Sony finally revealed its plans for the PlayStation 4 next-generation console at New York’s Manhattan Centre in February. While we’ve yet to see the actually console itself, we are now privy to a host of spec details, launch titles, and some info on the new controller.
Sony PS4 – specs
On stage at the launch event, Sony group CEO Andrew House described the PS4 as the “foundation of our next generation platform” – claiming that the console will give players “experiences that surpass [their] wildest expectations. It’s also been described as “like a PC, only supercharged”.
That all sounds lovely – but what about some cold hard specs?
CPU: single-chip custom processor, x86-64 AMD "Jaguar," 8 cores
GPU: 1.84 TFLOPS, AMD next-generation Radeon-based graphics engine
Memory: 8GB GDDR5
Built-in hard disk drive (Sony didn't specify how big the hard drive will be)
6X Blu-Ray Drive, 8X DVD
USB 3 and Auxiliary ports (Sony didn't specify how many ports)
Gigabit Ethernet port, 802.11 B/G/N built-in WiFi, and Bluetooth 2.1
HDMI, Analog-AV, and digital optical outputs
Industry analysts say that they don’t expect to see one until the E3 gaming expo this June.
Doom creator and PC gaming wizard John Carmack said: "I can't speak freely about PS4, but now that some specs have been made public, I can say that Sony made wise engineering choices.” So there you go.
Sony PS4 – controller
The only piece of kit that was on show was the new PS4 controller – which features a touchpad interface where the Start and Select buttons previously appeared and a 3D tracking light panel.
The main addition to the controller is the ‘Share’ button, which lets you record, edit and upload gaming footage and share it online with their friends.
‘Second screen’ is a term getting banded about gaming types a lot at the moment. The PS4’s answer: The PS Vita will double as an extra interface for the console, as will your iOS or Android-powered smartphone.
Sony PS4 – social gaming
A lot of the PS4’s ethos is around the ‘connected generation’ – those that are rarely off Facebook, Twitter and the like.
The PS4 wants to give you social media through a gaming filter – by letting you watch friends games in progress, offer tips and recommendations and even take control of their game, like an IT guy remotely fixing your PC.
The new look PSN page even looks a bit Facebook.
The now Sony owned cloud gaming operation Gaikai also ties into this, offering streaming demos.
You’ll also be able to play each PS4 title through digital download or cloud streaming. How much strain that would put on Gaikai’s server firms – let alone how good the service would be on the UK’s less that world class internet connections, remains to be seen.
Sony PS4 – release date
The PS4 is slated for release this December. We expect to see more info, and a glimpse at the console itself, at E3 in June.
Sony PS4 – games
There are ten games so far confirmed for the PS4.
DriveClub
Stunning looking tem-based racer which will tap into the PS4’s huge social gaming push – in teams you can have a go at challenges and reap rewards.
Watch dogs
Ambitious, open world futuristic hack-em-up type affair – make security cameras work for you and tap into other people’s bank account for cash. We’re sure they’ll be some shooting too, mind.
Deep Down
This looks a bit like Resident Evil, but with medieval knights and dragons instead of badly translated dialogue and ghouls. Deep Down is a working title, we expect something more fantasy genre friendly to make the final cut.
Destiny
This ‘shared-world shooter’ will be heavy on the co-op – sort of a cross between Halo and Elder Scrolls. It’s got an ambitious sci-fi setting and eye-rubbing levels of gorgeous graphics.
Killzone: Shadow Fall
Lots of futuristic gun battles and a cold-war type setting – probably not dissimilar to Gears of War when it comes to gameplay.
The Witness
One for the more cerebral gamer – this is a sort of puzzle game set in in a Myst type island setting. 25 hours of gameplay promised.
Knack
Robot tank things smash up the world in what is being held up a good vehicle for the PS4’s graphics – with independently mioving particles, etc.
Infamous: Second Son
Super heroes in an ordinary world affair – expect more 1984-esque ‘Big Brother is watching you’ sentiments when it comes to the plot.
Diablo 3
Blizzard returns to consoles with an optimised version of the PC dungeon-crawler. Four-player co-op mode on full screen, if you so fancy.
Final Fantasy
All we know really is that there will be a PS4 title to show. Expect a big reveal of the long running RPG series in June.
PS4 - Backwards compatibility
When the PS3 was first released it allowed you to ditch that PS2, but keep playing classics like Gran Turismo 3 and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas on your new console. However as the PS3 slimmed down, it lost that feature.
There will be backwards compatibility with the PS4, but not in the way you might expect. Old PlayStation games will be available to download digitally – but you’ll presumably have to pay for them again.
PS4 - 4K resolution
The Playstation 3 was one of the devices which brought Blu-Ray to prominence and its successor could again be the pioneer, this time being the first console to offer 4K resolution capabilities. 4K refers to the resolution of 3840 × 2160, a massive step up from the current console which outputs at 1920 × 1080. While 4K TV’s are rare (Probably because of their outstanding price tags) inclusion in the PS4 could definitely bring it into the public eye
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