We all knew the PS4’s days were numbered as soon as Sony launched the PlayStation 5. Now we have the first signs of just how quickly Sony intends to transition away from its last-gen console.
As VGC reports (translated from GameWatch), in Sony’s home territory of Japan, production of all but one PS4 model has ended. The only one that remains is the Jet Black PlayStation 4 Slim, meaning all other models, including the PS4 Pro, will only be available as long as existing stock lasts. It’s important to note that this only applies to Japan for now, with no decision taken yet regarding PS4 production for Western markets.
According to Famitsu, production of the PS4 Pro ended back in September last year and Japanese retailers have been selling through the remaining stock ever since. A spokesperson for Sony Interactive Entertainment has confirmed that, “We will continue to ship the PS4 standard model and continue to focus on the PS4 platform business such as PS4 software titles and peripherals.” So while the hardware is mostly disappearing, software sales will continue, and that’s going to remain the case for a few years yet.
The PS5 continues to be hard to find due to how popular it is proving to be. By discontinuing PS4 models, Sony can ramp up production of its new console using the same production resources. According to GameWatch, that’s exactly why PS4 production is being halted so quickly. Japan has a very healthy used games and gaming hardware market, so there will be no shortage of PS4/PS4 Pro consoles available to buy even after stock of new models dries up.
It seems likely Sony will make the same decision to switch over to PS5 production for other territories soon. The company needs to sell as many PS5 consoles as possible to establish itself for this generation of gaming. Right now, there simply aren’t enough PS5s leaving the production line to keep up with demand.
