Although 2020 was an uncertain year for many, it was quite a big year for video games. Despite some inevitable COVID-19-related delays, many big announcements were made and some long-awaited titles like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Cyberpunk 2077 were finally released. However, perhaps one of the biggest happenings in the realm of video games last year was the monumental release of the newest next-gen consoles, the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X/S.
Typically, the transition from one generation of consoles to the next is a smooth one, as many titles released for the newest consoles are also placed on last-generation consoles so as to not potentially alienate an entire consumer base without the newest consoles. However, coming quickly after the news that the PS5 isn't selling very well in Japan, it seems that Sony is eager to make a swift transition from the PS4 to the PS5 in its native country.
Following a lack of PS4 Pro's in stock on Sony's online store, a report by GameWatch, a Japanese gaming news outlet, has revealed that in Japan, Sony has officially discontinued all models of the PS4 except for the Jet Black 500GB PS4 Slim. While it makes sense for Sony to want to phase out its older consoles and make a swift transition to the next generation, it is rather strange that they decided not to leave consumers with the option of purchasing the most premium version of the PS4, the PS4 Pro.
In the report, GameWatch states that in Japan, once all models of the discontinued PS4's are sold, they will no longer be available for purchase online or at retail. While no concrete reason has been given as to why the PS4 Pro has been discontinued, it is thought to be because of its $400 price tag, which is the exact price of the PS5 Digital Edition. GameWatch notes that aside from that Jet Black 500GB PS4 Slim, there are no exceptions, as even the Glacial White PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro models will be discontinued in Japan after they are sold out.
This news does come with some implications, the first of which is whether the West and other parts of the world will start to see these models of the PS4 discontinued as well. Additionally, this also begs the question of whether the PS4 Pro and other discontinued models will start to be scalped, just as the PS5 has.
Although gamers looking to purchase the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S have had a very difficult time getting their hands on the consoles as of late, Sony's stock prices have soared thanks to the PS5's popularity. For the time being, it will be interesting to see what the discontinuation of these PS4 models in Japan means for the PS5 and Sony as a whole.
Source: GameWatch