Players can download free and paid-for games from the PlayStation Store. Some consoles enable games to be played from a physical disc. An additional subscription to the PlayStation Network is required if a player wants to play online with other users.
Players can connect their console to video sharing apps such as YouTube and Twitch, to broadcast their gameplay. Players can also watch films and TV programmes, for example using the Netflix app on the PlayStation console. Some consoles enable users to open a web browser to go online.
There is a PlayStation app for mobile devices that allows players to connect with friends including seeing when they are online and what games they are playing. Players can text and voice chat individually or in groups (‘Parties’), and stream their gameplay for friends to watch. They can also share videos and screenshots of gameplay with friends. Players can buy a PlayStation Virtual Reality headset to use with their console for immersive gaming.
Privacy and safety settings include the ability to prevent others from seeing a player’s real name, their friends and followers. Players can also prevent others from knowing when they are online and the games they’re playing. They can control who can send them a friend request or a request to watch their gameplay or play together. They can manage who can comment or share their social posts and who can tag them in shared images and videos. Players can report inappropriate comments as well as unfollowing and blocking other players or removing them from a Party. They can also turn off personalised advertising.
PlayStation includes parental controls to do things like age-restricting the games a child can play, and preventing their child from using Playstation VR (virtual reality) or the internet browser. They can also manage whether their child can join the online PlayStation Network and text and voice chat with other players or share or view content shared by other players. Parents have the option to set time and spending limits within the PlayStation Store. Check the controls available in the games and apps accessed by your child on the console. You may also be able to restrict inappropriate content through your mobile data and broadband providers.
