Teased several weeks ago with a very vague video, Sony announced a live event to be held today, February 20th, 2013. While the video revealed almost nothing, that didn’t stop the Internet from immediately theorizing what the announcement could be for – an official announcement revealing their next console. And that’s exactly what they did.
Coming Holiday 2013, Sony has officially stepped forward to announce that their next console will be the Playstation 4.
Formerly referred to by the code name “Orbis”, the Playstation 4 is Sony’s next console that will not only be more powerful than its predecessor (obviously), but will be a far more engaging and easier to use system for both consumers and developers.
Based around five principles – Simple, Immediate, Social, Integrated, and Personalized – Sony wants the PS4 to be a far more integrated console in a gamers’ lifestyle. To do this, the “Social” principle was a key part of Sony’s presentation this evening, emphasized a special button on the officially revealed PS4 controller – the DualShock 4.
The “Share” button – located next to the built-in touchpad on the face of the new DualShock 4 – allows gamers to share and interact with other gamers or friends with the push of a button. You’ll be able to upload images, gameplay videos (both recorded and live streaming), or even “remote in” to a friend’s console and play their game for them.
Aside from the console announcement, there was an abundance of game reveals, tech demos and various bits of information illustrating the power, potential, and support the PS4 has, including:
- Sony’s plan to revitalize the PS Vita through integration with the PS4 console.
- The reveal of Knack, a new IP featuring remote play via the PS Vita.
- Media Molecule (LittleBigPlanet) demonstrates the capabilities of the PS Move for the PS4 with a “sculpting tool” tech demo.
- The reveal of Killzone: Shadow Fall along with gameplay footage.
- Capcom reveals a new IP titled Deep Down (working title) running on a new graphics engine called “Panta Rhei”.
- The reveal of DriveClub, a racing simulator with a strong emphasis on social interaction.
- Square Enix announces that a new Final Fantasy title will be revealed at this year’s E3 as well as showing a previously released tech demo featuring Final Fantasy inspired elements.
- The reveal of inFamous: Second Son with a trailer.
- Ubisoft shows off new Watch Dogs gameplay footage.
- Blizzard makes a surprise visit to announce that Diablo III will be released for the PS4 and the PS3 with new features.
- Activision highlights Bungie’s presence for the PS4 as well as Destiny and exclusive content on the PS4 for Destiny.
Despite all the information revealed this evening, two key items were unfortunately left out of the presentation – a price for the PS4 as well as an actual console for us to see – which we will more than likely see later this year at E3. Until then gamers will simply have to do with rumors and speculations of what the new system may look like and how much Sony expects us to pay for their new system.
For those that would like to view the entire Sony presentation and catch every detail, you can check out the video here. Otherwise, be sure to stop by your local Twin Cities big-box or independent video game retailer for reservation information for the new Playstation 4.
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