Does the PlayStation 4 Have Any Disadvantages?

When it comes to gaming, there are basically two groups. One group plays games for fun and relaxation. They really don’t give two hoots about product specs, cheat codes, add ons, etc. Then there is the other group which is comprised of hardcore gamers.

Most hardcore gamers would have already made up their mind to buy PS4 when PS3 was just released. So, the analysis of the disadvantages that come with PS4 will probably only swing decisions for casual gamers who are sitting on the fence about buying the PS4.

For starters, we must give credit where it’s due. The PlayStation 4 has a much better design and it is way faster than its predecessor, the PS3. The PS4 graphics are phenomenal and the product itself is about a hundred bucks cheaper than the Xbox. That’s what way of sticking it to the competition. The interface is also more focused on the gaming aspect and the DualShock controllers are a Godsend to avid gamers.

However, there are a few disadvantages. If one really looks at the disadvantages, it may seem like Sony intentionally created them to boost sales revenue. Let’s examine the cons of the PS4.

The biggest disadvantage repeatedly stated by those who have bought it is that the system has no backwards compatibility. That basically means that if you had a PS3, all your PS3 games can’t be used with your PS4. This seems unreasonable considering that the PS3 was able to play PS1 games. Even any online content that you may have bought may not work with your PS4.

The PS4 does not support PS3 accessories either. Controllers, Blu-ray remotes and mouse, Blu-ray headsets, etc. used with PS3 just won’t work with PS4. If you have any favorite games from PS3, it would be wise to carefully keep your PS3 in storage for future use.

This disadvantage gives the impression that the PS4 specs were designed with the product developer in mind. Inability to play PS3 games will mean more sales of PS4 games.

Speaking of games, this brings up another disadvantage. The selection of games for the PS4 is limited. This of course is due to the fact that the PS4 is still new and it will take time for the games to come out. There is also a shortage of apps for the PS4.

Some gamers have mentioned that the PS4 is quite limited when it comes to playing music. Many hardcore gamers enjoy playing epic music while they play their games. The PS4 can’t play audio discs, CDs or MP3s. Why? It looks like Sony is trying to promote its cloud-based music subscription service, Music Unlimited. Seems ironic that they limited the PS4’s music capabilities to promote Music Unlimited.

The last bugbear that many players have is PS Plus. Most gamers do not wish to pay to use the multiplayer option. Sony however, has other ideas. Currently, gamers pay a yearly online fee that gives them membership to PlayStation Plus. Only with this membership can they play against other gamers online.

Now, it’s not all gloom and doom here. While the PS4 may not play PS3 games and you will have to pay a yearly fee to play online, these are just minor hiccups. In time to come, PS4 will have a huge array of games and Sony always strives to improve and please their customers.

The PS4 will definitely be a force to be reckoned with in the gaming world in the future. Whether you get in now or later, chances are you will end up owning a PS4 just because it really is one of the best game consoles on the market, if not the best.

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