After more than 115 million copies sold since 2013, the PlayStation 4 is entering its final phase of life. Sony confirmed this week that it is phasing out support for certain essential console-related services. A strong symbol for an entire generation of players, as speculation around the PS6 begins to intensify.
Concretely, several social features of the PS4 disappear. Services related to online storage management, multimedia file sharing, activity profiles or even game statistics are no longer available via the web. If the console remains fully functional for local and online gaming, the user experience is deprived of part of its connected ecosystem. This technical decline accompanies the strategy of transition towards a new era at Sony.
A discreet transition… but which is felt in the uses
This technical cut is carried out without fanfare, but it affects many players who are still loyal to the PS4. No more, for example, accessing screenshots from a browser or tracking trophies remotely. This gradual withdrawal is part of a broader desire to redirect Sony’s resources towards the PS5, and especially towards the future PS6 model, the release of which remains officially undated, despite persistent rumors.
At the same time, the market is agitated around the launch forecasts of the next major titles. The end of PS4 support could accelerate certain announcements expected during spring gaming events, particularly if the PS6 is confirmed for 2027.
Chloe Won’t Return in Life is Strange: Reunion, Says Ashley Burch
This is news that has moved Life is Strange fans. Ashley Burch, iconic voice actor for Chloe Price’s character in the original 2015 game, has confirmed her absence from the Reunion project. In an interview with Eurogamer, she said that “she was not asked to reprise her role as Chloe”, adding that she was “learning the details of the reunion at the same time as the fans”.
The character will once again be played by Rhianna DeVries, who had already replaced her in the prequel Before the Storm in 2017. A choice which divides the community, some regretting the original tone given by Burch, others welcoming the continuity with DeVries’ voice.
Nintendo plays the Tomodachi card, but delays its general Direct
On Nintendo’s side, the spotlight is on Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, recently confirmed via a dedicated Direct. This focus on a single title could push a general Nintendo Direct to a later date. According to the generally well-informed insider NateTheHate, the overall presentation could take place in May, after the traditional Pokémon Day.
The Nintendo Switch 2 continues to fuel speculation. Titles like Expedition 33, Metaphor: Refantazio or Final Fantasy XVI are expected to be released on this new console, promising a busy year for fans of Japanese RPGs.