The PlayStation 4 is easily one of this year's big ticket items. While most retailer's are sold out, Sony has promised there will be a “good supply” of PS4 units available. If you're looking for a PS4, you can opt to purchase the standard console for $399 or a bundle which, depending on what's included, can run you anywhere from $450 to $500.
But let's assume you or the person you're buying for already owns a PlayStation 4; what else should you get? I've compiled list of what I consider to be must-haves for every PlayStation 4 owner.
PlayStation Plus Subscription
One of the new requirements to play PS4 games online is a subscription to PlayStation Plus. But in addition to allowing online play, PS Plus also provides other benefits to PlayStation owners, like free games every month, discounts, and access to Sony's Instant Game Collection. Right off the bat, a PS Plus subscription will give PS4 owners two free games: Resogun and Contrast.
Also, that the perks of PS Plus span across all PlayStation platforms, meaning PS3, Vita and PS4 users can enjoy its benefits.
Normally priced at $49.99 for a year subscription, certain Black Friday sales are discounting it to $29.99. Sony also sells PlayStation Plus subscriptions by the month or in three-month increments.
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Destiny Pre-order
Destiny is easily one of the PlayStation 4's most anticipated titles. There's actually a few reasons in addition to the hype that make this a worthy gift, despite it not actually releasing until 2014.
First off, PlayStation owners are going to have first access to the beta, which opens in early 2014. And to gain access to the beta, you must first pre-order the game. Additionally, PS4 owners are going to have “exclusive content” for Destiny.
And if none of that is incentive enough, how about that it's being made by Bungie and is one of the better-looking next-gen games to have been revealed thus far.
[Amazon]
Killzone: Shadow Fall
To be honest, the PlayStation 4's launch lineup isn't that impressive. But Killzone: Shadow Fall is one of Sony's strongest exclusive titles (along with Resogun, which is free with PS Plus).
If you're looking for a solid first-person shooter, albeit one that's a bit generic, Killzone: Shadow Fall is a safe bet. Gameplay aside, Killzone: Shadow Fall probably shows off the PS4's pure power better than any of the other shooters out there, though Battlefield 4 may make a strong case.
Note: Call of Duty: Ghosts and Battlefield 4 are also worthy options if you're purely looking for FPS enjoyment.
[Amazon]
inFAMOUS: Second Son Pre-order
Again, not a launch title and not even available until 2014. But everything about inFAMOUS: Second Son makes it at least pre-order worthy.
The inFAMOUS games are a staple for the PlayStation brand and Second Son is shaping up to be a must-have game once it releases. It won't be released until March 21, 2014, but I will bet developer Sucker Punch won't let us down. inFAMOUS: Second Son is a continuation of an already-established must-play series and for that, I give it my nod as a worthy purchase this holiday season.
[Amazon]
PlayStation Eye
The PlayStation Eye camera doesn't have much use at this point in time. The PlayStation 4 comes with The PlayRoom experience already pre-installed, which makes use of the peripheral by putting whoever is in front of the camera directly onto the screen with a bunch of digital objects. The player can interact with these objects and even play minigames. Outside of that and a few simple voice navigation and facial recognition features, there's not much else that's useful in the PlayStation Eye.
But give it some time. As we speak, developers are working on games and tools that will take advantage of the PlayStation Eye. The PlayRoom may not seem like much now, but it offers a good look at the type of possibilities the PlayStation Eye will allow for down the road.
It may collect dust for a few months, but at $60, the PlayStation Eye makes for a nice gift that will eventually gain support and increase the overall PlayStation 4 experience.
[Amazon]
PS4 Supported Headsets
The PlayStation 4 comes bundled with a mono earbud and a built-in microphone. While functional, it's certainly not the ideal setup. Many find the idea of an earbud annoying, so I recommend getting a legit gaming headset, and I've included a few options below.
For the big spender: I recommend the ASTRO Gaming headsets which are fully compatible with the PS4. ASTRO offers multiple options, depending on how much you're willing to spend, but the A30, A40, and A50 all deliver Dolby Digital 7.1 Surround Sound and utilize online voice chat. It's worth noting, though, that only the A50 headset offers a fully wireless solution for the PS4.
Other options: So let's say you don't want to spend $200 on a gaming headset. Turtle Beach offers the Ear Force P4C Chat Communicator for just $24.95. You won't get surround sound, but it's definitely an upgrade over the standard earbud that's included with the PS4.
Be sure to check out all of the other awesome gifts, games and consoles in GameZone's 2013 Holiday Gift Guide for Gamers (Click on the image below).
