Sony really went all out during the mid-gen cycle of the PlayStation 4. It wasn't just about the power bump to 4K gaming; it was about the aesthetics. For collectors, the PS4 limited edition pro remains a high-water mark for hardware design that we haven't quite seen replicated in the PS5 era yet. Honestly, look at the PS5—it’s a giant white tower. It’s fine, sure. But it lacks that bespoke, "piece of art" feeling that some of these older Pro models nailed.
You remember the 500 Million Limited Edition? That translucent dark blue shell?
That console is basically the holy grail for a lot of people. Sony released it back in 2018 to celebrate selling half a billion PlayStation systems. It wasn't just a color swap. They used a see-through plastic that let you see the internal copper-colored components when the light hit it just right. Only 50,000 were made. Each one had a tiny copper plate on the front with its unique production number. If you find one today that hasn't been scratched to death by a microfiber cloth, you're looking at a serious investment piece.
Why the PS4 Limited Edition Pro Still Commands High Prices
People keep asking if it's worth buying a used Pro in 2026. Usually, the answer is "just get a PS5," but that ignores the collector's market. These machines aren't just for playing Bloodborne at a stable-ish frame rate anymore. They're shelf pieces.
The God of War (2018) edition is a perfect example. Sony didn't just slap a sticker on it. The top plate is designed to look like Kratos’s Leviathan Axe skill tree, featuring silver markings and runes. It’s rugged. It looks like it was forged in a dwarven smithy. Compared to the standard "Jet Black" model, it feels heavy with intent.
The Problem with Glossy Finishes
There is a downside. Sony loved glossy finishes on these special runs.
The 500 Million Edition is a fingerprint magnet of the highest order. If you breathe on it wrong, it scratches. Collectors call these "micro-abrasions," but let’s be real—it’s just the plastic being soft. If you are hunting for one of these on the secondary market like eBay or Mercari, you have to be obsessive about the photos. Ask the seller for high-res shots under direct sunlight. That is the only way you'll see the swirl marks that people try to hide with clever lighting.
Ranking the Best PS4 Limited Edition Pro Designs
Not every "limited" console was a winner. Some were honestly a bit lazy. But when Sony hit the mark, they really hit it.
- The 500 Million Limited Edition: Translucent blue. Copper accents. Best controller they ever made. Period.
- Death Stranding Edition: This one is polarizing. It’s matte white with black handprints smeared across it. The best part? The controller is a translucent orange "BB" color. It’s weird, it’s Kojima, and it stands out in a room.
- Monster Hunter World: Liolaeus Edition: This was originally a Japan exclusive before a limited Western release. It features a red dragon (Rathalos) design on a black matte finish with gold lettering. It’s subtle enough to look "adult" but nerdy enough to satisfy the hardcore fans.
- Spider-Man "Amazing Red" Edition: This one is loud. Very loud. It’s a bright red console with a giant white spider logo. You either love it or it clashes with every single piece of furniture you own.
The Star Wars Battlefront II Mistake
We have to talk about the Star Wars one. It was a mirror-finish silver Pro with the Galactic Empire and Resistance logos. On paper, it sounds cool. In reality? It looked a bit cheap. The icons felt like decals rather than part of the machine's soul. It’s one of the few PS4 limited edition pro units that doesn't hold its value nearly as well as the others.
The Technical Reality: Noise and Thermal Paste
Let’s get technical for a second. If you’re buying one of these to actually use, you’re dealing with the "jet engine" problem.
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The Pro was notorious for fan noise. Inside that beautiful Kingdom Hearts III edition is a cooling system that struggles with 2026-era ambient temperatures. Most of these consoles are now 6 to 8 years old. The thermal paste Sony used at the factory was, frankly, mediocre. It dries out. It cracks.
If you buy a used PS4 limited edition pro, you basically have two choices:
- Leave it mint and never turn it on.
- Open it up, void the "warranty" (which is long gone anyway), and replace the thermal paste with something like Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut.
While you're in there, swap the ancient HDD for a cheap SATA SSD. Even a budget 1TB SSD will cut your load times in Ghost of Tsushima by 30-40%. It makes the UI feel snappy again. Without an SSD, the PS4 dashboard feels like it’s running through molasses.
Finding a Real Deal (And Avoiding Scams)
Scammers love these consoles. Because they are "Limited Editions," they attract high-price listings.
Watch out for "re-shells." People buy cheap, beat-up Pros and put them into aftermarket shells they bought from AliExpress. How can you tell? Check the serial number stickers on the back. If the sticker looks peeled, crooked, or the model number doesn't match the specific edition (e.g., the CUH-7100 series vs the CUH-7200 series), walk away.
The CUH-7200 is actually the "preferred" internal model for most collectors who play their games. It’s the "Red Dead Redemption 2" era hardware. It has a different power plug (the "figure-8" style) and runs significantly quieter than the launch Pros. If you can find a limited edition that uses the 7200 internals, like the Kingdom Hearts or Death Stranding models, you've hit the jackpot.
Is it Still a Good Investment?
Market data from the last few years shows a steady climb. While the "standard" PS4 Pro price has cratered because of PS5 availability, the PS4 limited edition pro prices stay sticky.
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Look at the Marvel’s Spider-Man edition. In 2021, you could grab one for $300. Now? You’re lucky to find a boxed one for under $500. The 500 Million Edition? Those are routinely clearing $800 to $1,200 depending on the condition and if the original "collector's box" (which is huge and heavy) is included.
What to Check Before You Pay
Don't just look at the console. The controllers for these editions are often harder to find than the consoles themselves.
The Star Wars controller had unique touchpad engraving. The 500 Million controller had a tiny PlayStation icon on the Home button in a specific color. If a seller is offering the console but with a "standard black controller," the value drops by at least $100. Always insist on the matching peripheral. It’s the difference between a "complete in box" (CIB) collector's item and a "loose" piece of hardware.
How to Maintain Your Collection
If you've managed to snag one, don't put it in a closed cabinet. These things need air. More importantly, they need protection from UV light. The white plastic on the Destiny 2 or Spider-Man models can yellow over time if they sit in direct sunlight.
Keep it in a cool, dry place. Dust it with canned air, not a rag that can trap grit and swirl the finish.
The PS4 limited edition pro era represented a time when mid-cycle refreshes felt like events. We're seeing rumors of a PS5 Pro, but it remains to be seen if Sony will put the same level of craft into those limited runs. For now, the PS4 remains the king of the "special edition" hill.
Actionable Next Steps for Collectors
If you're looking to buy or preserve one of these units, follow this checklist to ensure you're getting your money's worth:
- Verify the Model Number: Ensure the serial on the back matches the limited edition release window (CUH-7115B or CUH-7215B are common for later specials).
- Inspect the Ports: Check the HDMI and USB ports for "scabbing" or scratches, which indicate heavy use rather than "collector-owned" status.
- Check the Controller: Ensure the model number on the back of the controller is the specific version that came with that console; many "limited" controllers have unique colors or textures on the back shell.
- SSD Upgrade: If you plan to play on it, immediately install a 1TB or 2TB SATA SSD to reduce heat and noise while improving the user experience.
- Save the Packaging: If you have the box, keep it. A boxed 500 Million Edition is worth nearly double a loose one. Store the box inside a larger shipping box to prevent edge wear.