A Beginners Guide to Using PlayStation 4 (PS4‪)‬

Congratulations on your purchase of what Sony Computer Entertainment touts as “the world’s most powerful gaming console,” the PlayStation 4!  In its first year alone, the PlayStation 4 has already sold nearly 15 million units internationally and has been heralded by critics and consumers alike for its powerful hardware and new features.  In 2014 it won gaming mega-website IGN’s People’s Choice Award for best console (in competition with the xBox One and Wii U).  Accordingly, the PlayStation 4 dominated gaming console sales throughout 2014, making it one of the best and fastest-selling gaming consoles ever designed.

In addition to its beefier hardware, Sony has added a variety of new and innovative features, including the Dualshock 4 controller, the PlayStation Camera, and the PlayStation Move controller.  Additionally, with the new system, players can connect their smart phones, tablets, PS Vita or PS TV to act as “second screen” interfaces to interact with your PS4.

The new PlayStation 4 user interface will be familiar to those already used to the PlayStation 3 interface, but the look and feel of the PS4 has been enhanced with dynamic menus that can be changed based on user preferences.  Third party apps, such as Netflix and Hulu, can now be displayed directly on the main screen for faster access.  Additionally, the system now can be controlled using voice commands from a microphone headset or from the built-in microphone on the PlayStation Camera.

With the release of the PlayStation 4, Sony has begun to emphasize “social gaming,” which goes far beyond mere multi-player gaming with the ability to share directly to social media sites like YouTube and Facebook with just a click of a button. Ever wanted to share a video of yourself beating that final boss with your Facebook friends? With the PS 4, this is now possible with just a couple of button presses using the new “Share” button on the Dualshock 4 controller.

In addition to faster and easier access to internet services like Netflix and Amazon Instant Video, the PlayStation 4’s built in web browser is based on the same engine used by Google Chrome and the new Safari web browser, making it the most compatible browser available on any console.  Whereas in the past and with other consoles, web browsing could be a bit of a headache when it comes to things like accessing YouTube videos, the PS4’s web browser is as easy and intuitive as the web browser on your computer, and it’s automatically compatible with the web’s most advanced websites.

This guide will introduce you to how to use the most advanced features of the PS4.  Now might be a good time to warn your significant other and boss that they might not see you for a while as you get familiar with your new best friend, the Sony PlayStation 4!

Please note, this book is neither written or endorsed by Sony and should be considered unofficial.