Buy a PS4 Pro used, save $270+, and get 4K gaming that still delivers premium performance in 2025
The PS5 Pro costs $750. The PS5 Standard costs $550. A used PS4 Pro costs around $250-$280.
All three consoles play great games. All three deliver quality gaming experiences. But only one makes financial sense for most families and casual gamers.
The PS4 Pro launched in 2016 at $399 as Sony’s 4K gaming console. Today, you can buy one through Amazon Renewed for $250-$280 and get true 4K gaming, HDR support, and access to one of the greatest game libraries ever created.
You’re saving $270 compared to a PS5 Standard. You’re saving $470 compared to a PS5 Pro. That’s real money you keep instead of spending on marginal improvements most people won’t notice during actual gameplay.
For families who want quality gaming without breaking the budget, or gamers who want access to hundreds of incredible games at discount prices, the PS4 Pro delivers everything you actually need. God of War, Spider-Man, The Last of Us Part II, Uncharted 4, Horizon Zero Dawn, and hundreds more run beautifully on this console.
I’m not saying not to buy anything. I’m saying you can buy whatever you want as long as you can afford to buy it cash outright. A $280 PS4 Pro you own immediately gives you years of entertainment without the $550-$750 price tag of newer consoles.
Why the PS4 Pro is Still Excellent in 2025
The PS4 Pro launched in November 2016 at $399 as Sony’s 4K gaming solution. Nearly a decade later, this console still delivers premium gaming experiences that most families and casual gamers actually need.
Here’s what you’re getting with a PS4 Pro:
The PS4 Pro outputs true 4K resolution on compatible games. Titles like God of War, Spider-Man, The Last of Us Part II, and Horizon Zero Dawn look absolutely stunning on a 4K TV. The upgraded GPU delivers double the power of the base PS4, which translates to sharper graphics, better frame rates, and enhanced visual effects.
HDR (High Dynamic Range) support brings vibrant, lifelike colors to compatible games. The difference is noticeable immediately when you boot up an HDR-enabled title. Colors pop, shadows have depth, and the overall visual experience feels more immersive.
The 1TB hard drive gives you plenty of storage for games, especially with external hard drive support. Most families can fit 15-20 full games on the internal storage, and adding a cheap external drive expands that significantly.
The game library advantage is massive:
The PS4 has one of the greatest exclusive game libraries in console history. God of War, Spider-Man, The Last of Us Part II, Uncharted 4, Horizon Zero Dawn, Bloodborne, Ghost of Tsushima, Persona 5, and dozens more. These games aren’t going anywhere. They’re available physically and digitally, often at deep discounts.
Many of these games received PS4 Pro enhancements. God of War runs at higher resolution and better frame rates on PS4 Pro. Spider-Man looks sharper and loads faster. These aren’t subtle improvements. They’re noticeable visual upgrades that make the Pro worth it over the base PS4.
Third-party games also benefit. Call of Duty, FIFA, Madden, NBA 2K, Assassin’s Creed, and hundreds of other titles run better on PS4 Pro. Even if a game wasn’t specifically patched for Pro support, the Boost Mode feature improves performance for older titles.
Family gaming makes sense on PS4 Pro:
Kids don’t need a PS5 to have an incredible gaming experience. The PS4 library includes countless family-friendly titles like Ratchet & Clank, Sackboy, Astro Bot Rescue Mission, Minecraft, and more. These games are cheaper on PS4 than their PS5 counterparts, and the experience is just as enjoyable.
Local multiplayer works great. Connect two controllers, grab a family-friendly game, and you’ve got entertainment that brings people together. That’s worth more than the latest graphics engine.
The PS4 Pro also functions as a 4K media center. Stream Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube, and other services in 4K. Play Blu-ray discs. The console doubles as your home entertainment system, which adds value beyond gaming.
The performance is still there:
Yes, the PS5 is more powerful. Yes, games load faster on PS5’s SSD. But the PS4 Pro still delivers smooth gameplay, excellent graphics, and an experience that most gamers will find completely satisfying. Most people can’t tell the difference in real-world use unless they’re doing direct side-by-side comparisons.
For casual gamers, families, or anyone who doesn’t need the absolute cutting edge, the PS4 Pro delivers everything you actually need.
Check current PS4 Pro pricing: Amazon Renewed PS4 Pro
The Cost Comparison Reality
Let’s look at actual numbers instead of marketing hype.
PS4 Pro (Amazon Renewed): $250-$280
This gets you a professionally inspected console with a 90-day Amazon Renewed guarantee, all necessary cables, and at least one controller. The console has been tested, cleaned, and restored to full functionality.
Original PS4 Pro launch price (2016): $399
You’re saving $120-$150 compared to what this console cost new. That’s real money you’re keeping.
Current new console prices (October 2025):
- PS5 Pro: $750
- PS5 Standard: $550
- PS5 Digital Edition: $500
The savings breakdown:
Buy a PS4 Pro renewed at $280 instead of a PS5 Standard at $550, and you save $270. That $270 can go into an emergency fund, pay off debt, or get invested in an index fund.
Buy a PS4 Pro renewed at $280 instead of a PS5 Pro at $750, and you save $470. That’s enough for several months of groceries, a used laptop for work, or a solid start to a Roth IRA contribution.
But what about the games?
PS5 games cost $70 new. PS4 games cost $20-$40 for most titles, and you can find incredible deals on used games or during PlayStation Store sales. Buy a PS5 with three new games, and you’re at $760. Buy a PS4 Pro with three excellent used games, and you’re at $340. That’s $420 in savings.
The total ownership cost matters:
Buy a $280 PS4 Pro today, own it immediately, and use it until it physically breaks. That might be 5-7 more years based on how long these consoles last. Your cost per year is $40-$56.
The prepaid lifestyle means you pay $280 once and you’re done. No monthly bills. Zero payment schedules. Just ownership and enjoyment.
Why Amazon Renewed is Your Smart Move
Amazon Renewed isn’t a sketchy Craigslist deal or a gamble on eBay. It’s a program backed by Amazon with actual consumer protection.
Here’s what Amazon Renewed means for PS4 Pro:
Every console is professionally inspected by Amazon-qualified suppliers. They test the disc drive, HDMI output, USB ports, controller connectivity, and system functionality. If something doesn’t work, the console doesn’t get sold.
Consoles are cleaned and refurbished as necessary. You’re not getting a dusty, dirty console from someone’s basement. The exterior is cleaned, thermal paste is reapplied if needed, and the system is restored to proper working condition.
The Amazon Renewed Guarantee:
You get a 90-day guarantee that covers functionality issues. If the console arrives and something doesn’t work properly, you contact Amazon for a replacement or refund. This protection is automatic with every Renewed purchase.
Returns work through Amazon’s standard return process. If you’re not satisfied within the return window, you send it back. No arguing with individual sellers or dealing with payment disputes.
The A-to-z Guarantee covers your purchase. This is Amazon’s buyer protection program that ensures you get what you paid for or you get your money back.
What you’re actually getting:
Most PS4 Pro consoles on Amazon Renewed are in “Good” or “Excellent” condition. This means minor cosmetic wear at most. Small scratches or scuffs that don’t affect functionality. The console works like new, even if it doesn’t look factory-fresh.
All consoles include necessary cables and at least one controller. The accessories might not be original, but they’re compatible and fully functional. You’ll get a power cable, HDMI cable, and a DualShock 4 controller.
Packaging varies. Some units arrive in original PS4 Pro packaging, others come in a new, clean cardboard box. Either way, the packaging protects the console during shipping.
Compare this to buying used elsewhere:
Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist means meeting strangers, testing equipment in parking lots, and zero recourse if something breaks the next day. You’re gambling on someone’s honesty with no buyer protection.
GameStop used consoles cost more than Amazon Renewed for similar quality. You’ll pay $300+ for a used PS4 Pro at GameStop when Amazon Renewed offers the same product for $250-$280 with better return policies.
eBay can work, but you’re dealing with individual sellers, varying return policies, and potential scams. Amazon Renewed standardizes the process and puts Amazon’s reputation behind every purchase.
The environmental angle matters too:
Buying renewed electronics extends the life of existing products and reduces electronic waste. You’re getting a quality console while making a responsible choice for the planet.
Browse available options: PS4 Pro Renewed on Amazon
Who Should Buy a PS4 Pro in 2025
Families with kids who want to game:
The PS4 library includes hundreds of family-friendly titles. Ratchet & Clank, Sackboy, Astro Bot, Minecraft, and Lego games will keep kids entertained for years. Used PS4 games cost $10-$20, so you can build a library of 10-15 games for less than three new PS5 titles.
Spend $300 total on a console and games instead of $750+ for a PS5 setup. Your kids get the same entertainment value.
Casual gamers who play occasionally:
If you game a few times per month, the PS4 Pro delivers everything you need. Boot up Spider-Man, play for an hour, enjoy the experience. The gameplay is excellent, the graphics are impressive, and the value per dollar is unmatched.
Budget-conscious gamers who want 4K gaming:
You want 4K graphics and HDR support, but you’re not spending $750 on a console. The PS4 Pro gives you true 4K gaming and enhanced performance for $280. Save the money, buy it outright, own it immediately.
People who want a 4K entertainment center:
The PS4 Pro streams 4K content from Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and other services. It plays Blu-ray discs. Compare buying a PS4 Pro at $280 to a standalone 4K Blu-ray player at $100-$150. The PS4 Pro costs a bit more but includes an entire gaming console.
Anyone who missed the PS4 generation:
You get access to years of incredible games at deep discounts. God of War, Spider-Man, The Last of Us Part II, Uncharted 4, Bloodborne, Horizon Zero Dawn, and dozens more cost $15-$30 each now. You could play exclusively PS4 games for 2-3 years and never run out of excellent content.
Gamers who own a base PS4 and want better performance:
Upgrading to a used PS4 Pro costs less than jumping to PS5. Sell your base PS4 for $100-$150, add another $130-$180, and upgrade to a Pro. You get better 4K performance without spending $550 on a PS5.
Who shouldn’t buy a PS4 Pro:
If you’re a hardcore gamer who plays daily and wants the absolute cutting edge, buy a PS5. The faster loading and exclusive titles might be worth it for your use case.
If you already own a PS5, there’s no reason to buy a PS4 Pro unless you want a second console for another room.
What to Know Before You Buy
The PS4 Pro is an excellent value, but go in with realistic expectations about what you’re buying.
Storage considerations:
The 1TB hard drive holds plenty of games, but modern games are large. Call of Duty Warzone alone can take 100+ GB. Plan to either manage your storage by deleting finished games or invest in an external hard drive.
External hard drives are cheap. A 2TB external USB drive costs $50-$70 and doubles your storage. The PS4 Pro supports external drives through the USB ports, and setup takes about five minutes.
You’re buying last-generation hardware:
The PS4 Pro is excellent, but it’s not current generation. Future games will eventually stop supporting PS4. This doesn’t matter for the next few years because the PS4 install base is so large, but understand that you’re not getting the latest technology.
That said, “last generation” doesn’t mean “bad.” The Nintendo Switch is technically weaker than PS4 Pro, and it’s been one of the best-selling consoles ever. Power isn’t everything. Game library and value matter more.
Controller condition varies:
Amazon Renewed consoles include a controller, but condition varies. Some controllers show wear on the analog sticks or buttons. If the included controller isn’t satisfactory, replacement DualShock 4 controllers cost $30-$40 used or $50-$60 new.
Test the controller immediately when your console arrives. Make sure all buttons work, analog sticks respond properly, and the battery holds a charge. If anything is wrong, use your Amazon Renewed guarantee to request a replacement.
You need a PlayStation Network account:
Online multiplayer requires a PlayStation Plus subscription, which costs $60-$80 per year. This isn’t specific to PS4 Pro; all PlayStation consoles require it. Factor this into your total cost if online gaming matters to you.
However, many excellent single-player games don’t require PlayStation Plus. God of War, Spider-Man, The Last of Us Part II, Horizon Zero Dawn, and dozens more deliver incredible experiences without any subscription.
Check your TV’s capabilities:
To get full 4K and HDR benefits, you need a 4K HDR TV. If you have a 1080p TV, the PS4 Pro still offers benefits (Boost Mode, better frame rates), but you won’t see true 4K output.
This isn’t a reason to avoid the PS4 Pro if you have a 1080p TV. The console still performs better than a base PS4, and you’ll eventually upgrade your TV. When you do, the PS4 Pro is ready to take advantage of that upgrade.
Noise levels on older units:
Some PS4 Pro consoles, especially earlier models, can get loud under heavy load. The cooling fan ramps up during graphically intensive games, which some people find distracting.
This is normal behavior, not a defect. If fan noise bothers you, cleaning dust from the vents can help, or you can apply new thermal paste if you’re comfortable with basic electronics repair. Most people adjust to the noise and don’t find it problematic.
Game compatibility is excellent:
Nearly every PS4 game works on PS4 Pro. The console is fully backward compatible with the entire PS4 library, plus it can play most PS3 games through PlayStation Now streaming (subscription required).
This means your game library is safe. Any physical or digital PS4 games you buy will work on PS4 Pro without issues.
The controller charges via USB:
The DualShock 4 controller uses a micro-USB cable for charging. This is an older standard (PS5 uses USB-C), but it works fine. Charge overnight or during breaks, and you’ll never run into issues.
If the included cable is worn, replacement micro-USB cables cost less than $10. Keep a spare cable handy if you play frequently.
My Take: The PS4 Pro Delivers Real Value
The PS4 Pro gives you 4K gaming and incredible performance for $250-$280. That’s a console that launched at $399, still runs excellently in 2025, and costs half what you’d pay for a PS5.
The game library is massive. God of War, Spider-Man, The Last of Us Part II, Uncharted 4, Horizon Zero Dawn, Bloodborne, and hundreds more. These games cost $15-$30 each now. You can build a library of 10-15 incredible games for $200-$300 total.
For families, the value is obvious. Kids don’t need a PS5 to have a great gaming experience. The PS4 library has hundreds of family-friendly titles at prices that won’t wreck your budget.
The 4K performance is real. Games look stunning on a 4K TV with HDR support. Yes, PS5 is more powerful, but the difference during actual gameplay is smaller than you’d think.
The math is simple: $280 for a PS4 Pro, or $550-$750 for a PS5 that offers marginal improvements for casual gaming. The PS4 Pro delivers excellent value at a price you can afford to pay in full.
The $270-$470 you save can go toward emergency savings, paying off debt, or other priorities. That’s money you keep instead of spending on a console that does basically the same thing for most games.
Save the money. Buy what you can afford to own outright. Get excellent gaming at a price that makes sense.
Ready to make a smart money move? Check Current PS4 Pro Pricing
The Simple Finance Bottom Line
Buying a used PS4 Pro through Amazon Renewed saves you real money:
- Save $120-$150 compared to original $399 launch price
- Save $270 compared to PS5 Standard ($550)
- Save $470 compared to PS5 Pro ($750)
- Get professional inspection and 90-day Amazon Renewed guarantee
- Own your console outright from day one
- 4K gaming performance that’s still excellent in 2025
- Access hundreds of games at $15-$30 each
- Use the savings for emergency funds, debt payoff, or other priorities
The PS4 Pro at $250-$280 gives you premium gaming at a price that makes sense. You’re getting a quality console, a massive game library, and keeping $270-$470 in your pocket compared to buying a PS5.
That’s smart money.
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Important Disclaimer: The information provided in this content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. We are financial educators and coaches, not licensed financial advisors. Before making any financial decisions, please consult with a Certified Financial Advisor (CFA) or other qualified financial professional who can assess your individual situation.
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive affiliate revenue from links in this content. None of this content is sponsored unless explicitly stated. We only recommend products that help you save money and align with our prepaid lifestyle philosophy. We don’t want you to spend money just to spend it – but if you’re buying something anyway, we want to help you get the best value while saving money.