It’s starting to heat up in the next gen games console race following the announcement last night to allow people to pre-order the Sony PS4. Following the impressive release of the Nintendo Wii U console at Christmas, and the ongoing rumours about the Xbox 720, the pressure was on Sony to come out with something impressive and their announcements last night were their first official word on the upcoming console.
The only real down side to the announcement at this stage is that the release date didn’t accompany the ability to pre-order the console. This puts us back to speculation, and while the previous assumption that the PS4 will be released towards the end of the year is still the safest best, the timing of the announcement does leave a significant possibility that the console could be ready for release in time for summer 2013.
PS4 key features
Here’s a quick run down of what the PS4 key features are, giving you a feel for what to expect:
• The ability to play digital titles as they download, so there’s no wait time between purchase and play.
• One of the coolest developments is the suspend mode for the PS4, which means you’ll be able to save any game anywhere, so you’re no longer at the mercy of finding save points.
• You’ll also get to try out games in the Playstation store, which is similar functionality to the game demo download for the Nintendo Wii U.
• Apparently you can also play apps like an Internet Browser while you play games, so you can check online walkthrough as you go if you’re struggling.
• It’s a bit random, but you will be able stream your play live to your friends through the cheekily entitle Ustream. We’re not sure how this will come in all that handy, but if you did want to show a friend how to kill the final boss, you’ll be able to on the PS4.
• You’ll have the ability to use your mobile smart phone as a second screen thanks to the PlayStation app.
• The new Dual Shock controller for the PS4 will have motion control sensors, a little touch pad, an inbuilt speaker and headset jack, more precision control and ergonomic design.
• Possibly one of the best feature released in the announcement for PS Vita owners, is that you’ll be able to play PS4 games from your Vita with wifi connection and Remote Play, which will give you similar off TV playability to the Wii U touch pad, but with a smaller screen.
Games that have been confirmed for the PlayStation 4 include, Killzone Shadow Fall, a game called Infamous: Second Son featuring a dude that can manipulate smoke, racing game, Drive Club, mecha-fighter, Knack, and new third person shooter, Destiny. Check out our preview of PS4 launch games for more info and game trailers.
As well as the lack of release date, there’s also a distinct lack of tech details to give us a clue about the extent of the improvement in graphics and processing speed the PS4 will have over the PlayStation 3. Consequently, it’s too early to tell in terms of a credible comparison to the Wii U. It’s features come close to those of the Nintendo next generation games console, but they’re not quite as impressive, but if the PS4 can outstrip its competition in terms of power and graphics then it’s going to be a contender for people that are looking for cutting edge gaming.
For more information on the tech developments that led up to the PS4 announcement, check out our write-up on the next generation games consoles.
