Sony raises its game with Playstation 4
As Sony prepares its impending launch of the highly anticipated PlayStation 4 game console, the intriguing device’s feature set and capabilities suggest that its real power will truly be felt years from now.
On paper, the specs are certainly impressive, featuring an eight-core x86 processor, 8GB RAM of GDDR5 memory (that’s 16 times what the PS3 has), a solid Radeon graphics chip and 500GB hard drive. The graphics quality of the games launching with the console also speak for themselves, though it’s fair to say these are teasing what will ultimately be possible. Compare a PS3 launch title from 2006 to one like Battlefield 4, which just launched two weeks ago, and the difference in quality is enormous.
Expect the PS4 to go through a similar evolution, where lifelike graphics will open possibilities for more expansive gameplay, smarter AI and more characters and action. The two first-party Sony-published titles at launch are Killzone: Shadow Fall and Knack, and notable third-party games include Call of Duty Ghosts, Battlefield 4, FIFA 14 and Skylanders Swap Force, among others. All look impressive and go well with the slick new PS4 DualShock 4 controller.
Speaking of controllers, peripherals will play a role. The existing PlayStation Move motion-sensored controllers are compatible with the new console. PS3 controllers will not work, nor will regular Bluetooth headsets, though a future update will likely fix that. USB-powered headsets will work out of the box, however.
Arguably the shining accessory is the PlayStation Camera, which will be sold separately for $60. This is Sony’s answer to Microsoft’s Xbox Kinect sensor that recognizes body movements, hand gestures and voice commands. The PS4 Camera will reportedly be able to track where players are relative to their background and environment, though it will be some time before games truly utilize that. You will be able to narrate and stream your gameplay live using the microphones built into the camera or the included headset that comes with the console. To acclimate gamers to the camera, Sony has baked in “Playroom,” partfun, part-tutorial.
Some important tidbits have been revealed about what the console will support and what it won’t. Initially, it was thought the PS4 could double as a media server to stream content stored on devices connected to the same local network, but that isn’t the case. The console will play DVDs and Blu-rays, but not CDs. It won’t play MP3s nor stream directly from a PC or DLNA-compatible device.
This does not affect the console’s ability to host streaming services, and Netflix, Crackle, Crunchyroll and NHL GameCenter will be available at launch. This is in addition to Sony’s own Music Unlimited streaming service and other Sony platforms. And PS4 offers no backward compatibility, so game discs from the previous PlayStation console generations won’t work. The PlayStation 4 launches Friday across Canada, selling for $400. Games will average about $60 apiece, and a 12-month PlayStation Plus subscrip
tion will be $50.