Buying guide for Best PS4 games
Sony’s PlayStation 4 console is a fan favorite worldwide – but the sheer volume of PS4 video game choices can feel overwhelming. Perhaps you are looking for heart-pounding, first-person-shooter action. Perhaps the latest title in a favorite franchise is more your style. Regardless of your genre preferences, be sure to pick the right PlayStation 4 games using our advice.
PS4 game lingo
If you’re shopping for PS4 games, it’s important to understand certain terminology. Knowing what each feature does and doesn’t do will help you narrow down your choices.
Couch co-op games: A couch co-op game is a game that supports multiple players who are all playing from a single console.
Online play: A game designated as “online play” can connect you to players around the world for multiplayer gaming matches, special missions, and other game content.
ESRB: The ESRB is the Electronic Safety Ratings Board, an independent group that rates video games similarly to how the Motion Picture Association of America rates movies. Many games aren’t suitable for children, so pay close attention to the ESRB rating of any game you are considering for a child.
Dual shock: This is Sony’s name for the company’s vibrating controller feature. Certain titles can make the controller rumble at key moments in the game.
Expert Tip
Some players feel comfortable using video game “cheats” and others don’t. If you want a little boost in your PS4 game, it’s fairly easy to find cheats and hints online to help you.
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Discs vs. downloads
There are two ways to buy games for your PlayStation 4: you can buy traditional discs from a retailer, or you can download games from Sony directly to your console. Each method has advantages and drawbacks.
Downloaded games
Downloaded games can’t get damaged, scratched, or otherwise rendered unplayable the way that discs can. In addition, downloaded games get associated with your user account, meaning they never get lost and are easily retrieved if you upgrade your console.
However, digitally delivered games can’t be traded or resold, so they hold no resale value. They also require you to have enough storage space on your console to hold them, which can be a challenge for gamers with large collections.
Disc games
Disc-based games are exactly what they sound like: physical copies of PlayStation 4 games. Many collectors and PlayStation aficionados enjoy the artwork and packaging included, and PlayStation 4 discs can be easily traded or resold. While disc-based games tend to be a bit fragile – one scratch can ruin a decent investment – they can be played without requiring any local storage.
Did you know?
Many disc-based PS4 games may be installed locally to your PlayStation 4 console to speed up the game’s performance. Installing a game locally isn’t required and will take up hard drive space, so choose which games to install wisely.
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The video game pricing cycle
Most PS4 games follow the same pricing cycle.
For the first six months, PS4 games are typically sold at their full retail value. For the most popular games (sometimes referred to as “AAA Titles”), that means around $60. It’s not uncommon to see “special edition” versions of some games that include additional content and carry price tags closer to $100.
After six months – although sometimes sooner – most games see a price drop of around 50%. This may take longer for a best-selling franchise such as Grand Theft Auto, but in the majority of cases, the six-month mark means a decent discount.
After a year, most games drop to their long-term price. Long-term prices vary but most commonly go no lower than $20. After a game has been around for longer than a year, the price will remain steady until a sale event like Black Friday.
FAQ
Q. Is there any difference between downloading a game or buying the same game on disc?
A. Aside from the fundamental differences between disc-based games and downloaded games mentioned above, the games themselves are identical regardless of how you buy them. Some disc-based games will require content updates from the internet for an optimal experience.
Q. Can I play my PS3 games on a PS4?
A. Physical copies of PS3 disc-based games will not play in a PlayStation 4. However, many PS3 titles are available for purchase and download from the Sony PlayStation Store, allowing you to relive some of the PS3’s greatest hits on your PS4 console.
Q. Can I play PS4 games on any edition of the PlayStation 4?
A. Any PlayStation 4 game you buy can be played on any edition of the PS4 console. The PlayStation 4 Pro edition can unlock additional features for some games, most notably the ability to play in 4K resolution. The PlayStation 4 Pro’s upgraded internals are also much faster – but that said, PS4 games will play on any PlayStation 4.
