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New to PS4, PS4 Pro or PlayStation VR? Start here!

If you’re here, we’re thinking it’s because you’re the proud new owner of a PS4, PS4 Pro or PlayStation VR. Congratulations!

For your reading pleasure, here are several links that’ll get you started with your new best friend.

The console

There are three types of PlayStation 4 consoles available to users right now: the original PS4, the PS4 Slim and the PS4 Pro.

The original PS4 and the PS4 Slim are essentially the same, though (as you’ve probably guessed), the PS4 Slim comes in a smaller form factor. Both consoles are capable of HDR, though your TV needs to support the feature.

The PS4 Pro (shown at right at the top) is the newest iteration of Sony’s console, with both HDR and 4K resolution support (again, your TV needs to support that). It’s more powerful than the base model, and it has a third layer of PlayStation to show that off physically. If you’ve upgraded to a PS4 Pro from its base model, it’s quite easy to transfer content between the consoles.

There are a couple issues with the PS4 Pro, but thankfully, there are also fixes:

The Pro also comes with an enhanced controller (below), offering up a lightbar at the front of the DualShock 4 rather than just at the back. It’s a neat little addition.

The lightbar(s) work with the PlayStation Camera for some games, and in others use the bar’s colouring to show in-game health and other functions.

If you’re in the market for beefier controllers, Sony’s teamed up with a bunch of third-party manufacturers to scratch that itch. Fair warning, though — we didn’t like the Nacon Pro controller.

Interface and console-specific features

The current PS4 UI runs across the PS4 and PS4 Pro, and is largely unchanged since its 2013 launch. You can now group items into folders, which is quite useful.

To get the most of your console, you’ll need to connect it to internet and sign-up for a PlayStation Network account. Doing so will give you access to the PlayStation Store (and its games and apps) and other goodies like Trophies. You can upgrade to a PlayStation Plus account to gain access to multiplayer play, free games each month and cloud-based saves.

Popular apps include Netflix, Stan, ABC iView and many more. You can also stream television and movies from Sony’s in-built service.

PlayStation VR

The PS4 is the only game console that supports virtual reality play. If you want in, you’ll need to purchase a PS VR unit and connect it up to your PS4 or PS4 Pro.

A PlayStation Camera is required, and two PlayStation Move controllers are recommended to get the full experience. You can also use the PlayStation Camera to control your console via voice commands or as a motion controller for titles like Just Dance 2017.

There are a number of PS VR launch titles that you can also gain access to, including Call of Duty: Jackal Assault for free.

Games

The PS4 plays PS4 discs and digital games, while some games feature enhanced visuals with the PS4 Pro. Many titles are also cross-buy compatible, meaning they’ll work across PS3, PS4 and the portable PlayStation Vita.

Sony’s PlayStation Plus program also provides free titles each month.

Additionally, here are links to the biggest PS4 exclusive titles of 2016:

Sony’s January Sale is a perfect chance to buy new games at a discounted rate.

Enjoy!


This article may contain affiliate links, meaning we could earn a small commission if you click-through and make a purchase. Stevivor is an independent outlet and our journalism is in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative.

About the author

Steve Wright

Steve's the owner of this very site and an active games journalist nearing twenty (TWENTY!?!) years. He's a Canadian-Australian gay gaming geek, ice hockey player and fan. Husband to Matt and cat dad to Wally and Quinn.