Playstation 4 help

[LisaR]

I wanted to buy a PS4 for my 18 y/o son for Christmas. He mentioned that he'd like to save up for one to take with him to college in August. He owned a PS years ago and sold it when he was 11 or 12. He prefers gaming online and has a huge desktop computer gaming system. He said he'd like the PS4 because he doesn't want to take his system with him when he goes away because there won't be a lot of room for it.

I've casually asked him a few questions about it, but I don't want to spoil the surprise. Yes, I still want to surprise him even though he isn't a little kid anymore.

I have already ruled out the Pro. From everything I have read it is most beneficial if you have a 4K TV which he won't have.

I am reading negatives about the Slim. I guess it doesn't have a lot of storage. My son mentioned that he likes to buy the discs because that way it doesn't take up space...at least that's what I thought he said. Does that make sense? If he doesn't download his games, am I safe getting him the Slim? I don't mind buying this for him, but I really do want to make it as cheap as possible. I've invested enough in his gaming stuff at this point! It looks like I'll be able to pick one up for $249 this weekend with one game. Good enough??

 

[Micca]

I have zero knowledge about video game players, but one thing you said made me curious

I have already ruled out the Pro. From everything I have read it is most beneficial if you have a 4K TV which he won't have.

Do you think he'll be getting a 4K tv at some point in the future? Maybe the PS4 will be obsolete by the time he gets a 4K set, it's just something that crossed my mind. And maybe the Pro is just too expensive for now? I'm sure he'll be thrilled with whatever you get him

 

[pryncess527]

I also prefer discs to downloading the game. Not only does it avoid taking up space on the system, but I just like owning a physical item instead of buying a download when I have the option. I think that if that is also your son's preference, he'll be fine with the slim. 500GB is plenty, IMHO, unless you are trying to store movies and games on the system in lieu of discs.

There are also external HD options for the PS4, so if he needs more space later then the option exists.

 

[LisaR]

I also prefer discs to downloading the game. Not only does it avoid taking up space on the system, but I just like owning a physical item instead of buying a download when I have the option. I think that if that is also your son's preference, he'll be fine with the slim. 500GB is plenty, IMHO, unless you are trying to store movies and games on the system in lieu of discs.

There are also external HD options for the PS4, so if he needs more space later then the option exists.

Thanks! Good to know he could get an external HD in the future if needed. I think this will work out just fine for him for now.

 

[Kiren]

Unfortunately with the PS4 even if you have the disc the games still take up a ridiculous amount of space. That's one of DH and mine's pet peeves. Just something to be aware of.

 

[BrianL]

The Pro is good for a 4K TV but it also offers an advantage for PSVR, so it is worth considering if there is any interest in that in the future. If not, then the Pro isn't really worth it to play on a standard HD TV.

 

[wilkeliza]

I would go with at least a 1TB Playstation pro or not. We don't have a pro but our 500 GB got full fast so we upgraded to the 1 TB and now my fiance plays on that one and we use the 500 GB as a dvd player (and my playstation) in the bedroom. If he has more than 4 or 5 games he would play at the same time then he'll quickly run out of memory.

 

[Domo]

Not the best input, but my brother and his friends all have PS4s and love the interactivity of gaming against each other. I've seen some amazing games, some of which are actually very therapeutic. Although I am personally an XBox One man, I think this is a great idea for a Christmas present