PlayStation 4 Camera Was Discounted by 33 Percent in 2015
In August 2015, the official PlayStation 4 Camera accessory was discounted by 33% on Amazon. At the time, other hardware and game preorders were also available.
- Published
- Read
- 2 min
In August 2015, Amazon listed the official PlayStation 4 Camera for 33 percent off its manufacturer’s suggested retail price. The accessory, which originally launched at $59.99, was available for approximately $40 during the sale. The PS4 Camera was primarily marketed as a tool for live streaming, allowing players to broadcast their gameplay on platforms like Twitch and Ustream with a picture-in-picture view of themselves.
Beyond streaming, the camera enabled voice commands for navigating the PS4 dashboard, facial recognition for logging into user profiles, and motion-controlled gameplay in compatible software. It was required for the pre-installed augmented reality tech demo, The Playroom, and supported titles like the Just Dance series. The camera would later become an essential component for the PlayStation VR system.
Other PlayStation Deals from the Period
At the time of the camera discount, several other official PlayStation products were also on sale or available for preorder. The PlayStation TV, a micro-console that allowed users to play PS Vita games and stream PS4 games to a second screen, was listed at 50% off. The PlayStation Silver Wired Stereo Headset saw an even steeper price cut of 67%.
Hardware collectors had opportunities to preorder special edition accessories. Both a DualShock 4 Wireless Controller and a PlayStation Gold Wireless Stereo Headset were announced in a special 20th Anniversary Edition design, featuring the classic light gray color and vintage PlayStation logo of the original 1994 console. A limited edition PlayStation 4 console bundle for Destiny: The Taken King was also available for preorder, featuring a custom white console with a unique design inspired by the game.
Notable Game and Guide Preorders
The mid-2015 period was busy with preorders for major upcoming titles. Anticipation for Fallout 4 was high, with preorders open for the game, its official art book, and two versions of its Prima Official Game Guide—the collector’s edition of which was discounted by 40%. A Fallout Anthology collection was also listed.
Other significant preorders included Star Wars Battlefront, which offered one week of early access to the Battle of Jakku DLC. Pre-purchasing Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 granted access to its multiplayer beta. Collector’s editions were available for Just Cause 3 and Halo 5: Guardians, the latter of which also had two limited edition themed Xbox One controllers based on Master Chief and Spartan Locke.
Strategy guides for recently released and upcoming games were heavily discounted. Guides for Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain were up to 44% off, while guides for Bloodborne and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt also saw price reductions. For handheld players, preorders were available for Corpse Party: Blood Drive Everafter Edition and the Persona 4: Dancing All Night Disco Fever Edition on PlayStation Vita.
Frequently asked questions
What was the PlayStation 4 Camera used for?
The PS4 Camera was primarily used for broadcasting gameplay with a picture-in-picture video of the player. It also enabled voice commands for system navigation, facial recognition for login, and motion controls in select games like *The Playroom* and the *Just Dance* series. It later became a required component for the PlayStation VR headset.
How much did the PS4 Camera originally cost?
At its launch, the PlayStation 4 Camera had a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $59.99 in the United States. Prices were sometimes reduced by retailers during sales events. The deal in August 2015 lowered the price by 33 percent to approximately $40 for a limited time.
Was the PlayStation 4 Camera required to play games?
For most PS4 games, the camera was an optional accessory that added extra features. It was not required for the vast majority of the console's library. However, a small number of games, particularly those focused on motion control or augmented reality like the *Just Dance* franchise, required the camera for full functionality.
What was the 20th Anniversary Edition DualShock 4?
The 20th Anniversary Edition DualShock 4 was a limited-run controller released in 2015. It celebrated two decades since the original PlayStation's launch by replicating its iconic light gray color scheme. It also featured the vintage, four-color PlayStation family logo on its home button, making it a popular item for collectors.