Introducing the PlayStation

The Sony PlayStation is, as its name suggests, a gaming console. It was launched as a next generation CD-based system in 1994, supplanting older cartridge based consoles like the Sega Megadrive. At the time, the PlayStation attracted attention for its high-quality graphics and intuitive controller. It still wows customers to this day with the same qualities.

PlayStation: Home Entertainment Centre

The original PlayStation sold over 100 million units in its lifetime, an unprecedented success for a high-performance gaming console. This success prompted Sony to pour resources into taking gaming further, adding more power and graphical prowess with its PS2, launched in March 2000.

The PS3 followed in 2006, followed by the PS4 in late 2013, which remains the most advanced model on offer. However, in late 2016, the original PS4 was joined by a slender alternative called the PS4 Slim, and a more powerful update, the PS4 Pro.

A handheld model, the PS Vita, was also rolled out in 2011, competing directly with Nintendo’s 3DS and, more recently, the rise of smartphone gaming.

Throughout the years, PlayStations have been the gold standard in gaming technology. Consumers have waited for the new iterations, knowing that each model would have a wow factor that made the cost worthwhile. Other factors behind the system’s enduring popularity are the controller which hasn’t changed dramatically since 1994 and is still an ergonomic, elegant gaming device. The range of titles available has also always drawn gamers, confident that their favourite games will be catered for by the latest PlayStation system.

What Can PlayStations be Used For?

This might seem a pointless question. After all, the clue is in the name: PlayStations are designed to be played. They are a pure gaming system for people to turn to in their leisure time, when they need to relax. But they actually have many features and uses to go along with and supplement raw gameplay.

For example, the PS4 is also a social device. The PlayStation Network has been designed to allow gamers to interact and share footage, ideas and plans. More importantly, modern PlayStations can also access television, movies and social media platforms. They can be used as an alternative to Smart TVs and boxes, and as a handy way to stay in touch with contacts without having to turn on your laptop or tablet.

PlayStations are also collaborative. This means that they can interact with each other, enhancing their potential. For instance, a PS Vita can be hooked up to a PS4 to act as an extra screen and controller. The PlayStation App can also hook up tablets and smartphones to your PS4, turning them into gaming controllers.

• Download PlayStation app for Android
• Download PlayStation app for iTunes

Finally, with apps like TuneIn Radio, you can turn your PS4 into a radio player and music streaming system, supplementing your home’s audio entertainment options. It all adds up to much more than just a system for playing games.

PlayStation: Specs that Customers Should Know

Let’s focus on the two latest versions of the PlayStation and zero in on some of the key specifications that make them what they are. The PS Vita, the PS4 Slim and the PS4 Pro are the systems that you’ll come across at high street and online stores most often, so it makes sense to concentrate on them.

First up, the PS4 Pro:

• 500GB or 1TB hard disk
• Processor: x86-64 AMD Jaguar, 8 cores
• GPU processor: 1.84 TFLOPS, AMD Radeon™ based graphics engine
• No 4K Blu-Ray drive
• 8GB of GDDR5 RAM
• Dimensions: 295×55×327mm and weight 3.3kg
• 3 Super-Speed USB ports and 1 aux port
• Bluetooth 4.0 networking
• 310W power consumption
• A 4K compatible HDMI output port

PS4 Pro - Games Come to Life

Second, let's look at the PS4 Slim:

• 500GB Hard disk space
• Processor: x86-64 AMD "Jaguar", 8 cores
• Graphics processor: 1.84 TFLOPS, AMD Radeon based graphics engine
• Memory: GDDR5 8GB
• Dimensions: 265 x 39 x 288mm, Weight: 2.1kg
• 2 USB (USB 3.1 Gen1) ports and 1 AUX port
• Bluetooth v4.0
• Power consumption: 165W (max)
• HDMI output with HDR support

Now, the PS Vita:

• 1GB Internal Memory Card
• Processor: ARM Cortex trade;-A9 core (4 core)
• Graphics processor: SGX543MP4+
• Screen: Capacitive LCD touch screen, 5 inches wide, showing 16 million colours
• Main memory: 512MB, VRAM: 128MB
• Dimensions: 83.6 x 85.1 x 15.0mm and weight 219g
• Type B Micro USB port, headphone jack, PS Vita card slot and memory card slot
• Bluetooth: 2.1+EDR (A2DP/AVRCP/HSP)
• Power: uses a DC3.7V 2210mAh lithium ion battery or a 5V AC power adapter

Summarising the Models of PlayStation Available Right Now

So, those are the basic specifications. To bring us up to date, it might help to quickly summarise which PlayStation products are available and are likely to appear in the PlayStation HotUKDeals listings:

• PS3 - Introduced back in 2006, the PS3 is still receiving new titles and, although it’s no longer manufactured, you might be able to pick up a cheap deal online. 2016 saw the release of plenty of titles for the PS3, including Doom, Fifa 2017 and Batman: the Telltale Series, so buyers can expect a decent selection of games to play.
• PS4 - The basic PS4 was launched in 2013 and is still going strong. It may have been slightly bested by the PS4 Pro (see below), but it remains one of the most formidable gaming consoles around, and you’ll find plenty of deals online. The PS4 upgraded the PS3 with around 10 times the speed, was quieter to run and features the DualShock 4 controller (as opposed to the DualShock 3). The PS4 was designed to synch up with a wide range of apps, while the PS3 has better media playback and online streaming capabilities, something for everyday users to consider.
• The PS4 Slim - Launched in September 2016, the PS4 Slim is more or less identical to the original PS4 in terms of processing power. The differences are external. Sony have slimmed the PS4 down considerably, making it a handier size for slipping into bookshelves or underneath TVs. The controller has also been slightly altered, adding a light bar above the touchpad (not on the front as with the older version).
• PS4 Pro - Unveiled in November 2016, the PS4 Pro adds a few new features and upgrades on the original version. The Dualshock 4 controller has been made a little more comfortable, the unit is slimmer and lighter and, crucially, it caters for 4K gaming. The new frontier for PlayStation gaming is Ultra HD graphics (or VR in the medium term), and the new PS4 is ideally suited to cater for the most graphically advanced titles.
• The PlayStation Portable - Appearing in 2005, the PlayStation Portable (PSP) was the most advanced handheld console of its day, and is still great fun to play. Although it can’t compete with the PS Vita for playing modern titles, the PSP lives on as a low-cost gaming platform with hundreds of cheap titles on offer from the PlayStation Store.
• PS Vita - Launched in 2011, the PS Vita is much less powerful than either the PS3, PS4 or PS4 Pro, but as far as handheld consoles go, it’s hard to beat. It comes in an original and slim variety, which was launched at the same time, and is a great option for gamers who constantly find themselves on the move. However, if you plug your Vita into an HD TV, you’ll instantly see huge differences between its graphical chops and those of its bigger brothers, so don’t expect miracles: it’s a stripped down, mobile version.
• PlayStation TV - A micro-console variant of the PS Vita, the PlayStation TV is designed to be used in the home and was launched in 2014. If you want an ultra-light, cheaper PS compatible system, it might be the one to choose, but it can’t compare to the PS4 in terms of capabilities.

What About PlayStation Plus?

Those are the basic hardware options to think about when buying a PlayStation system, but there’s more to console gaming than having a powerful box set up next to your TV. The other side of the equation is PlayStation Plus, Sony’s online gaming community.

PlayStation Plus is a members-only community that allows participants to join monthly games, daily online multiplayer tournaments and enjoy exclusive member discounts on the PlayStation Store. It’s the kind of place where serious PlayStation gamers get together to form teams and trade tips.

Moreover, PlayStation Plus has a cloud storage facility which supplements the storage capacity of your own hardware. When you sign up, you can use 10GB of cloud storage to host saved games, making them available to play on any compatible device. With the Share Play feature, you can even invite friends to enter games that they don’t yet own, while you’ll also receive sneak peeks of upcoming titles and beta trials.

With those kind of perks, PlayStation Plus is definitely a service that most PlayStation gamers should take a look at. You can join for a free trial but after that you’ll need to sign up to a monthly, quarterly, or annual subscription. Check the HotUKDeals PlayStation pages for discounts, as PlayStation Plus deals are always being announced.

PlayStation Plus

Thinks to Consider When Buying Your Next PlayStation

Now we’re at the stage where we are seriously considering a purchase, but will it be a PS Vita or a home-based PS4? Will you go for the top of the range PS4 Pro, or the original version? Or will you snap up a bargain PS3, or even a PSP?

One thing to think about is how the consoles are sold. Look at the bundles on offer. Most new PlayStations aren’t sold individually. They are sold as bundles with games, controllers and accessories like cables. Many bundles are themed around popular titles like Call of Duty or FIFA 2017, and their prices vary considerably.

Bundles vary by the amount of disk space provided as well. A PS4 bundle with a 500GB disk will be much less expensive than one with a 1TB disk, while the basic PS4 will be much cheaper than the PS4 Pro as well.

Size can be another factor worth thinking about. This applies particularly if you are sure that you'd like a PS4. If you have limited room and want your console to slip unobtrusively into your living space, the streamlined PS4 Slim will trump the PS4. If space isn't an issue, there's not much to choose between them.

Ask yourself what features you really need. If you think that you’ll only be playing five or six titles regularly, don’t go for the 1TB option. You only really need the hard disk space to store games and many people struggle to fill up a whole 1TB. With significant cost differences, it often makes sense to go for the stripped-down option.

Always check the bundle prices against individual games as well. Sometimes, bundles will deliver huge savings on consoles and games together. However, that’s not always the case. Sometimes it’s better to buy the console on its own, then the game itself. It’s all a matter of checking discount listings sites like HotUKDeals to find out how the market looks.

Above all, think about what kind of system you really want. Are you the kind of person who values raw gameplay, in which case a PS3 will be fine, or someone who notices every graphical flaw, in which case a PS4 Pro will be essential?

If you play on the move, a PS Vita will deliver more hours of enjoyment than constantly waiting to get home to play on your PS4. Then again, if you want a social media hub and entertainment system, the PS4 is definitely the way to go.

Balance up your needs against the costs. You might be able to afford a PS4 Pro, so don’t write it off. Just check the deals available.

Things for PS3 Owners to Think About Before They Upgrade

If you already own a PS3, you’ve probably been thinking about upgrading to the PS4 or PS4 Pro (or Xbox One) for some time now. The selection of PS3 games continues to be impressive for a decade-old system, but its graphical inferiority is becoming obvious on the latest titles.

However, many people hold back. If you’ve accumulated a huge collection of PS3 games, it’s hard to commit to a new system without knowing if those older games are compatible. Thankfully, PS3 owners don’t need to write off their painstakingly acquired games collection.

PS Now is a service that allows PlayStation 4 owners to stream PS3 games onto their new system. You’ll need to pay a monthly subscription fee but for many PS3 fans the sacrifice is worth it. When you sign up, you can play a huge range of PS3 classics like Uncharted and BioShock at prices that compare very favourably to new PS4 titles.

It’s a good way to play games that you’ve grown to love on the PS3 on the PS4. As the PS4 isn't backwards compatible, it's the only way to do so. However, the cost may put some people off. And, if you haven’t exhausted the gaming potential of the titles you already have the extra expense won’t sway you towards upgrading.

What About Microsoft and Nintendo: Should I Even go for a PlayStation System?

If you’re in the market for a PlayStation, you may well be considering a Microsoft Xbox or a Nintendo system as well. Both companies have their strengths and weaknesses, and it’s important to at least consider what they have to offer.

There’s no space to go into fine details here, but there are some basic dividing lines. The PS4 Pro and the Xbox One S are broadly similar. However, the PS4 Pro does not have a 4K Blu-ray player, which may deter movie fans. Then again, Sony’s latest console pumps out 4 TFLOPS of graphics power, compared with 1.4 TFLOPS for the Xbox One S. This may start to show as more advanced games appear.

What about the Nintendo Switch? In late 2016, Nintendo shook up the gaming world by launching the Switch, it’s foray into next generation gaming. However, it’s not exactly a direct competitor to the PS4 Pro. For one thing, the Switch is much less powerful and can’t deal with 4K graphics. But it’s cheaper, more portable and will benefit from Nintendo’s family-oriented, high-quality titles.

If you are looking for a child-friendly console, the Switch will be ideal. If you need Blu-ray support, go for the Xbox One S. If you want the most powerful console around (until Microsoft’s Project Scorpio arrives), the PS4 Pro is a no-brainer.

VR Gaming: Is the PlayStation Up to it?

In the future, the industry experts tell us, gaming will be all about Virtual Reality. However, VR graphics make demanding requirements on consoles’ processing capacities. Are any PlayStation models equipped to handle the upcoming VR wave?

Well, in a way, yes. Sony have created a system called PlayStation VR which features a VR headset and a range of PSVR titles. The headset is designed to work with the PS4 Pro and PS4, and the system enables gamers to dive into virtual worlds on titles like BattleZone.

However, before you purchase a PlayStation VR bundle, think again. While it’s accessible and compatible with millions of PS4 consoles, PSVR isn’t as advanced as competitors like Oculus Rift. The PS Move controller has also been criticised for being clunky and having poor tracking (how the system translates your movements into on screen action).

The graphical abilities of the PS4 Pro are also pushed to the limit by VR games, which require more power than usual titles. That’s why many people are looking to the PS5 (or Project Scorpio) to really bring VR gaming home to the masses.

At the moment, PSVR is one of the best VR-gaming experiences around but it’s likely to be superseded and has its weak points.

What Kind of Accessories are Available for the PlayStation Range?

When you make a PlayStation purchase, your options go well beyond just the console itself. There’s also a world of accessories to consider (many of which feature in HotUKDeals discounts). Here are just a few of the main accessories to think about:

• DualShock 4 controllers - The state of the art controller for the PS4 Pro is also compatible with older systems, so it could be worth purchasing. You could also add a wireless controller to your collection, enabling you to enjoy games of FIFA or Call of Duty from different parts of your living room.
• The PlayStation Move controller - The controller to use if you want to try PlayStation VR.

  

• Headsets - An essential gaming item for many players, headsets come in many forms and price levels. The best option to go for is a wireless headset from brands like Turtle Beach or Sony themselves.
• Cables - Not to be neglected, cables can make or break a gaming setup. You can get hold of dual play and charge cables, HDMI cables, camera extension cables and extra power cables, just in case.

How and When to Make Your PlayStation Purchase

Now that you’ve made your decision between the PS4, PS4 Pro, PS3 and the PS Vita, what comes next? Obviously, it’s time to make a purchase, and you’ll find plenty of options.

A good starting point is to pay a visit to high street retailers like GAME, Currys, Argos or John Lewis, where staff can show you PlayStation consoles in action and introduce the various bundles. Feel free to benefit from their help, but hold off on your purchase for a moment.

Now, check out the HotUKDeals PlayStation listings. You’ll find deals for all PlayStation models and accessories, often from those same high street retailers. Along with major stores, there will also be deals from online merchants like Amazon, ShopTo and Simply Games. Have a look around until you see a competitively priced deal, then make your move.

There are also some times of year to focus on. Great PlayStation deals tend to appear around Black Friday and Cyber Monday in late November, as well as the January Sales. As new products are announced, older systems may also be discounted. Look out for PS4s to fall in price as the PS5 approaches, and there may be reductions as the battle between the Nintendo Switch, the Xbox One S and the PS4 Pro intensifies.

Either way, you’ll find all the latest offers at HotUKDeals, where it should be easy to save money on your next gaming purchase.

Make Huge Savings on a PlayStation Upgrade at HotUKDeals

Sony’s PlayStation is one of the UK’s favourite leisure products, and with PS3, PS4 and PS Vitas to choose from, making the right decision matters. At HotUKDeals, you can find all the latest PlayStation deals, from consoles and bundles to games titles and accessories, helping to make your next console as affordable as possible.