PS4
Well, finally, the PlayStation 4 has been announced with a release date of 'holiday 2013' so hopefully that means we'll be able to get our hands on it before Christmas. As soon as we know more details we'll have it/them available to preorder. For now though here's a brief look at what it'll have to offer.
Sony has announced the following technical specification (which of course is subject to change):
| Main Processor | Single-chip custom processor CPU: x86-64 AMD "Jaguar", 8 cores GPU: 1.84 TFLOPS, AMD next-generation Radeon based graphics engine |
|---|---|
| Memory | GDDR5 8GB |
| Hard disk | 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, 10000BASE-T) IEEE 802.11 b/g/n Bluetooth 2.1 (EDR) |
| AV output | HDMI Analog-AV out Digital Output (optical) |
DUALSHOCK®4 controller
Sony also announced a new DUALSHOCK®4 controller. Similar in looks to the PS3's DUALSHOCK®3 the DUALSHOCK®4 adds to the iconic design rather than revolutionises it. Sony claims to have improved the feel of the left / right sticks and the trigger buttons, the result is a much tighter sense of control over in-game actions.
In terms of new features the most obvious at first glance is the touch pad located on the front of the controller and the light bar on the top. The light bar has three color LEDs that illuminate in various colors - think Move Controller. The light bar illuminates to match the color of characters in a game to offer a simpler, more friendly way to identify players, even when playing side by side. The light bar also changes patterns during gameplay to provide useful information to gamers, such as when a character is critically low on health or has taken major damage.
In addition, DUALSHOCK®4 will come with a built-in speaker and stereo headset jack, enabling PS4 users to enjoy high-fidelity sound effects of games from both the TV and also from the controller. Combined with the Mono Headset that will be bundled with PS4, gamers will also be able to chat with friends playing online, while hearing sound effects from the controller in hand.
A key feature of the PS4 reveal was it's improved social features. At the heart of this is the new "SHARE button" of the DUALSHOCK®4. The "SHARE button" allows gamers to easily broadcast their gameplay in real-time to friends through internet streaming services such as Ustream (strangely no mention of YouTube). Users can also share their triumphs and accomplishments by uploading video gameplay to Facebook with the "SHARE button". Unlike streaming content via PC, users no longer have to convert data formats of their recorded gameplay, but can share it with ease. You can also call on a friend to help you play through a part you're stuck on or let friends watch you play live - you can even jump in and 'trash talk' your friends during their gaming session. It's all about being social.
| External Dimensions |
Approx. 162mm x 52mm x 98mm (width x height x depth) |
|
|---|---|---|
| Weight |
Approx. 210g (tentative) |
|
| Keys / Switches |
PS button, SHARE button, OPTIONS button, |
|
| Touch Pad |
2 Point Touch Pad, Click Mechanism, Capacitive Type |
|
| Motion Sensor |
Six-axis motion sensing system (three-axis gyroscope, three-axis accelerometer) |
|
| Other Features |
Light Bar, Vibration, Built-in Mono Speaker |
|
| Ports |
USB (Micro B), Extension Port, Stereo Headset Jack |
|
| Wireless Communication |
Bluetooth® Ver2.1+EDR |
|
| Battery | Type |
Built-in Lithium-ion Rechargeable Battery |
| Voltage |
DC3.7V (tentative) |
|
| Capacity |
1000mAh (tentative) |
|
PlayStation Eye
They also announced a new and improved PlayStation® Eye which features dual lenses (as Kinect) but with a vastly improved resolution. It also incorporates 4 microphones for sound detection. Furthermore, PlayStation®4 Eye senses the color of DUALSHOCK®4's light bar to judge the positions of multiple players, and set characters in the same positions or let a character talk to a particular player, enabling players to enjoy games in new way. And of course PlayStation®4 Eye continues to support the PlayStation®Move motion controller. It detects the motion of PS Move more precisely, and reflects players' in-game motion more accurately than ever.
| External Dimension |
Approx. 186mm x 27mm x 27mm (width x height x depth) |
|---|---|
| Weight |
Approx. 183g (tentative) |
| Video Pixel |
(Maximum) 1280 x 800 pixel x 2 |
| Video Frame Rate |
1280x800 pixel @ 60fps |
| Video Format |
RAW, YUV (uncompressed) |
| 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) |
Games
Of course the other thing you really want to know is what games will be available. Well during the launch event the following titles were revealed ...
- Knack (Sony's in-house Japan Studio)
- Killzone: Shadow Fall (Guerrilla Games)
- Driveclub (Evolution Studios)
- InFamous: Second Son (Sucker Punch)
- The Witness (Braid creator Jonathan Blow)
- Deep Down (Capcom)
- Final Fantasy (Square Enix)
- Watch Dogs (Ubisoft)
- Diablo 3 (Blizzard)
- Destiny (Bungie/Activision)
Rather than us describe each of these games why not watch all of the currently released trailers below :)
