=== NEW TO PLAYSTATION GUIDE ===

Welcome to PlayStation! If you are new to the world of PlayStation or thinking about getting a PlayStation console soon, you’re in the right place! This guide serves as a 101 to give you an overview of some things you’ll want to know when you start. We hope you find this information useful and look forward to you experiencing what PlayStation has to offer. As the saying goes… Play Has No Limits!

PlayStation Network

Overview

All of PlayStation’s internet-based features are powered by PlayStation Network (PSN). It is how you can play games online, purchase digital games, send messages and chat with friends, and more. In order to use any part of this network service you will need to create a PSN account. Technically, this uses the same login information as a Sony account, so if you already have a Sony account you may already have what you need to get started.

Creating a PSN account

If you don’t have a Sony/PSN account already, you can create a new one right from your PlayStation console, or create one with a web browser here. Be sure to double check and ensure that all information is accurate during this process.
Creating an account is free, although certain premium features or services require paid subscriptions.

You’re not required to create a Sony/PSN account to use PlayStation consoles, and you can always create one later if you like. However you will be limited to offline features only until you sign up for an account.

Check out our PSN Account Security Guide for tips on how to keep your account secure.

PlayStation Store

PlayStation Store (PS Store) is the digital storefront for digital PlayStation content such as games, services, add-ons, and more. To make purchases or download free content from the PS Store you need a PSN account.

You can fund purchases on the PS Store either with a valid billing method (varies by region) or adding funds to your PSN account’s wallet by redeeming prepaid PS Cash Cards, available at many authorized retailers.

If you’re looking for non-digital content, PlayStation also offers the following additional stores in select countries:

• PlayStation Direct – PlayStation hardware, accessories, and physical game discs.
• PlayStation Gear – PlayStation-branded apparel and merchandise.

PlayStation Plus

PlayStation Plus (PS+) is a multi-tiered paid subscription service that lets you play online multiplayer in PS5 and PS4 games, get free monthly PS4 & PS5 games, access to cloud storage for game saves, and in some tiers: access to catalogues of games to play. The tiers of PlayStation Plus are:

• Essential: Online multiplayer access, PS4 & PS5 monthly games, cloud storage, and exclusive discounts.
• Extra: Perks of Essential plus PS4 & PS5 Game Catalog
• Premium: Perks of Extra plus Classic Games Catalog (PS, PS2, PSP, PS3 remasters), Cloud Streaming (PS, PS2, PSP, PS3, PS4 games), and time-limited game trials. (Available in markets with cloud streaming)

NOTE: In markets where cloud streaming is not available, PS+ Deluxe is available instead of PS+ Premium. This includes all benefits of Premium with the exception of game streaming at a reduced price.

NOTE: PS+ is not required to play games offline, Free-to-Play games, or online games that require their own dedicated subscription.

Apps for Other Devices

App availability varies by region

• PlayStation App (iOS | Android) – Stay connected to your friends and the games you love to play. See who’s online, voice chat and send messages, browse the PS Store, and more.
• PlayStation Video (iOS | Android + Android TV) – Watch your previously purchased videos from PlayStation Store on your mobile device or Android TV. NOTE: New video purchases can no longer be made.
• PS4 Second Screen (iOS | Android) – Use your mobile device as a remote to operate your PS4, enter text, view transcriptions and chat comments, and more.
• PS Remote Play (Windows | macOS | iOS | Android) – Play your PS5 or PS4 console remotely with another device.

PlayStation 5

Overview & Models

The PlayStation 5 (PS5) is Sony Interactive Entertainment’s latest PlayStation console, originally released in November 2020. It is considered a 9th-generation video game console along with the Xbox Series X|S. Sony currently sells two primary models of the PS5:

• PlayStation 5: Standard PS5 system, with a UHD Blu-ray optical disc drive. (CFI-1100A series)
• PlayStation 5 Digital Edition: Identical to the standard PS5, but without the UHD Blu-ray optical disc drive. (CFI-1100B series)

Setup

Prior to proceeding, it is recommended you save the model and serial numbers of your PS5 for future reference.

The PS5 Setup Guide from PlayStation Support will help get you started and walk you through various setup tasks such as connecting the base, connecting to a display, connecting to the internet, and more.

Once you start the PS5 for the first time, it will walk you through setting up the PS5 console including Settings adjustments and User logins.

The PS5 USB Ports Guide from PlayStation Support details the USB ports available on the console and makes recommendations based on what you are connecting to the PS5.

Parents: Check out our Family and Parents Guide for more information on setting up Child Accounts and parental controls on the PS5.

User’s Guide

Your can get a full overview of PS5 features and functions in the PS5 User’s Guide which can be accessed through your PS5. Navigate to Settings > User’s Guide, Health & Safety, and Other Information > User’s Guide

PlayStation 4

Overview & Models

The PlayStation 4 (PS4) is Sony Interactive Entertainment’s last generation PlayStation console, originally released in November 2013. It is considered an 8th-generation video game console along with the Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. Sony currently sells one model of the PS4:

• PlayStation 4: Standard PS4 system, sometimes referred to as the “PS4 Slim” given its newer, slim redesign. (CUH-2200 series)

Setup

Prior to proceeding, it is recommended you save the model and serial numbers of your PS4 for future reference.

The PS4 Setup Guide from PlayStation Support will help get you started and walk you through various setup tasks.

Once you start the PS4 for the first time, it will walk you through setting up the PS4 console including setting your language, network, PlayStation Camera (if applicable), date and time, and power save settings. After setup is complete you will be brought to the User Select screen, where one User (User1) will already be created for you to log in to.

Once the update is completed, log back in to User1. You will want to finalizing setting up your User login, and create more if multiple people will be playing on the PS4. Select (Profile) from the function area.

• If you intend to use a PSN account: Select [Sign In to PlayStation Network]. If you already have already created a PSN account, enter your Sign-In ID and password and select [Sign In]. If you need to create a new PSN account, select [New to PlayStation Network? Create an Account]
• If you intend to remain offline: Select [Edit Username]. This lets you rename your Local User to whatever you like.
• To create additional users, navigate to (Settings) > [Login Settings] > [User Management]

Parents: Check out our Family and Parents Guide for more information on setting up Child Accounts and parental controls on the PS4.

User’s Guide

Your can get a full overview of PS4 features and functions in the PS4 User’s Guide which can be accessed through your PS4 or with a web browser.

• PS4: Navigate to (Settings) > [User’s Guide/Helpful Info]
• Web Browser: Click Here

NOTE: While these guides aim to be as accurate as possible, these are not authored by employees of Sony Interactive Entertainment. If you wish to verify any information, please visit the official PlayStation Support site for your country or region.

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