Sony (sort of) unveils next-gen console, PS4

Although no release date or price has been set for Sony’s newest console, PlayStation 4, the company did reveal several new features and specs for the long awaited next-gen console.

Sony is the second of the big three in the video game world (Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft) to reveal a next generation console, following Nintendo’s Wii U launch back in November 2012.

Then PS4 will come with some of the same standard features as the PS3, such as a built in Blu-ray drive, Wi-Fi capabilities, Bluetooth 2.1, and HDMI, Analog-AV and optical digital output. What’s new to the system is the 8-core processor with state of the art graphics unit capable of rendering incredible detail that wasn’t possible on the PS3.

Mark Cerny, lead system architect on the PS4, said the new system was developed “by game creators,  for game creators.” He also revealed the PS4 will be “like a PC, but supercharged,” after the upgraded CPU and graphics card.

Another new addition to the PlayStation repertoire is the new DualShock 4 controller. The new controller will have the same basic layout as the past four PlayStation controllers, but will also feature an integrated touch pad in the center of the controller, a headset jack, and the “start” and “select” buttons will be replaced by “share” and “options” buttons. The share feature will allow players to upload game stats, screenshots and even gameplay videos with other users on the PlayStation Network.

The PS4 will integrate social media into the gaming experience as well, with PSN profiles that are similar to Facebook and Twitter profiles. Players can check the stats and trophies of other players, chat, invite players to games, look at uploaded gameplay videos, and even watch live streams of other players’ game sessions.

Many of the classic game titles from the PS2 and PS3, such as Killzone, Infamous and Final Fantasy, will be returning for the fourth generation console, but Sony has already revealed trailers for some unique and engrossing new games coming to the PS4.

Studio Japan’s comical and quirky game, Knack, is one of the Sony exclusives coming to the PS4. The game trailer shows a very Ratchet & Clank-like game that focuses on a tiny protagonist with incredible potential.

 Infamous: Second Son, another PlayStation exclusive series, will feature a brand new main character with his own unique powers rather than the series well known and outspoken anti-hero, Cole MacGrath. The game will take place in Seattle and the new protagonist will have “smoke” powers rather than the electrical powers seen in the previous two games.

Although a new gaming console is definitely big news for gaming enthusiasts, there are mixed feelings about Sony’s big reveal and the timeliness of it.

“I think it’s going to be a very powerful system, but in the end it’s all going to depend on the games. The developers are going to have to take full advantage of the systems hardware for it not to be just another game console,” said Ben Eckerson, a senior engineering major of Little Rock. “I wouldn’t have revealed the PS4 until the big gaming conference (E3) but maybe just hinted at it.”

Other students, however, aren’t impressed by the PS4 reveal.

“I feel like there aren’t many innovations left to make from the PS3. I see it more as a complete money-maker for Sony. Maybe it will add a few new and interesting quirks, but it will just be a PS3 Plus addition. Nothing that will blow me away,” said Mark Reider, a junior history major of Cabot.

Sony hasn’t revealed any other information about the PS4, but is most likely saving the answers to the big questions for the E3 conference June 11-13 in Los Angeles. A physical console, price and release date have yet to be revealed by Sony.