Gran Turismo 7 on PS4: worth playing in? Full review with comparison of versions

Gran Turismo 7 - the long-awaited continuation of the legendary racing series from Polyphony Digital, which caused a lot of controversy among fans. Originally announced as an exclusive for PlayStation 5, the game still received a port on PS4 — but with noticeable compromises. In this review, we’ll look at how justified the choice of version for the “old” console in 2026 is, how it differs from PS5-option, and is it worth spending time on passing if you don’t have a new console.

Let us immediately note: GT7 on PS4 - it's not just lower graphics. The developers reworked some mechanics, optimized downloads, and even cut some of the content so that the game would somehow fit into the technical limitations of the previous generation console. At the same time, the essence simulator with RPG elements preserved: still there Cafe "Minuet" with tasks, licenses, tuning and collecting cars. But we’ll tell you later how it all works in practice.

Specifications: PS4 vs PS5

The main question that worries players: How much is the PS4 version cut down? The answer is noticeable, but not critical to gameplay. The main differences come down to three key aspects: resolution, frame rate and loading speed. On PS4 Pro the game gives 1800×1080 with dynamic resolution (sometimes sags to 900p), whereas on PS5 - stable 4K with ray tracing. The frame rate on both consoles is fixed at 60 FPS, but on PS4 Micro-stutters happen in tight races.

More painful moment - download times. On PS5 transition between menu and races takes 3-5 seconds thanks to the SSD, and on PS4 with HDD this process stretches to 20-30 seconds. This is especially annoying in mode Sport, where you have to wait longer between rides than drive. By the way, installing the game on an external SSD (if your PS4 supports USB 3.0) reduces downloads by about 30%, but does not solve the problem completely.

• 🎮 Resolution: PS4 - dynamic 900p-1080p; PS5 — 4K with ray tracing.
• ⚡ Frame rate: 60 FPS on both platforms, but on PS4 drawdowns are possible.
• 🕒 Downloads: on PS5 — 3-5 sec., on PS4 - up to 30 sec. (without SSD).
• 🔊 Sound: on PS5 supported 3D audio, on PS4 - stereo.
• 💾 Game weight: ~110 GB on PS4 (vs~130 GB on PS5).

⚠️ Attention: On PS4 disabled mode Photo Mode in Scapes — instead, only static photos are available in a limited set of locations. Also in the version for PS4 no support DualSense (haptic feedback and adaptive triggers).

Gameplay and content: what was removed from the PS4 version?

The most unpleasant surprise for owners PS4 — reduced car park. Not available in the version for the old console 12 cars from the general list (mostly modern supercars and concepts that require detailed models). For example, there is no Porsche 911 GT3 (992), Lamborghini Sian FKP 37 and Toyota GR010 Hybrid. Also removed some tracks in the mode Sport, but this is not critical - the main locations (like Nurburgring or Tokyo Expressway) remained.

Regarding mechanic, then everything is identical here PS5-versions:

• 📜 System Licenses (from B up to S) with mandatory exams.
• 🔧 Tuning with detailed tuning of suspension, aerodynamics and engine.
• 🏆 Cafe "Minuet" — story missions with reward cars.
• 💰 Exchange for buying/selling cars (prices are synchronized with PS5).

However, on PS4 disabled mode Split Screen (local multiplayer), which may upset fans of co-op racing.

Full list of missing cars on PS4

Porsche 911 GT3 (992), Lamborghini Sian FKP 37, Toyota GR010 Hybrid, Mazda RX-Vision GT3 Concept, Subaru WRX STI (VA) Time Attack, Nissan GT-R Nismo '17, Ferrari SF90 Stradale, McLaren 720S Spider, Audi R8 V10 plus (2020), BMW M4 Competition Coupe (G82), Ford GT '17, Lexus LC500 '20

Parameter	PS4	PS5
Number of cars	~400	~420
Trails in Sport	22	25
Mode Split Screen	❌ No	✅ Yes
Support DualSense	❌ No	✅ Yes
Mode Photo Scapes	Stripped down	Full

Graphics and physics: how much worse does the PS4 version look?

Visually Gran Turismo 7 on PS4 looks like improved GT Sport - this is both a plus and a minus. On the one hand, the picture remains pleasant thanks to the well-developed car models and lighting. On the other hand, the lack of ray tracing and low texture resolution are striking, especially if you have previously played on PS5 or PC. For example, reflections on car bodies on PS4 look like superimposed "films" rather than real mirrors.

Physics of motion completely identical to the PS5 version — here are the same algorithms for calculating adhesion, aerodynamics and tire wear. This means that the skills acquired at PS4, will be transferred to other platforms without problems. However, it is worth considering that on the old console Weather mode with dynamic changes is disabled (eg sudden rain during a race). Instead, the weather is fixed during the route selection phase.

• 🌧️ Weather: on PS4 static, on PS5 — dynamic.
• 🔦 Lighting: there is no ray tracing, shadows are less detailed.
• 🚗 Car models: Small details have been simplified (grilles, wheels, interior).
• 🌿 Environment: grass and foliage on PS4 look like "flat sprites".

System requirements and optimization

Official requirements for PS4 look modest: the game runs on any console model (including PS4 Slim 2016), but for comfortable gameplay it is recommended PS4 Pro. The main problem is lack of RAM. Because of this, in mode Sport sometimes an error occurs CE-34878-0 (especially if the browser is open at the same time or there is a background download running). This can be solved by restarting the console and clearing the cache (Settings → Storage → System storage → Clear cache).

The size of the game after installation is ~110 GB, but this takes into account all updates. If you have PS4 with hard drive on 500 GB, you will have to remove 2-3 other games. By the way, patches for GT7 come out regularly (once every 1-2 months), and their weight can reach 5-10 GB. Therefore, it is better to immediately allocate for the game 150 GB free space.

Close all background applications|Clear console cache|Disable uploading screenshots to the cloud|Use a wired internet connection|Install the game on an external SSD (if possible)-->

⚠️ Attention: On PS4 in mode Sport Automatically disables some visual effects (such as depth of field) to reduce stress. This may make the picture less cinematic, but does not affect the gameplay.

Is Gran Turismo 7 worth buying on PS4 in 2026?

The answer depends on your expectations. If you:

• 🏁 New to the series and want to meet realistic racing - yes, GT7 on PS4 perfect for starting.
• 🎮 You only play on PS4 and don't plan to buy PS5 — the version is quite playable, despite the cuts.
• 💰 Limited on budget - on PS4 the game is often sold at a discount of up to 50% (vs. PS5-versions).

The purchase is justified. But if you:

• 🖥️ Got used to 4K/120 FPS or play on PC - graphics PS4 will seem outdated.
• 🏎️ If you love collecting cars, the lack of 12 models may be disappointing.
• 🕹️ Are you planning to play Split Screen - on PS4 this mode is disabled.

It's better to wait for discounts on PS5-version or consider alternatives like Assetto Corsa Competizione.

The main argument in favor - this is gameplay component. Physics, tuning and career in GT7 remain the best in the genre, regardless of platform. And the graphics shortcomings PS4 pale in comparison to the sophisticated driving mechanics. If it's more important to you playability, not picture - take it with confidence.

Comparison with Gran Turismo Sport: what has changed?

Many players are wondering: how much GT7 different from GT Sport? In short, these are two different approaches. GT Sport was focused on online competitions and had a reduced single-player mode, while GT7 returns to the roots of the series with a full-fledged career, tuning and collecting. Below are the key differences:

Parameter	Gran Turismo Sport (2017)	Gran Turismo 7 (2022)
Single player campaign	Minimalistic (training only)	A fulfilling career with Cafe "Minuet"
Tuning	Limited (basic settings only)	Deep (suspension, aerodynamics, engine)
Number of cars	~300	~400 (PS4) / ~420 (PS5)
Licenses	Online tests only	Full-length exams (from B up to S)
Car exchange	No	Yes (with dynamic prices)

Another important innovation - microtransaction system. B GT7 You can buy credits with real money to purchase cars faster. However, this is not necessary: all cars are available for in-game currency, it just takes time to purchase them. B GT Sport coins (GT League) were given only for online races, which disappointed many.

Walkthrough tips: how to make money and cars faster

One of the main disadvantages Gran Turismo 7 — slow progression in early stages. To quickly accumulate credits and gain access to top cars, follow these recommendations:

1. Upgrade your licenses. For passing exams B, A and S give each 500,000–1,000,000 credits. This is the fastest way to make money when starting out.
2. Farm races Tokyo Highway. Check-in 50 km by group car N400 brings~150,000 credits in 10 minutes. Use Mazda RX-7 GT-X (FC) with tuning up to 500 PP.
3. Buy cheap cars on the exchange. For example, Honda Civic Type R (EK) often sells for 20 000–30 000, although it's worth it 80 000 in the salon.
4. Use the menu Roulette in a cafe. Sometimes rare cars drop there (for example, Toyota Supra RZ '97) or large amounts of loans.

For tuning in the early stages, the cars of the group are optimal N200–N400:

• 🚗 Honda Fit Hybrid '14 — cheap, well tuned to 400 PP.
• 🚗 Toyota Aqua S '11 - an excellent choice for racing Tokyo.
• 🚗 Mazda Demio XD Touring '15 — maneuverable and fast after an upgrade.

FAQ: answers to popular questions

Is it possible to transfer saves from PS4 to PS5?

Yes, but only if you use the same account PlayStation Network. Saves GT7 are tied to the profile, so when you go to PS5 your progress, cars and credits will remain. However, please note: if you played on PS4 and bought PS5-version separately (not as part of an upgrade), you will have to buy the game again - cross-save only works within one platform (for example, between PS4 and PS4 Pro).

Will Gran Turismo 7 be on PC?

Officially Gran Turismo 7 remains exclusive PlayStation, and no PC port has been announced. However, the game works on emulators like RPCS4 (for PS4-version) or PS5 emulators (if they appear). The quality of the emulation still leaves much to be desired: frequent crashes, low FPS and lack of an online mode. If you need GT7 on PC, it is better to wait for the official release (if it happens at all) or consider alternatives (Assetto Corsa, iRacing).

How to fix error CE-34878-0 on PS4?

Error CE-34878-0 in GT7 usually due to low memory or data corruption. To fix it:

1. Close all applications and restart your console.
2. Clear cache: Settings → Storage → System storage → Clear cache.
3. Uninstall and reinstall the latest game update.
4. If the game is installed on an external drive, transfer it to the internal HDD.
5. As a last resort, reinstall the game completely (the saves will remain in the cloud).

If the error persists, check the health of your hard drive - it may be time to replace it with SSD.

What gamepads are best to use for GT7 on PS4?

For a comfortable game GT7 on PS4 will fit:

• DualShock 4 — a standard gamepad, but for precise control you will have to adjust the sensitivity in the settings.
• Thrustmaster T150 — budget steering wheel with feedback (~15,000 rubles), ideal for beginners.
• Logitech G29 — a more premium option with metal pedals (~25,000 rubles).
• Fanatec CSL Elite — top choice for professionals (from RUB 40,000).

For gamepad it is recommended to enable Transmission: Manual with tips and disable ASM (Anti-lock braking system)to quickly learn to brake in turns.

When will Gran Turismo 8 be released?

Official announcements Gran Turismo 8 not yet, but based on the history of the series, we can assume that the game will appear no earlier than 2026–2026. Polyphony Digital usually releases new parts every 5–7 years (GT6 came out in 2013, GT Sport — in 2017, GT7 - in 2022). Most likely, the next part will be exclusive to PS5 and possible for PS6 (if it comes out by then). For now, the studio is focused on supporting GT7 new cars and tracks through updates.