Genshin Impact’s PS4 Chapter Closes: Understanding the Delisting and End of Support
At Gaming News, we understand that players of Genshin Impact on PlayStation 4 have received some significant news regarding the future of their beloved game on the platform. miHoYo, the acclaimed developer behind this massively popular free-to-play action RPG, has formally announced a strategic decision to discontinue support for the PS4 version of Genshin Impact, and concurrently, the game will be delisted from the PlayStation Store. This news, while undoubtedly a disappointment for many dedicated players, stems from a confluence of technical considerations that are crucial for players to understand.
The Rationale Behind the PS4 Delisting and Support Cessation
miHoYo has clearly articulated the underlying reasons for this impactful decision in a recent official statement. The primary drivers behind the cessation of support and the subsequent delisting of Genshin Impact on PS4 are attributed to “limitations related to hardware performance and platform application size.” In simpler terms, as Genshin Impact has evolved, incorporating new regions, characters, storylines, and increasingly sophisticated gameplay mechanics, its demands on the underlying hardware have grown exponentially. The PlayStation 4, while a groundbreaking console in its time, is now facing the natural technological limitations of its generation.
The sheer scale and complexity of Genshin Impact’s ongoing development have reached a point where the PS4’s capabilities are struggling to keep pace. This isn’t a reflection of any failing on miHoYo’s part, but rather a testament to the ambitious and ever-expanding nature of the game itself. Maintaining optimal performance, ensuring seamless updates, and continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible within the game’s framework becomes increasingly challenging when constrained by the hardware limitations of a previous generation console. The developers are essentially facing a situation where the game has outgrown the PS4’s capacity, making it difficult to deliver the high-quality, feature-rich experience that players expect and that miHoYo is committed to providing across all its supported platforms.
A Phased Approach to Sunsetting the PS4 Version
Understanding that such a transition requires careful management and clear communication, miHoYo has outlined a three-step plan to systematically sunset the PS4 version of Genshin Impact. This phased approach is designed to give players ample time to understand the changes, manage their in-game progress, and, if they choose, transition to other supported platforms.
Step 1: The Initial Delisting and Download Cessation
The first phase of this transition has already begun with the delisting of Genshin Impact from the PlayStation Store. As of September 10, the game is no longer available for new downloads on the PS4. This means that any player who has not yet purchased or downloaded Genshin Impact on their PS4 will be unable to do so going forward.
However, it is crucial to highlight that this delisting does not affect existing players who have already downloaded the game. Those who have previously downloaded Genshin Impact will retain access to it and it will not disappear from their digital libraries. Furthermore, players will still be able to log in and receive update patches for the PS4 version until the game is entirely taken offline. This ensures that players can continue to enjoy the game as it currently exists for a significant period, allowing for a gradual adjustment to the upcoming changes.
Continued Access for Existing PS4 Players
For the many dedicated players who have spent countless hours adventuring in Teyvat on their PS4 consoles, the news of the delisting might initially sound like an immediate cessation of play. However, miHoYo has been careful to reassure these players that their current access remains largely unimpeded for a considerable time. The PS4 version will continue to be playable, and importantly, will still receive crucial update patches. These patches are vital for maintaining the game’s functionality, addressing any critical bugs, and ensuring a stable, albeit not feature-expanding, experience. This means that players can continue to engage with their existing progress, characters, and ongoing events without immediate interruption, a point of considerable relief for a significant portion of the player base.
Step 2: Disabling In-Game Purchases and Store Transactions
The second phase of the PS4 sunsetting process focuses on the monetization aspect of Genshin Impact. miHoYo has announced that in-game purchases on the PlayStation Store, including the buying of Genesis Crystals, Battle Pass elements, and other premium currency or items, will be disabled on February 25, 2026.
This means that after this date, players will no longer be able to spend real money within the game on the PS4 platform. However, there is a crucial detail for players who may have recently made purchases or who have outstanding in-game items they have acquired. Any items purchased on the PlayStation Network before February 25, 2026, but not yet claimed in-game, will still be obtainable. Players will need to ensure they claim these purchased items within the game before the final shutdown occurs, so it is imperative to keep track of any outstanding entitlements from the PlayStation Store.
Navigating Unclaimed Purchases Before the Deadline
The distinction between purchasing an item and claiming it in-game is a critical one for PS4 players to understand as this second phase approaches. For instance, if a player buys a Battle Pass or a pack of Genesis Crystals just before the February 25, 2026 deadline, but hasn’t yet logged into the game to activate or receive those benefits, they will still be able to do so. This foresight from miHoYo ensures that players who have invested financially in the game are not penalized for transactions that were made in good faith prior to the disabling of purchases. It is highly recommended that PS4 players who have any pending in-game items from the PlayStation Store make it a priority to claim them well before the February 25, 2026 deadline to avoid any potential loss of digital assets.
Step 3: The Final Sunset and Ceasing of All PS4 Support
The final and most definitive step in this transition is the complete cessation of all support for Genshin Impact on the PS4. This momentous event is scheduled to occur on April 8, 2026. On this date, miHoYo will effectively take the PS4 version of Genshin Impact offline.
Following this date, players will no longer be able to log into the game on their PS4 consoles. Furthermore, the game will not receive any further updates, including bug fixes, balance adjustments, or new content. Any unclaimed items that were purchased on the PlayStation Store before the previous deadline will only be obtainable by logging into the PS5 version of Genshin Impact. This underscores the importance of transitioning to the next-generation console if players wish to retain access to items they have purchased.
The Inevitable End of PS4 Service
The date of April 8, 2026, marks the definitive conclusion of Genshin Impact’s journey on the PlayStation 4. This means the servers for the PS4 version will be deactivated, rendering the game unplayable on that specific hardware. The decision to end all support is a difficult but necessary one for miHoYo, allowing them to reallocate resources and focus on delivering the best possible experience on platforms that can fully support the game’s ambitious future. This final step ensures that the development team can concentrate their efforts on evolving the game without the technical constraints imposed by the older hardware.
The Unaffected PS5 Version and Cross-Progression Benefits
It is vital to reiterate that this entire process does not impact the PlayStation 5 version of Genshin Impact. The game continues to thrive and receive full support on Sony’s current-generation console. For players who might be concerned about losing their progress or their investment in Genshin Impact, the good news is that the game features robust cross-progression capabilities.
This means that players can seamlessly transfer their Genshin Impact account progress, including characters, levels, items, and currency, between different platforms. If a PS4 player wishes to continue their adventures in Teyvat, they can easily transition to the PS5 version. This transition is typically as simple as logging into their existing miHoYo account on the PS5. This feature is a significant benefit, mitigating the disruption caused by the PS4’s delisting and providing a clear pathway for continued play.
Seamless Transition to PlayStation 5
The existence of cross-progression between the PS4 and PS5 versions of Genshin Impact is a cornerstone of miHoYo’s strategy to manage this transition smoothly. Players who have invested significant time and effort into their accounts will find that this progress is not lost. By simply linking their miHoYo account, players can pick up exactly where they left off on the PS5. This is particularly beneficial for those who may have been on the fence about upgrading to a PS5, as it provides a compelling reason to make the switch to ensure continued access to their cherished in-game progress and purchased items, especially those claimed after the February 25, 2026 cut-off for PS4 purchases.
Genshin Impact’s Broader Platform Availability
Beyond the PlayStation ecosystem, Genshin Impact boasts an exceptionally wide array of supported platforms, ensuring that players can access the game on their preferred devices. In addition to the PlayStation 5, the game is readily available on Xbox Series X/S, PC (via the official launcher and Steam), and mobile devices including iOS and Android.
This extensive multi-platform availability makes the transition away from the PS4 all the more manageable. Players who own an Xbox Series X/S, a capable PC, or a modern smartphone can continue their Genshin Impact journey without missing a beat. The commitment to making the game accessible across such a diverse range of hardware further solidifies miHoYo’s dedication to its player base and the longevity of Genshin Impact as a global phenomenon.
Exploring Alternative Platforms for Teyvat Adventures
For those who may not have immediate access to a PS5, the availability of Genshin Impact on Xbox Series X/S, PC, iOS, and Android presents viable alternatives. The PC version often offers the highest graphical fidelity and performance, especially on gaming rigs, while the mobile versions provide the ultimate in portability. The Xbox Series X/S experience is also top-tier, mirroring the quality found on the PS5. Players can explore these different platforms, leveraging their existing hardware to continue their adventures in Teyvat, ensuring that the end of Genshin Impact on the PS4 is a transition, not an ending, to their gaming experience.
Looking Towards the Future of Genshin Impact
The decision to delist and cease support for Genshin Impact on PS4 is a clear indicator of the game’s relentless evolution and miHoYo’s commitment to pushing the technical boundaries of what’s possible in gaming. As Genshin Impact continues to grow, with new updates and expansions planned for years to come, focusing development and support on more powerful hardware platforms is a logical and necessary step to ensure the game’s continued success and quality.
Players who have enjoyed their time with Genshin Impact on the PS4 are encouraged to explore the available cross-progression options to continue their journey on platforms like the PS5, PC, or Xbox Series X/S. This transition, while perhaps bittersweet, allows miHoYo to continue delivering the groundbreaking and expansive open-world experience that players have come to love, unhindered by the limitations of previous generation hardware. The future of Genshin Impact remains bright, and this strategic move ensures that the game can continue to evolve and impress for many years to come.