As I sit down to write this in late 2025, the gaming world is abuzz with news that feels like the closing of a beloved chapter. On September 10, Genshin Impact will vanish from the PlayStation Store for PS4, a move that's sending ripples through the community. I remember its explosive debut back in 2020—it hit mobile, PC, and PS4 like a wildfire in dry grass, quickly becoming a commercial juggernaut that redefined the gacha genre. Fast forward to today, and it's still a titan across platforms, but this removal marks the start of a slow, inevitable sunset for PS4 players. It's as if the game is boarding a one-way spaceship, leaving behind a planet it once called home, and I can't help but feel a pang of nostalgia mixed with curiosity about what's next. 
To understand why this matters, let's rewind to the beginning. Genshin Impact launched in 2020, and its success was nothing short of seismic—it shattered records and built a massive, loyal fanbase almost overnight. A year later, in 2021, it got a native release on PlayStation 5, giving gamers there a polished experience instead of relying on backward compatibility. Then, in 2024, it expanded to Xbox consoles. But here's the twist that's always baffled me: a Switch port was announced ages ago, yet it's still MIA. Honestly, at this point, I'd be more surprised if it ever surfaces on the original Switch—it's like a half-written novel left on a dusty shelf, its pages yellowing with time. Instead, I suspect it might find new life on the rumored Switch 2, where it could bloom like a rare orchid in a futuristic greenhouse. For now, though, the focus is on PS4's swan song.
The removal from the PlayStation Store on September 10 is just the first domino to fall in a carefully orchestrated timeline. Here's a quick rundown of what's coming:
📅 Key Dates for Genshin Impact on PS4
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September 10, 2025: Game removed from PlayStation Store—new downloads impossible, but existing players can still play. 😢
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February 25, 2026: In-game purchases disabled, freezing PS4 players out of microtransactions. 💸
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April 8, 2026: Full support ends—no more updates, and login access is cut off. 🚫
This phased approach means that come September 10, only those who've already downloaded Genshin Impact on PS4 can keep playing for now. It's a bittersweet setup: on one hand, it's not an instant shutdown, but on the other, it's the prologue to a harsher reality. The inability to buy in-game items starting in February 2026 is particularly brutal—since Genshin Impact is free-to-play with gacha mechanics, locking out purchases is like taking away the keys to a treasure vault. PS4 players will struggle to snag characters like Kaedehara Kazuha or gear up for events, effectively turning their experience into a shadow of what others enjoy on PS5 or PC. 
So, what does this mean for the players? Well, if you're still on PS4, it's high time to bind your account to other login methods and consider migrating. HoYoverse (the developer) is nudging everyone toward PS5 or other platforms, and I wholeheartedly agree—it's not just about convenience; it's about survival in the evolving landscape. Think about it: after April 8, 2026, PS4 will be a ghost town for Genshin Impact, with no updates or access. That's akin to a library burning down, leaving only ashes where stories once thrived. And while the game thrives elsewhere, this shift highlights how hardware obsolescence creeps in silently, like ivy overtaking an ancient ruin. For those clinging to their PS4s, the message is clear: adapt or fade away. 
Now, let's talk about the bigger picture. Genshin Impact's journey has been a rollercoaster—from its humble origins to becoming a cross-platform phenomenon. But this PS4 exit isn't just an isolated event; it's a symptom of the industry's relentless march forward. I've covered gaming for years, and this feels like when vinyl records gave way to streaming—nostalgic but necessary. The game's continued success on PS5 and Xbox shows it's far from dead; in fact, it's more vibrant than ever. Remember that Paimon easter egg on PS5? It's little touches like that which keep the magic alive. 
Looking ahead, my personal take? I reckon Genshin Impact is poised for a renaissance on emerging hardware. The Switch port might be a pipe dream now, but with Switch 2 rumors swirling, it could land there by 2027, reborn like a phoenix from the ashes. And who knows—maybe we'll see cloud-based versions that make platform boundaries irrelevant. It's a future where the game evolves beyond its roots, becoming a timeless tapestry woven into gaming culture. As I sign off, this PS4 farewell is a stark reminder: in gaming, as in life, nothing stays static. Embrace the change, and keep exploring Teyvat on whatever screen calls to you next. 😊