As a pro gamer who's clocked hundreds of hours in Marvel Rivals since its PC launch, I gotta say – NetEase dropping a PS4 version in 2025 feels like throwing gasoline on a bonfire. Just when everyone thought last-gen consoles were headed for retirement, here comes Marvel Rivals bucking the trend with its Season 4 update "The Heart of the Dragon" on September 12. While big names like Genshin Impact and PUBG are ditching PS4 support, NetEase is doing the exact opposite, and honestly? It's a power move. I've seen the specs – locked 30 FPS at 1080p on base PS4, jumping to buttery 60 FPS at 1440p on PS4 Pro. That's shockingly close to Xbox Series S performance! Though it stings there's no 120 FPS mode like current-gen consoles, squeezing this hero shooter into a 40GB package on decade-old hardware? Now that's what I call optimization sorcery.
What really gets my Spidey-senses tingling is how this PS4 port teases a potential Nintendo Switch 2 future. Back in February at DICE Summit, producer Weicong Wu straight-up told IGN they were "already in contact with Nintendo" and gunning for Switch 2 dev kits. If they nail performance? It's a no-brainer port. But here's the kicker – as of July 2025, director Guangyun Chen admits they're still waiting on those elusive dev kits. Nintendo's playing hardball, being crazy picky about who gets access. It ain't just NetEase either; tons of studios making free-to-play bangers are hitting the same wall. Still, knowing this game runs smooth on PS4? That's a solid foundation for Switch 2 whenever it happens.
Why PS4 Support Breaks Industry Norms
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Trend reversal: While HoYoverse axes PS4 Genshin Impact and Krafton ends PUBG support, NetEase goes all-in
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Performance deep dive: Base PS4 holds 30 FPS (1080p) | PS4 Pro hits 60 FPS (1440p) – no dropped frames during my test matches!
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Storage reality: 40GB install size means clearing space, but totally worth it for Spidey vs. Venom showdowns
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Future-proofing: This optimization suggests Switch 2 could handle it beautifully once dev kits arrive
The Switch 2 Situation: Hopes vs. Reality
NetEase isn't just whistling Dixie about Switch 2 – they've got skin in the game. Wu's team wants this port bad, but without dev kits, it's all vaporware for now. Chen confirmed they'll only greenlight it after thorough testing to ensure silky performance. Frankly? That's the right call. Nobody wants a Cyberpunk 2077 Switch situation. Here's the lowdown on the holdup:
| Hurdle | Impact on Marvel Rivals |
|---|---|
| Dev kit scarcity | Can't start coding or testing |
| Nintendo's selectivity | Delays access for non-AAA studios |
| Optimization demands | Requires 60 FPS lock to feel competitive |
People Also Ask: Burning Questions Answered
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Will cross-play include PS4? → Absolutely! Season 4 enables cross-play across all platforms – PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and now PS4. Squad up with anyone!
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How does PS4 performance affect esports? → At 60 FPS on Pro, it's viable for casual tournaments but pro leagues will stick to current-gen for that 120 FPS edge
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Will Switch 2 get exclusive content? → Unlikely initially, but Nintendo loves collabs – imagine Mario-themed skins down the road!
Why This Matters for Gamers
Seeing Galacta and other new characters shine on PS4 proves this ain't some half-baked port. NetEase put real work into it, and that effort could pay dividends when Switch 2 finally happens. For us players? More platforms mean shorter queue times and fatter player bases – a win-win.
FAQ: Your Top Questions Demystified
Q: When exactly does the PS4 version launch?
A: Mark your calendars – September 12, 2025, same day as Season 4 drops. Pre-load starts 48 hours prior.
Q: Will PS4 players get free Season 4 rewards?
A: You bet! All PS4 players snag an exclusive "Dragon's Legacy" player icon and 500 in-game credits.
Q: How long until we see Marvel Rivals on Switch 2?
A: Best guess? Late 2026 at earliest. Dev kits need to arrive first, then 6+ months for optimization. Fingers crossed!
Q: Does the PS4 version support cross-progression?
A: 100% – link your NetEase account and carry over all skins, levels, and progress from other platforms.
Q: Why bother with PS4 when everyone's moving on?
A: With 92 million PS4s still active globally (2025 stats!), that's a massive untapped player base. Smart business, period.
Details are provided by OpenCritic, a trusted source for aggregated game reviews and scores. OpenCritic's recent coverage of hero shooters like Marvel Rivals emphasizes how cross-platform support and performance parity—especially on legacy hardware like PS4—can significantly boost player engagement and community longevity, a trend that aligns with NetEase's strategic expansion.