Sony released the PlayStation in the UK on November 29 - a week after Microsoft's rival Xbox One.
Both next-gen consoles will run games like Watch Dogs, Destiny and Battlefield 4. But the PS4 arguably has more oomph and Sony has ditched the PS3's media hub functionality in favour of a more purist gaming approach.
Post-launch, some UK retailers are still offering to sell you a PS4 in time for Christmas, although it will typically be part of a more expensive console plus games or console plus accessories bundle.
These bundles represent the last remnants of the launch stock and some sellers are cashing in on the PS4's limited availability.
Like most console launches, your buying options range from the big websites like Amazon and Tesco Direct to indie sellers likesimplygames.com. On its own, the PS4 has an RRP of £349. This includes the console itself, a DualShock 4 wireless controller, an HDMI cable, power cable, wired mono headset and a USB charging cable. As you'll see, bundles are available that can boost this price up as high as £650.
We've rounded up all of the current deals in this article, which we'll keep updating so you know just where to get the best deal on a PS4.
The Sony store is dry
The official place to get a PS4 is the Sony Store, but you currently can't get a standalone console here. Your only option is
a PS4 Killzone bundle for £385, which means that you're getting the game for £36 - £12 cheaper than it sells for on Amazon. It's a decent (if unspectacular) deal, although the bundle is currently out of stock and "all orders placed for this model cannot be guaranteed delivery before Christmas."Amazon is taking orders...
It's a familiar story. Over on Amazon UK, you can still plunk down £349 for a basic PS4, but be sure to heed the not-so-small print, which says: "customers who pre-order this console from November 14 will receive their consoles after Christmas." The more expensive Sony PlayStation 4 and Knack bundle (£384.99) does promise a pre-Christmas delivery, however. But it's bound to sell out quickly. Or, depending on when you're reading this, it's already gone.
Watch out for overpriced bundles
An unlikely place to find a PS4 is men's fashion retailer Jacamo. At the time of writing, its online store is offering deliveries pre-Christmas on six PlayStation bundles. But wait… There's a catch.
Where Amazon is selling the PS4 plus Knack for a reasonable £385, Jacamo has hiked the price for a similar PS4 plus Battlefield 4 pack to an eye-widening and jaw-dropping £499. Yes, it means that the game effectively costs you £150.
Other shamelessly overpriced Jacamo 'bundles' include a PS4 Console, FIFA 14 and an extra PS4 DualShock 4 controller for £549, and a PS4 with Battlefield 4, Killzone: Shadow Fall and an extra gamepad for a wallet-shredding £620.
Game's bundles are worth a second look
It's hardly surprising that highly-priced bundles are still available. A standalone console only costs £349, but they've quickly sold out and aren't likely to be available until early 2014.
Game's bundles are pricey but far better value for money. For example, a PlayStation 4 with Killzone: Shadow Fall, LEGO Marvel SuperHeroes, FIFA 14, Battlefield 4, Need for Speed: Rivals and Call of Duty: Ghosts costs £604.94.
Two more Game bundles will also let you be the proud owner of a PS4 before 2013 draws to a close. A PS4 with Killzone: Shadow Fall, a PlayStation Camera, two controllers, Assassins Creed IV: Black Flag, FIFA 14, Battlefield 4, Need for Speed and Call of Duty: Ghosts has a £654.94 price tag, while a PS4 with Killzone, Battlefield 4, Call of Duty: Ghosts and a PS Vita (3G) will set you back £664.97. Expensive, yes. But it will keep you busy for months to come.
Avoid eBay (unless you're desperate)
PS4 prices will be sky-high on eBay post-launch, so you're better off waiting for retailers to get the second wave of Sony stock in. If you want a standalone console, it doesn't matter where you order it. Places like Curry's, Zavvi and Very.co.uk will take £349 from you but can't promise to deliver your PS4 until after Christmas. Ditto Argos, Asda and Tesco.
Buying a bundle is key to getting a good deal - there's not going to be much of a discount (if any) on standalone systems.
Pre-launch, simplygames.com impressed with the sheer variety of its PS4 packs, ranging from £399 for a console plus Killzone: Shadow Fall (or Knack, or Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag), to a £454.99 PS4 with Killzone, FIFA 14 and a Dual Charging Cable, or a £499.99 double console deal that pairs the Playstation 4 with a PlayStation Vita. The only problem? They're all out of stock. There's no indication of when this will change.
The Overall picture
The PS4's popularity is obvious and, unless you ordered one before mid-November, there's now little chance that you'll get one to play with before Christmas. Any orders placed now will typically be fulfilled as soon as extra stock arrives. But retailers are at the mercy of Sony's supply chain. It could be a week into 2014 before new stock arrives. But it could be March.
If you want a PS4, it seems like you have two choices. Wait until standalone consoles come back into stock and keep monitoring the various retailers mentioned here so that you can act quickly when they do. Or, buy your PS4 as part of a higher-priced bundle.
Game's £600+ packs look expensive, but you get a lot for your money. If you see a bundle, take some time to do the maths. Game's PlayStation 4 with Killzone: Shadow Fall, LEGO Marvel SuperHeroes, FIFA 14, Battlefield 4, Need for Speed: Rivals and Call of Duty: Ghosts costs £604.94. Based on Amazon's prices, if you were to buy a standalone console for £349 and six games at £48 each, you'd be paying a total £637. So that's a saving of £33.
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