PlayStation 4 Announced – Sony’s Next Generation Gaming Console
After almost 8 long years we’re finally getting ready to see a new generation of gaming consoles release. Sorry Nintendo Wii U, but unless we get to see shiny new graphics it just doesn’t feel next gen. Of course, that doesn’t mean that either upcoming game consoles of 2013 lack in the features department. We saw the Sony PlayStation 4 announced at an event in New York. Although actual console wasn’t seen, the previously leaked new design of the classic DualShock controller was on display. For a large event, there was a surprisingly small amount of information revealed, but even those tidbits of news were important for the gaming world. So here’s what we know as of now:
PlayStation 4 Announced – The hardware
Mentions of the PlayStation 4’s guts were done in parts, and for now we know that it’s going to use an 8 core AMD CPU codenamed Jaguar. It could be based off of the current Piledriver architecture used in the AMD FX series. The graphics will be handled by a unit based on the next generation AMD Radeon HD range, that is the 8000 series graphics cards. The PlayStation 4 will also come with a separate processing unit for video compression and decompression. Also, like the Xbox 360, there will be 8 GB of RAM that will be shared between the CPU and GPU. Blu-Ray discs will be the storage media of choice here, so there’s no surprise that there’s a Blu-Ray drive as well. The usual connectivity options like WiFi, Ethernet, USB 3.0 and Bluetooth 2.1 support is included too. Curiously though, along with the quintessential HDMI out, there’s also analog outputs included.
For all the little that has been revealed, there was no actual hardware shown apart from the DualShock 4 controller, which has been redesigned. Now along with the usual 4 buttons, 2 analog sticks and D-pad, there’s a new Share and Options button. The Options button will basically perform the functions of both Start and Select. The most noticeable change from its predecessors is the inclusion of a capacitive touchpad, which can be clicked. Finally, there’s also a light bar that will be used to display colors according to players or even as feedback from the game.
PlayStation 4 Announced – Games and software
A couple of first party titles were announced with the reveal, which include new installments in the Final Fantasy, Infamous and Killzone series. For the first time in Sony’s console history, the PlayStation 4 won’t be backwards compatible with PlayStation 3 games. However, since Sony acquired Gaikai, the cloud gaming company, there’s plans of bringing all old PlayStation titles, even those from PlayStations 1 & 2 to the PlayStation 4 via streaming. Furthermore, a new iOS and Android app was announced as a companion for the PlayStation 4, just like Xbox SmartGlass.
So that’s all we know for now, apart from the fact that the PlayStation 4 could be seen on shelves by the end of this year. Games look stunning of course, and we can’t wait to see what the console looks like! Do drop us a line and tell us what you think of the PlayStation 4 announced, do you think it will be better than the Xbox 720 or whatever Microsoft’s new console will be called?
About The Author
Rahul Gondane
Rahul Gondane is a technophile and gamer, who has been obsessed with everything tech ever since he started dabbling in it in early 2000. He also enjoys reading books, listening to music and watching movies. Rahul is the Chief Operating Officer of Pyrite Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
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I have always been a Xbox fanboy because they have a lot of games than ps3 and cheaper too. But, i’m really attracted to ps4 simply by having a glance at it’s controller. Gonna be a tough stand against Xbox 720. Will wait for your detailed review on this product sooner or later!!
Same here, but I’d rather be neutral, both systems have great games.
Man, i read at Techcrunch that the PS4 might be a disappointment. It was told that the hardware has only improved a little much from ps3 and graphics is as expected. Maybe it was due to a poor presentation by Sony at techfest. couldn’t say anything until its out in the market!! What you say ?!
If you’ve seen gameplay demos, you’ll understand that they look fantastic. Even though processing power wise it isn’t all that revolutionary, no consoles ever have the sort of power modern PC’s have. It all depends on how that power is used, and even lower specced devices can perform really well. A lot of factors like code paths, architecture and task division come into play. It’s mostly in the hands of the developers. Have you noticed that current Xbox 360 or PS3 games look far better than launch titles? That’s because they know how to push the limits of the system. It has always been the same with all consoles. Sony’s presentation was more of a teaser, and I’m sure after a year or two it will be better received.
it will be extremely expensive.