Sony Unveils PlayStation 4 System, Showcases Content At E3
Sony's PlayStation 4 will go on sale the U.S. and Europe in time for the
year-end holiday season and cost US$399 - $100 less thn Microsoft's Xbox One - the company announced Monday at its E3 press briefing in Los Angeles.
In addition, Sony showcased a line-up of exclusive first and third party
content for PS4, PlayStation Vita (PS Vita) and PlayStation 3 systems,
and a next-generation PlayStation Plus (PS Plus) membership program.
"We are proud to unveil today the most advanced gaming system ever
created, PlayStation 4, which demonstrates everything PlayStation stands
for - a relentless focus on the gamer, an inspired community of
developers equipped with the most powerful technology, and the
long-standing legacy to building worlds without boundaries through
one-of-a-kind gaming experiences," said Jack Tretton, President and CEO
of SCEA. "What's equally exciting for us, however, is transforming the
PlayStation ecosystem into a stronger, more vibrant destination that
enables gamers to engage, share, play, and connect on their terms."
The PlayStation 4 (CUH-1000A series) will come in "Jet Black" color and features a simple but modern design accentuated by its linear flat form factors. The surface of the PS4 body is subdivided into four sections, as if four blocks are stacked together making one figure, with disc slot, buttons, power indicator and vent placed within the slim interspace created between the sections. The power indicator designed atop the body will glow in a PlayStation blue color when the power button is turned on. The foreside and backside of the body is slightly angled; it not only gives users easy access to the power button and disc slot when placed either horizontally or vertically but also helps conceal the connected cables.
PS4 peripherals include the stand-alone Wireless Controller for PlayStation 4 (DUALSHOCK 4) and PlayStation Camera, which will be available at launch for RRP of US$ 59, Canada $59, €59 and £54, and US$ 59, Canada $59, €49 and £44 respectively. Both accessories will come in "Jet Black" color.
Taking on Microsoft, Jack Tretton, president and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America, announced that the company would not try to restrict used game sales. Tretton also said the PS4 would not require a persistent online connection. In addition, the PlayStation 4 won't be locked-down according to geography (region lock).
"PlayStation 4 disc-based games don't need to be connected online to play or any type of authentication," said Tretton. "If you enjoy playing single-player games offline, PS4 won't require to you check in online period and it won't stop working if you haven't authenticated in 24 hours."
Microsoft has been criticized for its statements about whether it will allow buyers of its Xbox One to play secondhand software, as well as its requirement that the new console be connected to the Internet at least once every 24 hours.
SCE World Wide Studios (SCE WWS) is currently developing more than 30 PS4 exclusive titles, 20 of them, including 12 new IPs, are planned to release within a year of the launch of the PS4 system. SCE WWS President Shuhei Yoshida provided an update on PS4 exclusive titles, #DRIVECLUB, Killzone Shadow Fall, KNACK, which will be available at launch, and inFAMOUS Second Son, available first quarter 2014. He also unveiled SCEA's next blockbuster title, The Order: 1886, from Ready at Dawn.
SCEA Vice President of Developer and Publisher Relations Adam Boyes introduced a lineup of titles that will be making their console debut on the PS4 system, including: Transistor by Super Giant, Don't Starve by Klei Entertainment, Mercenary Kings by Tribute Games, Octodad: Deadliest Catch by Young Horses, Secret Ponchos by SwitchBlade Monkeys, Outlast by Red Barrels, Oddworld: New N Tasty by Oddworld Inhabitants and Galak-Z by 17-bit. Boyes also unveiled blockbuster content from Sony's key publishing partners, including KINGDOM HEARTS III and FINAL FANTASY XV from SQUARE ENIX, Ubisoft Entertainment, Assassin's Creed? IV Black Flag and Watch_Dogs, 2K Sports's NBA 2K14, Bethesda Game Studios' The Elder Scrolls Online, and the exclusive unveil of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment's Mad Max. Bungie, one of the most celebrated developers in the industry, was also on stage to introduce the world gameplay premiere of Destiny. SCEA announced an exclusive partnership with Bungie and Activision that will ensure that the PS4 ecosystem evolves and grows with the incredible Destiny world.
SCEA also unveiled new details for PS Plus. With a single PS Plus membership, gamers will enjoy all of the program benefits across the PS4, PS3, and PS Vita systems.
PS Plus benefits include exclusive game discounts, cloud game saves, early access to beta programs and content, and access to the Instant Game Collection.
The Instant Game Collection, which provides PS Plus members immediate access to a library of games, will extend to gamers on the PS4 system along with online gameplay.
To celebrate the support of PS Plus on the PS4 system, SCEA will offer the #DRIVECLUB PS Plus Edition to PS Plus members. In addition, one digital title will be rotated each month, including three of the new digital games introduced during the PlayStation E3 press conference, Don't Starve, Outlast, and Secret Ponchos. These three titles will be available at no extra cost via the Instant Game Collection during the first year following the launch of the PS4 system. PS Plus members will be able to enjoy a variety of other amazing PS4 titles, while enjoying new ways to share their experiences with friends via online multiplayer, broadcasting and spectating games, cross-game voice chat, and the ability to join a friend's online game.
PS Plus membership can be purchased through PlayStation Store and is available as a one-year membership for $49.99, a three-month membership for $17.99, and a new a one-month membership option for $9.99*.
SCEA also announced that PlayStation's cloud gaming services will be available in 2014 beginning in the United States. The cloud gaming services will provide gamers on the PS4 and PS3 systems, followed by gamers on the PS Vita system, with immediate access to a catalog of PS3 titles. These games will be streamed using Gaikai's proprietary network technology.
More than 85 additional titles are slated to launch for the PS Vita system by the end of 2013, expanding the current library of more than 125 PS Vita-dedicated games and more than 400 classic titles from the PSP and PS one Classics catalogs.
Featured titles mentioned at the press conference include Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate, CounterSpy, Destiny of Spirits, Doki Doki Universe, Killzone: Mercenary and Tearaway. In addition, SCEA announced that God of War HD 1 and 2, Flower, and Dead Nation from SCE WWS, as well as Square Enix's FINAL FANTASY X and X-2 and Telltale Game's The Walking Dead are coming soon to the platform.
The Walking Dead on PS Vita will feature a new control scheme that gives players the option to use the dual analog sticks and buttons or touch controls unique to the platform. To celebrate the title's debut on PS Vita, SCEA will offer a limited-edition bundle that includes a 3G/Wi-Fi PS Vita, the complete first season of The Walking Dead game series (including the newly announced Season One episode, 400 Days) and bonus content.
Now in its seventh year, the PS3 system continues to experience momentum. The PS3 system will offer a deep lineup of blockbuster titles, indie games, and exclusive "only on" PlayStation content this year, including Puppeteer, Rain, Gran Turismo 6, BEYOND: Two Souls, The Last of Us, Batman: Arkham Origins and Grand Theft Auto V.
It seems that Microsoft's Xbox One and Sony's PlayStation 4 house very similar silicon inside their respective bodies:
Their biggest difference seems to be the type of RAM each uses. The PlayStation 4 uses 8GB GDDR5 RAM, while all signs point to the Xbox One using 8GB of DDR3 RAM. The GDDR5 RAM is the same type of RAM used by most PC video cards and is optimized for graphical throughput. In addition, the PS4's GPU may have as much as 50 percent more raw graphical computational power than the one in the Xbox One.
In terms of handheld controllers, the Sony DualShock 4 differentiates itself with a clickable touch pad on the front. The DualShock 4's body includes a "light bar" in the front that enables motion control functionality with the PS4's Eye camera to track the position and identify where the controller is and, if need be, actually adjust the split-screen orientation during multiplayer couch gaming. The Xbox One will accomplish this with assistance from Kinect, as it automatically tracks who's holding which controller. The DualShock 4 also includes the social-focused Share button, a built-in speaker, and a headphone jack.
The Xbox One uses Wi-Fi Direct to connect its controller, while the PlayStation 4 relies on Bluetooth 2.1+EDR. On paper, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR's theoretical 3Mbps maximum speed is clearly outclassed by Wi-Fi Direct's 250Mbps theoretical throughput.
Every Xbox One unit will also come bundled with a second-generation Kinect. While the PS4 will be compatible with Sony's Move controller and new stereo camera, the company has yet to announce any plans to bundle them with the system.
In terms of entertainment and desides games, Microsoft's Xbox One is focused on more than simply a box to play video games on. It will allow you to switch from game to TV show, to the Web, to a movie, to Skype, with just the sound of your voice.
The PS4 will not want for services like streaming video, but live TV integration is not currently on the table. You will see streaming video through Netflix, Amazon, Hulu Plus, Redbox Instant, MLB TV, and Sony's own Video Unlimited Service.
As for game backward compatibility, Microsoft rejected the option, while Sony says is will come in 2014 when the company plans to to launch its cloud gaming service, which will include "critically acclaimed" PS3 games.
PlayStation 4 specs
Main processor
- Single-chip custom processor
- CPU: low power x86-64 AMD "Jaguar", 8 cores
- GPU: 1.84 TFLOPS, AMD Radeon Graphics Core Next engine
Memory: GDDR5 8GB
Hard Disk Drive: 500GB Built-in
Optical Drive (Read only)
- BD 6xCAV
- DVD 8xCAV
I/O: Super-Speed USB (USB 3.0), AUX
Communication
- Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T)
- IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
- Bluetooth 2.1 (EDR)
AV output
- HDMI
- Analog-AV out
- Digital Output (optical)
DualShock 4
External Dimensions: Approx. 162mm x 52mm x 98mm (width x height x depth) (tentative, excludes largest projection)
Weight Approx. 210g (tentative)
Key Switches
- PS button, Share button, OPTIONS button,
- Directional buttons(Up/Down/Left/Right),
- Action buttons(Triangle/Circle/Cross/Square),
- R1/L1/R2/L2, Right stick, Left stick, Touch Pad button
Touch Pad: 2 Point Touch Pad, Click Mechanism, Capacitive type
Motion Sensor: Six-axis motion sensing systems (three axis gyroscope, three axis accelorometer)
Other Features: Light Bar, Vibration, Built-in Mono Speaker
Ports: USB (Micro B), Extension Port, Stereo Headset Jack
Wireless Communication: Bluetooth Ver 2.1 + EDR
Battery
- Type: Buit-in Lithium-ion rechargeble battery
- Voltage: DC3.7V(tentative)
- Capacity: 1000mAh(tentative)
Camera
External Dimensions: Approx. 186mm x 27mm x 27mm (width x height x depth) (tentative)
Weight: Approx. 183g (tentative)
Video Pixel: (Maximum) 1280 x 800 pixel x 2
Video Frame Rate:
- 1280x800 pixel @ 60fps
- 640x400 pixel @ 120fps
- 320x192 pixel @ 240fps
Video Format: RAW YUV (uncomressed)
Lens: Dual Lenses, F value/F2.0 fixed focus
Capture Range: 30cm~∞
Field-of-View: 85°
Microphone: 4 Channel Microphone Array
Connection Type: PS4 dedicated connector (AUX connector)
Cable Length: Approx. 2m (tentative)
"We are proud to unveil today the most advanced gaming system ever
created, PlayStation 4, which demonstrates everything PlayStation stands
for - a relentless focus on the gamer, an inspired community of
developers equipped with the most powerful technology, and the
long-standing legacy to building worlds without boundaries through
one-of-a-kind gaming experiences," said Jack Tretton, President and CEO
of SCEA. "What's equally exciting for us, however, is transforming the
PlayStation ecosystem into a stronger, more vibrant destination that
enables gamers to engage, share, play, and connect on their terms."
The PlayStation 4 (CUH-1000A series) will come in "Jet Black" color and features a simple but modern design accentuated by its linear flat form factors. The surface of the PS4 body is subdivided into four sections, as if four blocks are stacked together making one figure, with disc slot, buttons, power indicator and vent placed within the slim interspace created between the sections. The power indicator designed atop the body will glow in a PlayStation blue color when the power button is turned on. The foreside and backside of the body is slightly angled; it not only gives users easy access to the power button and disc slot when placed either horizontally or vertically but also helps conceal the connected cables.
PS4 peripherals include the stand-alone Wireless Controller for PlayStation 4 (DUALSHOCK 4) and PlayStation Camera, which will be available at launch for RRP of US$ 59, Canada $59, €59 and £54, and US$ 59, Canada $59, €49 and £44 respectively. Both accessories will come in "Jet Black" color.
Taking on Microsoft, Jack Tretton, president and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America, announced that the company would not try to restrict used game sales. Tretton also said the PS4 would not require a persistent online connection. In addition, the PlayStation 4 won't be locked-down according to geography (region lock).
"PlayStation 4 disc-based games don't need to be connected online to play or any type of authentication," said Tretton. "If you enjoy playing single-player games offline, PS4 won't require to you check in online period and it won't stop working if you haven't authenticated in 24 hours."
Microsoft has been criticized for its statements about whether it will allow buyers of its Xbox One to play secondhand software, as well as its requirement that the new console be connected to the Internet at least once every 24 hours.
SCE World Wide Studios (SCE WWS) is currently developing more than 30 PS4 exclusive titles, 20 of them, including 12 new IPs, are planned to release within a year of the launch of the PS4 system. SCE WWS President Shuhei Yoshida provided an update on PS4 exclusive titles, #DRIVECLUB, Killzone Shadow Fall, KNACK, which will be available at launch, and inFAMOUS Second Son, available first quarter 2014. He also unveiled SCEA's next blockbuster title, The Order: 1886, from Ready at Dawn.
SCEA Vice President of Developer and Publisher Relations Adam Boyes introduced a lineup of titles that will be making their console debut on the PS4 system, including: Transistor by Super Giant, Don't Starve by Klei Entertainment, Mercenary Kings by Tribute Games, Octodad: Deadliest Catch by Young Horses, Secret Ponchos by SwitchBlade Monkeys, Outlast by Red Barrels, Oddworld: New N Tasty by Oddworld Inhabitants and Galak-Z by 17-bit. Boyes also unveiled blockbuster content from Sony's key publishing partners, including KINGDOM HEARTS III and FINAL FANTASY XV from SQUARE ENIX, Ubisoft Entertainment, Assassin's Creed? IV Black Flag and Watch_Dogs, 2K Sports's NBA 2K14, Bethesda Game Studios' The Elder Scrolls Online, and the exclusive unveil of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment's Mad Max. Bungie, one of the most celebrated developers in the industry, was also on stage to introduce the world gameplay premiere of Destiny. SCEA announced an exclusive partnership with Bungie and Activision that will ensure that the PS4 ecosystem evolves and grows with the incredible Destiny world.
SCEA also unveiled new details for PS Plus. With a single PS Plus membership, gamers will enjoy all of the program benefits across the PS4, PS3, and PS Vita systems.
PS Plus benefits include exclusive game discounts, cloud game saves, early access to beta programs and content, and access to the Instant Game Collection.
The Instant Game Collection, which provides PS Plus members immediate access to a library of games, will extend to gamers on the PS4 system along with online gameplay.
To celebrate the support of PS Plus on the PS4 system, SCEA will offer the #DRIVECLUB PS Plus Edition to PS Plus members. In addition, one digital title will be rotated each month, including three of the new digital games introduced during the PlayStation E3 press conference, Don't Starve, Outlast, and Secret Ponchos. These three titles will be available at no extra cost via the Instant Game Collection during the first year following the launch of the PS4 system. PS Plus members will be able to enjoy a variety of other amazing PS4 titles, while enjoying new ways to share their experiences with friends via online multiplayer, broadcasting and spectating games, cross-game voice chat, and the ability to join a friend's online game.
PS Plus membership can be purchased through PlayStation Store and is available as a one-year membership for $49.99, a three-month membership for $17.99, and a new a one-month membership option for $9.99*.
SCEA also announced that PlayStation's cloud gaming services will be available in 2014 beginning in the United States. The cloud gaming services will provide gamers on the PS4 and PS3 systems, followed by gamers on the PS Vita system, with immediate access to a catalog of PS3 titles. These games will be streamed using Gaikai's proprietary network technology.
More than 85 additional titles are slated to launch for the PS Vita system by the end of 2013, expanding the current library of more than 125 PS Vita-dedicated games and more than 400 classic titles from the PSP and PS one Classics catalogs.
Featured titles mentioned at the press conference include Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate, CounterSpy, Destiny of Spirits, Doki Doki Universe, Killzone: Mercenary and Tearaway. In addition, SCEA announced that God of War HD 1 and 2, Flower, and Dead Nation from SCE WWS, as well as Square Enix's FINAL FANTASY X and X-2 and Telltale Game's The Walking Dead are coming soon to the platform.
The Walking Dead on PS Vita will feature a new control scheme that gives players the option to use the dual analog sticks and buttons or touch controls unique to the platform. To celebrate the title's debut on PS Vita, SCEA will offer a limited-edition bundle that includes a 3G/Wi-Fi PS Vita, the complete first season of The Walking Dead game series (including the newly announced Season One episode, 400 Days) and bonus content.
Now in its seventh year, the PS3 system continues to experience momentum. The PS3 system will offer a deep lineup of blockbuster titles, indie games, and exclusive "only on" PlayStation content this year, including Puppeteer, Rain, Gran Turismo 6, BEYOND: Two Souls, The Last of Us, Batman: Arkham Origins and Grand Theft Auto V.
It seems that Microsoft's Xbox One and Sony's PlayStation 4 house very similar silicon inside their respective bodies:
Xbox One |
PlayStation 4 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 | $399 |
| Availability | November 2013 | Holiday 2013 |
| Blu-ray | Yes | Yes |
| Hard drive | Built-in (500GB) | Built-in (500GB) |
| Motion control | New Kinect (bundled) | Move controller |
| CPU | 8-core x86 AMD | 8-core x86 AMD |
| RAM | 8GB DDR3 | 8GB GDDR5 |
| USB 3.0 | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless | Yes (802.11n w/Wi-Fi Direct) | Yes (802.11n) |
| Gigabit Ethernet | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI | Yes (in and out) | Yes |
| Suspend/resume game support | Yes | Yes |
| Background downloading | Yes | Yes |
| Native gameplay sharing (video) | Yes | Yes |
| Real-time gameplay steaming | Yes (Twitch) | Yes (Ustream) |
Their biggest difference seems to be the type of RAM each uses. The PlayStation 4 uses 8GB GDDR5 RAM, while all signs point to the Xbox One using 8GB of DDR3 RAM. The GDDR5 RAM is the same type of RAM used by most PC video cards and is optimized for graphical throughput. In addition, the PS4's GPU may have as much as 50 percent more raw graphical computational power than the one in the Xbox One.
In terms of handheld controllers, the Sony DualShock 4 differentiates itself with a clickable touch pad on the front. The DualShock 4's body includes a "light bar" in the front that enables motion control functionality with the PS4's Eye camera to track the position and identify where the controller is and, if need be, actually adjust the split-screen orientation during multiplayer couch gaming. The Xbox One will accomplish this with assistance from Kinect, as it automatically tracks who's holding which controller. The DualShock 4 also includes the social-focused Share button, a built-in speaker, and a headphone jack.
The Xbox One uses Wi-Fi Direct to connect its controller, while the PlayStation 4 relies on Bluetooth 2.1+EDR. On paper, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR's theoretical 3Mbps maximum speed is clearly outclassed by Wi-Fi Direct's 250Mbps theoretical throughput.
Every Xbox One unit will also come bundled with a second-generation Kinect. While the PS4 will be compatible with Sony's Move controller and new stereo camera, the company has yet to announce any plans to bundle them with the system.
In terms of entertainment and desides games, Microsoft's Xbox One is focused on more than simply a box to play video games on. It will allow you to switch from game to TV show, to the Web, to a movie, to Skype, with just the sound of your voice.
The PS4 will not want for services like streaming video, but live TV integration is not currently on the table. You will see streaming video through Netflix, Amazon, Hulu Plus, Redbox Instant, MLB TV, and Sony's own Video Unlimited Service.
As for game backward compatibility, Microsoft rejected the option, while Sony says is will come in 2014 when the company plans to to launch its cloud gaming service, which will include "critically acclaimed" PS3 games.
PlayStation 4 specs
Main processor
- Single-chip custom processor
- CPU: low power x86-64 AMD "Jaguar", 8 cores
- GPU: 1.84 TFLOPS, AMD Radeon Graphics Core Next engine
Memory: GDDR5 8GB
Hard Disk Drive: 500GB Built-in
Optical Drive (Read only)
- BD 6xCAV
- DVD 8xCAV
I/O: Super-Speed USB (USB 3.0), AUX
Communication
- Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T)
- IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
- Bluetooth 2.1 (EDR)
AV output
- HDMI
- Analog-AV out
- Digital Output (optical)
DualShock 4
External Dimensions: Approx. 162mm x 52mm x 98mm (width x height x depth) (tentative, excludes largest projection)
Weight Approx. 210g (tentative)
Key Switches
- PS button, Share button, OPTIONS button,
- Directional buttons(Up/Down/Left/Right),
- Action buttons(Triangle/Circle/Cross/Square),
- R1/L1/R2/L2, Right stick, Left stick, Touch Pad button
Touch Pad: 2 Point Touch Pad, Click Mechanism, Capacitive type
Motion Sensor: Six-axis motion sensing systems (three axis gyroscope, three axis accelorometer)
Other Features: Light Bar, Vibration, Built-in Mono Speaker
Ports: USB (Micro B), Extension Port, Stereo Headset Jack
Wireless Communication: Bluetooth Ver 2.1 + EDR
Battery
- Type: Buit-in Lithium-ion rechargeble battery
- Voltage: DC3.7V(tentative)
- Capacity: 1000mAh(tentative)
Camera
External Dimensions: Approx. 186mm x 27mm x 27mm (width x height x depth) (tentative)
Weight: Approx. 183g (tentative)
Video Pixel: (Maximum) 1280 x 800 pixel x 2
Video Frame Rate:
- 1280x800 pixel @ 60fps
- 640x400 pixel @ 120fps
- 320x192 pixel @ 240fps
Video Format: RAW YUV (uncomressed)
Lens: Dual Lenses, F value/F2.0 fixed focus
Capture Range: 30cm~∞
Field-of-View: 85°
Microphone: 4 Channel Microphone Array
Connection Type: PS4 dedicated connector (AUX connector)
Cable Length: Approx. 2m (tentative)
