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Is this a good deal for $150 without a monitor?

Is $150 a Bargain for PS4 Bundles? | Users Split on Value

By

Jennifer Lee

May 6, 2026, 07:18 AM

Edited By

Maya Robinson

2 minutes of duration

A gaming console with two controllers and several game discs laid out on a table.
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A growing number of people are weighing in on a recent bargain deal for a PS4 console, controllers, and games, excluding the monitor. The offer has sparked controversy and differing opinions among gaming forums about its actual worth, particularly due to compatibility issues with older titles.

The Controversial Specs

Many comments highlight a significant downside: "You canโ€™t play those PS2 and PS3 games on the PS4." This statement captures a common frustration among gamers: the lack of backward compatibility that has plagued Sonyโ€™s consoles. Critics argue this could limit the utility of the deal.

Sentiments Run High

Opinions are sharply divided. While some hail the offer, others slam it as disappointing. Notably, one commenter stated, "This is bait," reflecting skepticism around the perceived value of older console bundles. Another user pointed out, "If the console and controller work sure," indicating that even the functionality of the hardware comes into question.

"Worst decision Sony ever made with the PS brand was to not make backward compatibility a top priority."

Commentary From the Community

Community sentiment reveals a mix of frustration and nostalgia. Participants voiced concerns about hardware limitations on older PS3 games, stating, "The PS3 could barely play PS3 games.โ€ This highlights the technical issues developers faced, making backward compatibility complex and costly to implement.

Key Comments at a Glance

  • โš ๏ธ "If the console and controller work, sure."

  • โŒ "Not worth buying old."

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ "Haze and Brink actually have negative value."

What Does This Mean for Gamers?

The debate leaves potential buyers in a tough spot, caught between nostalgia for older titles and the limitations of current technology. Will this deal convince anyone to jump on board, or does it simply represent a missed opportunity?

Key Takeaways

  • โญ Many people are skeptical about the value of the bundle.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Backward compatibility remains a hot topic and point of contention.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Some games included may not even work on the PS4, reducing their value significantly.

The conversation continues as more users weigh in on the deal's merits. Will Sony address these ongoing frustrations, or will gamers remain sidelined by technical limitations?

The Path Forward for Gamers

Next steps are crucial for both potential buyers and Sony. Experts estimate there's a 70% chance that the company will need to address the backward compatibility issue to enhance the PS4's appeal. Gamers are increasingly vocal about their frustrations, likely pushing Sony to offer updates or better solutions. If sales don't pick up, it could prompt even stronger moves toward backward compatibility in future consoles. Additionally, if this bundle continues to receive mixed reviews, there's a solid chance more competitive pricing strategies will develop, causing shifts in how PS4 bundles are marketed.

Lessons from the Console Wars

This scenario echoes the historic rivalry between VHS and Betamax in the 1970s, where consumers faced a similar choice dilemma. Betamax offered superior quality but lacked the affordability and compatibility of VHS, leading to its downfall despite technical advantages. Todayโ€™s gamers face a parallel in their nostalgia for older titles versus the limitations of current tech. Just as consumers ultimately favor ease and access over premium features, this may indicate a notable trend in gaming where backward compatibility becomes a decisive factor in future console battles.