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With a whole host of streaming services built in, as well as online play and a digital download store, the PS4 Slim is very reliant on its network connection. Thankfully, this gets a fresh lick of paint with the new model, too. The PS4 Slim introduces a 5GHz IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac connection to the console, alongside the trusty old Ethernet jack.
Previous PS4s only featured 2.4GHz bands, and while Ethernet is still your best bet for a consistently stable connection, the 5GHz band is less likely to suffer from interference from the menagerie of products hogging the 2.4GHz space. In effect, you're less likely to suffer lag and drop out as a result.
The 5GHz connection should improve the quality of the PS4's Remote Play function too. With a PS Vita handheld, a PC, Mac or compatible Sony Xperia mobile device, you can beam games from your PS4 to a second device, freeing up the TV set for something else.
Though we've had no problems with Remote Play over the 2.4GHz connection of our original PlayStation 4, the PS4 Slim has so far offered up stable connectivity when using the second screen function. It must be noted, however, that 5GHz connections can struggle beaming through thick masonry, so line of sight with the console is still recommended when using PS4 Remote Play.
PS4 Slim: PlayStation Store
The PlayStation Store has been around since the PS3, and remains your only source of downloadable games on the PS4. The ability to pre-load games makes a return, so you aren't left waiting for downloads to complete on launch day, and you can also start playing a game before the download has fully completed by instructing your console to prioritise certain parts of the game.
With games now happily filling up 50GB Blu-ray discs, this is pretty essential if you don't want to have to leave your games downloading overnight.
You can also use the PlayStation app on iOS or Android to remotely purchase games and set them to download when you're away from your console, or avoid the download process entirely by making use of the ever-expanding Playstation Plus subscription service.
PS4 Slim: sharing gameplay images and videos
Of course online gaming videos are big business these days, and Sony has fully embraced this with the ability to share videos of gameplay baked right into the console.
Simply press the 'Share' button on the DualShock 4 and your console will immediately save up to the last fifteen minutes of gameplay. You're then free to save this to a USB stick, or you can share it to YouTube, Facebook, or even Sony's own PSN.
Alternatively you can hold the same button to share a screenshot. Livestreaming is also supported on the console, if you want to allow others to watch you as you play on Twitch. The process is remarkably easy to set up, but make sure you have a fast enough internet connection to upload video in real time.
PS4 Slim: PlayStation Plus
When the PS4 launched, Sony took the decision to make its users pay for online multiplayer. The practice had previously been exclusive to Microsoft's Xbox Live Gold service, while Sony kept its PS Plus service for optional extras. We can't forget those monthly PlayStation Plus' free games, either.
If you've already purchased a PS Plus subscription for another Sony device, it'll automatically carry over to the new console, bringing discounts on PSN, a monthly selection of free games, and occasional early access to DLC.
Cloud saves are a great inclusion for when you need to switch between consoles for any reason, and automatic downloading and installation of game updates is also helpful. Sony's PlayStation Plus is a great service for anyone who owns a PS4, and brings so many more benefits than just online play.
Sony's undergone a major revamp of PlayStation Plus in 2022, merging it with the now-defunct PlayStation Now. Now split between three tiers, PS Plus Essential is basically the same service Sony's always offered. However, PS Plus Extra provides subscribers a wider library of games to access while you hold membership. As for PS Plus Premium? That gives you cloud streaming for PS3 games, plus a selection of retro PlayStation titles, too.
PS4 Slim: Share Play
Share Play is an interesting feature that allows you to have friends remotely control your PS4 gameplay, even if they don't own the game in question. This works as a cooperative tool, or a competitive one, depending on how you want to use it.
This functionality is accessed through the same 'Share' button mentioned above, at which point you can choose to send out a share play invitation from the menu that pops up.
Unfortunately, both players need to be PlayStation Plus subscribers for the functionality to work, and each session can only last a maximum of an hour. It's also limited to 720p resolution, rather than the PS4 Slim's maximum of 1080p.
