Streamed live from New York on Feb 20, 2013 at 3:00PM PST was the long awaited press conference held by Sony Computer Entertainment America. For weeks prior, the web clambered with rumors and thoughts on what was being brought to the table, though it was ultimately believed to be the next generation console. The general consensus proved correct when Andrew House, president and Group CEO of SCEA, took the stage and officially announced the existence of the Playstation 4.
While the design of the system remains a mystery, even after two hours of stage time, it is known that the 2013-slated system will come complete with an X86 CPU, enhanced PC GPU, and 8GB of unified memory and an AMD Radeon graphics processor capable of 1.84 teraflops. The announcement, met with much jubilation, was quickly followed by the unveiling of the Dual Shock 4 controller, which some may recognize from last weeks leaked image. Touted as offering an integrated sensor, smoother rumble, and connectivity between the new PlayStation 4 Eye,the Dual Shock 4 is none too physically dissimilar to the current model. Additionally, the Dual Shock 4 will include a built-in LED which, in a later report from IGN.com, was said to be used as in-game elements, such as player's health.
Beyond the Dual Shock 4, it was announced that the PlayStation 4 would offer a level of connectivity currently unheard of in consoles. Gamers will be able to see what games their friends download and instantly jump in or even check their PS4 dashboard from their compatible smartphone or tablet. Connecting to YouTube is key as gameplay can now be instantly recorded, edited, and uploaded to a personal account. While being connected is the name of the game, many may find it unsettling that the PS4 will have the ability to read your gaming library and download sequels and related games for you. Gakai co-founder, David Perry, also confirmed the long-running rumors that Sony would be joining the "cloud" bandwagon. Finally, Vita gamers will rejoice at the "remote play" option that was also discussed, meaning cross-play between systems is also a possibility.
Unfortunately, that's where information on the system itself stops. The bulk of the two hour press conference was a veritable stage show of different developers showcasing tech demos, including a gorgeous run of the Unreal 4 engine. Developers such as Ubisoft, Sucker Punch, and a collaborative effort of Activision and Bungie all took the stage, showing off their most recent projects, which include the freshly announced "Destiny" and the latest entries in the "Killzone" and "inFAMOUS" series. Even Blizzard took the stage to announce a partnership with Sony that culminated in a console release of the underwhelming "Diablo III".
While each showcased title, like "Watch Dogs" (which hilariously contradicts the PS4's over connectivity) and "Deep Down", Capcom's new IP running on the new Panta Rai engine, were visually impressive, none seemed to do a system announcement justice. Even presentations by the lovable Media Molecule, which showed off a claymation-esque scenario controlled by the PlayStation Move, and a look at new abilities in facial structuring by David Cage fell short of "impressive". Everything simply felt pretty,leaving out that necessary feeling of being upgraded beyond the concept of connectivity; but, thankfully, there is sure to be more impressive news on the horizon at this years upcoming E3 convention.
By the end of the conference, the world is still in the dark about the system's physical design and, of course, price. Sony also seemed to steered clear of the used game ban chatter that has been popular since early 2012. There are some impressive looking titles to pass time with while more news trickles down and the 2013 holiday release date creeps closer. For a look at the announced titles, follow the links:
"Deep Down"
"Destiny"
"Drive Club"
"inFAMOUS: Second Son"
"Killzone: Shadow Fall"
"Knack"
"Witness"
"Watch Dogs"
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