Sony prepares to bid farewell to PS4: the first services will cease to operate in 2026
Sony has begun announcing the phased discontinuation of several PlayStation 4 services, signaling the official farewell to one of the most successful consoles of all time. The PS4, which dominated the market for years and cemented PlayStation as a leading platform, will start losing key functions throughout 2026.
This process does not mean the console will stop working altogether immediately, but it does indicate that some online services and features tied to Sony’s infrastructure will become unavailable or will be phased out over time.
Which services will stop working first
Sony has stated that the service shutdown will be gradual. Some of the functions that will be affected include:
- Access and support for certain online features
- System software updates that may no longer be compatible with PS4
- Services linked to digital storefronts and online content
Although stored games and titles that do not depend on external servers will still be playable, the overall console experience will change gradually.
Why is this happening now?
The decision responds to several factors:
- The PS4 has been around for more than a decade, and its hardware is now outdated compared to current generations.
- Sony wants to focus resources on newer consoles, such as the PS5 and future versions.
- The transition makes it easier for developers to optimize games and services for modern platforms without needing to maintain compatibility with older hardware.
These kinds of adjustments are common when a platform reaches the end of its life cycle, although they often spark nostalgia and debate among the gaming community.
What will not be discontinued immediately
Despite the shutdown of some services, several features will remain available for longer:
- Games that do not require servers will still be playable
- Saved game data on PS4 will remain usable as long as the hardware functions
- Previously downloaded content will remain accessible
This means that, even if some online services disappear, the console will continue to be usable as long as it has power and does not rely on external systems to operate.
The legacy of PlayStation 4
The PS4 was not only a commercial success, but also left a deep mark on the history of video games. During its life cycle:
- Record-breaking sales
- Exclusive hits that defined a generation
- An active community with shared games and online experiences
The transition toward the end of the PS4 era is an emotional moment for many players, but also opens the door to a new chapter with more modern technologies.
