Do you remember that day when your heart raced, thinking, ”It’s finally here”? On February 22, 2014, the moment the PlayStation 4 was released in Japan, time for game lovers certainly moved to the next stage. Carrying the weight of being the fourth generation since the original PlayStation was born in 1994, its appearance was somewhat futuristic, and it felt as if it were quietly burning with fighting spirit. Even now, with its successor already on the market, the PS4 is by no means a ”thing of the past.” The fact that it is still active in many homes today tells of its high level of perfection more than anything else.

Actually, sales had started overseas, beginning with North America, even before the Japanese release. Looking at the enthusiastic launch events reported through the media, many people must have counted down the days, thinking, ”I want to touch it as soon as possible.” An overseas pre-release for the PlayStation series was a fresh occurrence at the time, and for Japanese fans, it was a period where expectations kept growing. Looking back now, even this ”experience of being made to wait” seems to have made the existence of the PS4 all the more special.

The moment I touched the PS4, the first thing I felt was a leap in processing power. The graphics were more detailed, the movements smoother, and load times were reduced, creating a sense of immersion as if being sucked into the game. The evolution from the previous generation had an impact beyond mere numbers, and I was honestly surprised by how much things had changed. Along with the visual beauty, the comfort of the online environment and the sophistication of the interface gave the impression that the gaming experience itself had become even more refined.

What was particularly impressive was the existence of the ”SHARE” function. The system that allowed saving screenshots and even live-streaming video with a single button was revolutionary at the time. While game commentary and live streaming are common cultures now, back then it was an era centered around a limited number of streamers. The PS4 expanded that trend all at once, lowering the barrier between ”players” and ”broadcasters.” It was also the moment that rewrote the common sense that games are something completed within oneself.

The evolution of the controller cannot be overlooked either. The touchpad on the DUALSHOCK 4 was not just a decoration; it was a device that expanded the possibilities of game control. By tracing with a fingertip to move a cursor or using swipe operations to display maps, intuitive experiences different from conventional button operations were added. It also supported clicking and multi-touch, and every time a unique usage was presented for a specific title, I felt a fresh surprise, thinking, ”I didn’t know there was a control method like this.” I never thought a controller that fits in the palm of your hand could have such a wide range of expression.

The lineup at launch was also strong. Having 12 physical titles ready, with all of them being simultaneously distributed as digital versions, made me feel the change of the times. I got the impression that the trend pushing the transition from discs to digital accelerated all at once here. Among them, Monster Hunter: World, which achieved great success in Japan, fully utilized the performance of the PS4 and led many players into the world of hunting. The beautiful fields and powerful action are truly works that symbolize the PS4 generation.

The charm of the PS4 does not stop at mere high specs. Its greatest achievement is that it simultaneously matured the culture of playing, sharing, and expanding games. Even as time moves on, it is engraved in memory along with numerous masterpieces and is still active in our hands today. I believe that very fact is the reason why the PlayStation 4 hardware remains special. The sense of expectation I felt that day still quietly revives every time I grip the controller.