Even as the gaming world buzzed with anticipation for the next generation, Sony wasn't quite ready to let its beloved PS4 fade quietly into the night. Back in early 2020, they dropped a slick 30-second ad spot that felt less like a sales pitch and more like a heartfelt victory lap. It wasn't shouting about teraflops or ray-tracing; it was whispering, 'Hey, remember these absolute bangers?' 🎮 For players glued to their DualShock 4s, it was a potent reminder of the incredible journey they were still very much on. You could almost hear the collective sigh – a mix of appreciation for the present and that itchy feeling for the future. Sony knew its audience; they knew folks were hungry for PS5 news, but this ad? It was a masterclass in saying, 'Hold up, let's savor this first.'
The Heavy Hitters Take the Stage
The ad wasted no time, kicking off with a moody, atmospheric punch. The Last of Us Part II blinked onto the screen, instantly grabbing attention. There was Ellie, standing resolute against a backdrop of decaying urban sprawl, that look on her face telling a thousand grim stories. 
A lone figure against the ruins – Ellie set the tone. And then, just for a heartbeat, Joel appeared. It was fleeting, but enough to send a jolt of recognition through anyone who'd lived through the first game. Talk about playing the nostalgia card!
Before the weight of that world could fully settle, the scene shifted dramatically. Sunlight, wind-swept grass, and the unmistakable silhouette of a samurai. Ghost of Tsushima made its entrance, and wowza, did it look stunning. The wind whispered through the pampas grass as Jin Sakai prepared. Sucker Punch's vision of feudal Japan wasn't just pretty; it felt alive, serene yet charged with danger. That brief glimpse of Jin, his katana catching the light? Pure samurai cinema magic. For many watching, this was the game they were counting down the days for. 'Just give me my sword and a field of enemies,' folks probably muttered.
Next up, the one everyone had been waiting decades for: Final Fantasy VII Remake. Cloud's Buster Sword – an icon reborn for a new era. Even with the sting of its recent delay announcement fresh in the air (oh, 2020, you fickle beast!), seeing Cloud, Barret, and the gritty, neon-drenched streets of Midgar rendered with such loving detail was a balm. It looked exactly like the dream fans had carried in their hearts since '97, just... bigger, bolder, and way prettier. The ad smartly focused on that promise – the dream finally realized.
Ending on a High (and Weird) Note
And who better to close out this mini-blockbuster reel than Hideo Kojima's mind-bending masterpiece, Death Stranding? Sam Bridges, forever carrying the weight of connection. The ad showed Sam Porter Bridges doing what he did best: traversing breathtaking, hauntingly beautiful landscapes with a precarious load strapped to his back. It was a perfect capstone. Released just months prior, Death Stranding had cemented itself as one of 2019's most talked-about and critically acclaimed titles. Featuring it wasn't just showing off; it was saying, 'Look at the bold, unique experiences this platform delivered.'
| Game Spotlighted | Original Hype Year | 2025 Status (Looking Back) |
|---|---|---|
| The Last of Us Part II | 2020 | Acclaimed Sequel, Story Impact Still Debated |
| Ghost of Tsushima | 2020 | Beloved Hit, Director's Cut Widely Played |
| Final Fantasy VII Remake | 2020 | Part 1 Fondly Remembered, Rebirth Sequel Released |
| Death Stranding | 2019 (Featured as recent hit) | Cult Classic, Director's Cut Enhanced Experience |
Quality Marketing, But...
Let's be real, Sony knew exactly what they were doing. This ad was slick, emotional, and packed a punch by showcasing genuine system-sellers. It was quality marketing, no doubt about it. But... 😏 It was also kinda like waving a juicy steak in front of someone who'd asked about the dessert menu. Players watched it, appreciated the games, maybe got a little misty-eyed, but the underlying thought was almost universal: 'Cool ad... now where's the PS5 stuff?!' It was a beautiful, slightly bittersweet farewell hug to an incredible console generation, delivered just as everyone was leaning forward, eager for the next big leap.
That little 30-second spot became a poignant bookmark. It captured a specific moment in time – the twilight of the PS4 era, where incredible games were still landing, but the future was shimmering just over the horizon. Looking back from 2025, it feels like a warm, slightly nostalgic tribute to the console that kept millions company for so many years, right before the PS5 excitement truly kicked into high gear. It reminded players of the amazing journey they were still on, even as they peeked around the corner at what was next. A classy move, Sony. A real classy move. 👏