For those of you keeping up with the video game industry, this year has surely been an exciting one. Next week marks the launch of the PlayStation 4 (PS4), Sony Computer Entertainment’s fourth home video game console in its PlayStation line of products.
Launching Nov. 15th, eager PlayStation fans will be lining up to storefronts the night (or day) before, hoping to secure their own console and games.
Sony has high expectations for their new console, with sales expected to exceed five million units by the end of the company’s fiscal year on March 31, 2014. This is the biggest system launch to come since the release of the Nintendo Wii and PlayStation 3 in late 2006.
Pre-order numbers for PS4 are much greater than past consoles, with millions of people (including myself) ordering at either online or in-store locations; this is even more sweet due to the $400 price tag, an unexpected move from Sony. Many industry analysts anticipated the system to launch at $500, so the cheaper price point is much appreciated.
If you are interested in the system and did not secure your own pre-order, fear not! During an interview on “Fox Business,” Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Jack Tretton reassured fans “We’re holding back some inventory to make sure people have an opportunity to buy one, come launch day…. Production yields have been phenomenal.”
So what is the buzz around PlayStation 4? Why should we be excited for the new system’s launch? To start off, Sony has introduced the Dualshock 4; a new controller, hosting a variety of changes and improvements not before seen on previous PlayStation controllers. Notable new features of the Dualshock 4 include concave L2 and R2 triggers, tighter analog sticks, longer handles to grip the controller easier than before, a touch pad, the new ‘share’ and ‘options’ buttons, and a light bar on the backside of the controller.
All of these features combine to create a controller that is massively improved from the PlayStation 3 controller, the Dualshock 3. If gamers had an issue with Dualshock 3 and instead opted for Microsoft’s Xbox 360 controller, they may be pleased to hear that the Dualshock 4 takes a few cues from Microsoft’s controller design.
The longer handles and improved triggers should satisfy any shooter fan, accommodating large or small hands alike. In addition, the textured back makes gripping the controller easier than before. The Dualshock 4 has received a great amount of praise since its initial unveiling back in February of this year, and it is easy to see why.
The ‘share’ button on the PlayStation 4 controller creates a whole new way of showing off your skills during any game while playing on the system. The PS4 is always recording the last 15 minutes of game play, so showing your friends an awesome moment in a game is easier than ever. Simply tap or hold the share button after experiencing your favorite moment in any game and a menu appears, asking if you would like to take a picture or record a video.
For those without expensive third-party recording software, the share button offers a simple alternative that many people may find they appreciate. I know that I have had countless moments while playing a game when I wish I could record it and show my buddies; using the PS4 share button makes that dream a reality.
Within the launch window, the PlayStation 4 will offer users many of the entertainment applications they expect from a new system. Entertainment applications including Netflix, Hulu+, Amazon Instant Video, HBO Go, Twitch, Flixster, and many more will make their presence known on the new system.
Not all of these will be available on day one, most notably HBO Go, but the companies behind these yet unavailable apps have shown their interest in appearing on PS4.
In addition to these multimedia features, Sony has detailed their continued interest in offering more than video games to appear on their new system. The company is hard at work to bring original programming to the PS4 as exclusive content and geared toward PlayStation owners. This strong approach to television, movie, and music experiences, as well as perhaps the most important piece of the puzzle for PlayStation fans, gaming, makes the new platform a compelling offer.
It wouldn’t be a new video game system launch without the games, right? Thankfully, Sony has brought plenty of them to the PS4 at launch, and in the months to come. Games such as Killzone: Shadow Fall, Knack, Battlefield 4, Resogun, Call of Duty: Ghosts, NBA 2K14, Need for Speed Rivals, Madden NFL 25, and many more are set to appear on day one of the system’s release. Check back here next week for a preview of games set to appear in the PS4’s near future, including games such as Driveclub, inFamous: Second Son, and Destiny.
The next generation of gaming for PlayStation fans is nearly here. Check your calendar for Friday the 15th, and set aside the weekend for the exciting new games to play.
PHOTO TAKEN from news.cnet.com
