When Did the PS4 Come Out? Complete Release Date Guide

If you’ve ever looked at a used PS4 on eBay and wondered when it all started, you’re not the only one. The PlayStation 4 launched in late 2013 and went on to become one of the best-selling consoles of its generation. But the answer to “when did the PS4 come out” depends on where you lived — and which model you’re talking about. This guide maps every release date and variant so you can pinpoint exactly what your console is worth and how long it will stay supported.

Release date (North America): November 15, 2013 · Release date (Europe/Australia): November 29, 2013 · Release date (Japan): February 22, 2014 · Original price (2013): $399 / €399 / £349

The table below maps the three PS4 models against their key dates and prices.

The pattern: Sony staggered the global rollout to manage supply and hype, giving North America first access during the holiday window and leaving Japan — its home market — for last.

When did the PS4 come out?

What was the PS4 launch date in North America?

• The PS4 first went on sale in North America on November 15, 2013 (PlayStation Wiki (community database)).
• Sony’s official announcement video confirmed that date for the United States and Canada (YouTube (Sony announcement clip)).

When did the PS4 launch in Europe and Australia?

• Europe and Australia received the PS4 on November 29, 2013 (PlayStation Wiki (community database)).

When did the PS4 release in Japan?

• Japan had to wait until February 22, 2014 (PlayStation Wiki (community database)).

The pattern: Sony staggered the global rollout to manage supply and hype, giving North America first access during the holiday window and leaving Japan — its home market — for last.

When did the PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro come out?

When was the PS4 Slim released?

• The PS4 Slim launched worldwide on September 15, 2016 (Simple English Wikipedia (reference summary)).
• It was a smaller, quieter, more energy-efficient design that kept the same core specs (Simple English Wikipedia (reference summary)).

When was the PS4 Pro released?

• The PS4 Pro arrived on November 10, 2016 (Simple English Wikipedia (reference summary)).
• It added 4K video output and higher-end GPU performance (ConsoleMods Wiki (hardware database)).

The trade-off: Buyers who wanted 4K and better frame rates paid a premium for the Pro, while the Slim offered the same experience in a smaller, cheaper package.

Can a PS4 last for 10 years?

How long does a PS4 typically last?

• Hardware lifespan is estimated at 5–7 years under normal use, based on typical console failure rates (ConsoleMods Wiki (hardware database)).
• Sony ended production of most PS4 models in January 2022 (PlayStation Wiki (community database)).

When does Sony end support for a console?

• Sony has not announced an official end-of-life date for PS4 online services (Simple English Wikipedia (reference summary)).
• The PS Store remains active, and online multiplayer still works.

Why this matters: A console that’s out of production for several years will eventually lose software support. For PS4 owners, the hardware can last a decade with care, but game releases are already tailing off.

What is a PS4 worth today?

How much does a used PS4 cost in 2025?

• Pre-owned PS4 prices typically range from $100 to $200, depending on model and condition (Preceden (timeline summary)).

Which PS4 model holds its value best?

• The PS4 Pro commands a higher price than the Slim or original due to its 4K capability (ConsoleMods Wiki (hardware database)).

What this means: If you’re selling, the Pro is the model to keep or flip now. Original and Slim prices are sliding as buyers shift toward the PS5.

Is PS4 ending in 2026?

Will Sony discontinue PS4 support?

• Sony has not set an official end-of-life date for PS4 (Simple English Wikipedia (reference summary)).
• Some publishers have stopped releasing new games on PS4, but the store and online play remain active.

Will new games still release on PS4 after 2025?

• Major third-party titles are increasingly skipping PS4. However, indie games and smaller releases may continue for a couple more years.

The catch: No official shutdown means PS4 owners can keep playing, but the trickle of new games will slow to a stop as developers focus on PS5 and PC.

PS4 Timeline: From Announcement to Discontinuation

• February 2013: PlayStation 4 announced (PlayStation Wiki (community database))
• November 15, 2013: PS4 launches in North America
• November 29, 2013: PS4 launches in Europe and Australia
• February 22, 2014: PS4 launches in Japan
• September 2016: PS4 Slim released
• November 2016: PS4 Pro released
• January 2022: Sony ends production of most PS4 models

The implication: The PS4’s active lifespan spanned roughly eight years from first launch to production end, a typical cycle for a major console generation.

What’s confirmed — and what’s still unclear

Quotes from launch and industry

“PlayStation 4 will launch on November 15 in the US and Canada, and November 29 in Europe.”

— Sony press release, 2013 (YouTube (Sony announcement clip))

“The PS4 became the fastest-selling console in a 24-hour period, with one million units sold on day one.”

— Preceden timeline summary (Preceden (timeline summary))

For anyone buying or selling a PS4 today, the timing matters: original models are dropping in value while Pro models hold steady, making the Pro the smart pick for resale — or the right time to sell before PS6 rumors push prices further down.

For those curious about Sony’s next-generation console, our PS5 release date guide covers the 2020 launch in detail.

Frequently asked questions