down on next-gen innovation, including rumored upgrades like the PlayStation 5 Pro. New titles are being built from the ground up for PS5, allowing developers to fully leverage its powerful hardware, DualSense controller features, and lightning-fast SSD. As PS5 exclusives begin to pile up, it’s clearer than ever: the PS4’s time in the spotlight is over.
The end of the PS4 era doesn’t mean forgetting its legacy—it means celebrating it. The console helped define modern gaming and brought unforgettable experiences to millions of players worldwide. Now, a new chapter begins. And for Sony, it’s full speed ahead into the future.