Liveblogging Sony's “PlayStation 4” reveal, 6PM EST Feb. 20

The console wars start to heat up once again, right here, right now.

Read the whole story

 

[liono]

really? my ps3 right now is quite nice. will watch the ps4 launch from the sidelines.

 

[thebonafortuna]

Absolutely critical they get this right. Not streaming a video of a guy in Japan in a white room slowly trying to discuss the system is a good start, but after the disastrous kickoff of the PS3, they really need to step up their game.

I'm perfectly happy with my PS3, but will eventually pick up a PS4: but only if it's backwards compatible. They're not getting another pass on that, this time.

 

[Beef Supreme]

I predict games being priced at 64.99 with AAA titles hitting 69.99. I believe Sony will be noncommittal about whether they're going to implement technology which will block the ability to sell used games or otherwise use them in the first console they are inserted into (RFID, NFC, being attached to the PSN account, etc). I also anticipate the top of the line console being 499.99 with a lower tier being $50 less.

Just throwing some thoughts out there. I don't really have much to go on other than gut feeling.

 

[OnePompousPenguin]

Absolutely critical they get this right. Not streaming a video of a guy in Japan in a white room slowly trying to discuss the system is a good start, but after the disastrous kickoff of the PS3, they really need to step up their game.

I'm perfectly happy with my PS3, but will eventually pick up a PS4: but only if it's backwards compatible. They're not getting another pass on that, this time.

I will go out on a limb, well alright it's more like a tree trunk, and say that it will not be backwards compatible. If anyone thinks that Sony is going to include a cell in the PS4 or think they have the capability of emulating such a thing is a little crazy.

I for one do not think it is necessary. I have a perfectly good PS3 to play PS3 games. If Sony wants me to buy a PS4, I need PS4 games to play. The only first party I trust to provide enough games to justify my purchase on nothing but faith (my limit is usually five or so games I really want to play) is Nintendo. They've been carrying their weight for quite some time, but I understand other people have different tastes than me in games.

 

[notoriousKTR]

What Sony needs to do is work with game developers and secure triple 'A' title release dates. Sony needs killer launch titles to sell the system and then pace future releases, one after another, to strengthen the platform.

 

[Esahm]

Although I'm excited to see what they release, the moment they tell us we can't play used games I'm not interested and my ps3 will suit me just fine. If they do it right and not only allow used games but backwards compatibility as well then I'll upgrade(well I may not even need back words compatibility to upgrade). I expect that if they aloud used games it will end the possibility of the "no used games idea" because Xbox wouldn't risk doing it and possibly loosing customers.the fate is up to Sony.

 

[jimbles]

You know what's going to be major in like, maybe 2-3 years for all top of the line multimedia players? Being able to playback h.265 and 10bit through hardware decoding. You wanna guess what's not going to be announced at the launch?

This is an opportunity for Sony to really shine and show forethought into what's going to be big beyond merely games. The PS3, while an accomplished .mp4 player, is anything but the much heralded multimedia dream machine that it was painted as at launch. Time to pick up the pace or be on the sidelines before a unit is even shipped, Sony.

 

[Anonimau5]

I'm excited

 

[Slipgatex]

The only thing I will tune in for is whether or not the lock down rumors hold any water. Other than that, I can't see what a "pre-reveal" reveal will really do except generate hype for E3.

Edit: First sentence was not meant to make me sound as if I would only buy if the rumors weren't true, because, in fact, I will not buy the PS4 regardless. Just curious to the precursors of an Xbox reveal (which I also won't buy if there isn't any good exclusives, I have a PC).

 

[theJonTech]

Give me GT6 as a launch title and I'll buy 2!

 

[tmoldovan]

A DVR capability would be nice.

Backwards compatibility is not a show stopper for me, but used games definitely is.
I buy new games, but I also buy used games, as well as sell my old ones to finance new purchases.

No used games = no buy.

 

[mikepaul]

I need a controller that I feel comfortable using. If they still make them like the old ones, I can't see the value of an upgrade. Sad that the message never gets through to them, or their hands call all the shots...

 

[XolotlLoki]

I also anticipate the top of the line console being 499.99 with a lower tier being $50 less.

Hate to disagree but Sony will not fragment their game development by putting out a $50 barebones platform.

Serious reading comprehension fail.

 

[XolotlLoki]

I'm perfectly happy with my PS3, but will eventually pick up a PS4: but only if it's backwards compatible. They're not getting another pass on that, this time.

My PS3 red-screened about a month after it went out of warranty, and I will not be getting a PS4. After taking my Linux away, Sony gets not no more passes, but no chance at all for my money.

 

[Esahm]

I need a controller that I feel comfortable using. If they still make them like the old ones, I can't see the value of an upgrade. Sad that the message never gets through to them, or their hands call all the shots...

Personally I believe that the controller design is fine and I may be the random one but I like the small light design opposed to the heavier Xbox controller.

P.s. Sony is developing a controller right now you find the article further back in ars and if your too lazy this is the link http://meincmagazine.com/gaming/2013/02/r ... dualshock/

 

[Carbon Fibre]

We'll see if they cut edge this time. As mentioned above, h.265 is a must, open codec and sharing capability, not like the limited ps3 that one struggles to even upnp stream. x86? Better have major access to an sdk for our customization preference. DVR is an excellent option, that includes no bs cards or subscriptions, else open ATSC and ClearQAM capability, local network sharing without stupid workarounds, and of course used games support without any other bs tricks to get one started or "prove" we have the copy or something, these are just personal ideas but else, if it's just a partial OnLive console with performance umph, complete disappointment and farewell Sony for good (as in their current business health). In other words, a nicely compact and stripped "pc" is what I expect, but I doubt it.

 

[mht]

I need a controller that I feel comfortable using. If they still make them like the old ones, I can't see the value of an upgrade. Sad that the message never gets through to them, or their hands call all the shots...

I like the PlayStation controllers the best of any console. My anecdotal experience has been that others feel the same. At least the kind of other people that know me in real life. The internet seems to really like the Xbox controller. I think it's fine, but still prefer the PS. So they are getting the message. Just not from the right people.

 

[pen_sq]

It would be awesome if Sony put their product map out like a Reverse Kickstarter.

*** At 100k units, we'll replace free online services with a $99 annual fee

***** At 1 Million units, we'll remove Android integration.

********** At 2 Million, backwards compatibility goes away!

***************** At 5 Million consoles, PurplRay will use the integrated camera to ensure you stick around for all the pre-movie adverts.

***********************OMG***** At 10 Million, Crash Bandicoot and the Fat Princess get a crappy racing game!!

 

[Bad Monkey!]

h.265 is a must

It was just finalized not long ago, I don't think there's any hardware solutions that will be available for the PS4 in time for launch. It's not really necessary either, as it will likely have plenty of horsepower to decode h.265 streams, if not a software configurable video decoder.

open codec and sharing capability, not like the limited ps3 that one struggles to even upnp stream

Unlikely, for the same reason the PS3 was limited. Sony has no incentive to cater to the "Xvid market".

x86? Better have major access to an sdk for our customization preference.

Keep dreaming. Sony saw what trying to meet the hacking enthusiast crowd half way with OtherOS got them: an overt sense of entitlement from the hacking scene when they felt Sony didn't give them enough low-level access to the hardware, followed by attacks on the PS3 hypervisor, and when OtherOS was yanked to prevent that, an even more childish sense of entitlement and attacks on the firmware as a whole. Sony is going to lock down the next console, and hard.

DVR is an excellent option, that includes no bs cards or subscriptions, else open ATSC and ClearQAM capability, local network sharing without stupid workarounds,

That ranges from "unlikely" to "keep dreaming". DVR is unnecessary when the world is moving to Netflix and IPTV model.

In other words, a nicely compact and stripped "pc" is what I expect, but I doubt it.

Selling you a PC doesn't make Sony money, and they have no incentive to conform to your "expectations".

 

[Carbon Fibre]

h.265 is a must

It was just finalized not long ago, I don't think there's any hardware solutions that will be available for the PS4 in time for launch. It's not really necessary either, as it will likely have plenty of horsepower to decode h.265 streams, if not a software configurable video decoder.

open codec and sharing capability, not like the limited ps3 that one struggles to even upnp stream

Unlikely, for the same reason the PS3 was limited. Sony has no incentive to cater to the "Xvid market".

x86? Better have major access to an sdk for our customization preference.

Keep dreaming. Sony saw what trying to meet the hacking enthusiast crowd half way with OtherOS got them: an overt sense of entitlement from the hacking scene when they felt Sony didn't give them enough low-level access to the hardware, followed by attacks on the PS3 hypervisor, and when OtherOS was yanked to prevent that, an even more childish sense of entitlement and attacks on the firmware as a whole. Sony is going to lock down the next console, and hard.

DVR is an excellent option, that includes no bs cards or subscriptions, else open ATSC and ClearQAM capability, local network sharing without stupid workarounds,

That ranges from "unlikely" to "keep dreaming". DVR is unnecessary when the world is moving to Netflix and IPTV model.

In other words, a nicely compact and stripped "pc" is what I expect, but I doubt it.

Selling you a PC doesn't make Sony money, and they have no incentive to conform to your "expectations".

Wow, then I guess I'm done here, no PS4 for me. Quite sick of the mass amounts of run'n'gun games and spinoffs. I'd only contemplate if GT6 or MGS does get really good, else not interested.

 

[countcracula]

You know what's going to be major in like, maybe 2-3 years for all top of the line multimedia players? Being able to playback h.265 and 10bit through hardware decoding. You wanna guess what's not going to be announced at the launch?

This is an opportunity for Sony to really shine and show forethought into what's going to be big beyond merely games. The PS3, while an accomplished .mp4 player, is anything but the much heralded multimedia dream machine that it was painted as at launch. Time to pick up the pace or be on the sidelines before a unit is even shipped, Sony.

That and the dreaded Cinavia make me hesitate on future Sony products. Don't get me wrong, I'm excited about next gen but I feel ripped off, I bought a second PS3 to be a dedicated media center and lots of my recent DVD rips drop audio partway thru :-/

 

[somnia]

h.265 is a must

It was just finalized not long ago, I don't think there's any hardware solutions that will be available for the PS4 in time for launch. It's not really necessary either, as it will likely have plenty of horsepower to decode h.265 streams, if not a software configurable video decoder.

Agreed. And if for some strange reason the CPU can't do it, there's always hardware acceleration via the GPU.

 

[glutto]

The announcement will be a $10 drop in price for the Playstation Vita.

 

[zogus]

DVR is an excellent option, that includes no bs cards or subscriptions, else open ATSC and ClearQAM capability, local network sharing without stupid workarounds,

That ranges from "unlikely" to "keep dreaming". DVR is unnecessary when the world is moving to Netflix and IPTV model.

Netflix drove Blockbuster out of business, not broadcast TV.

In Japan, Sony already sells "torne," a digital TV tuner/DVR software for the PS3, and "nasne," a NAS media server/DVR that interfaces with the PS3. Granted, this is partly because DVR as a category is more popular in Japan than in many other countries, but why shouldn't Sony start the program in other geographies?

 

[Travis Griggs]

I wish jon Hannibal stokes was still around to dissect. The ps4 architecture. His "emotion engine" analyses of the PS3 were some of my favorite ARS articles ever.

 

[JPan]

Really excited about the ps4. I just hope they do not screw something really up like requiring an always on connection or bullshit like that. Apart from actively screwing it up they have it easy. THe ps3 is the best currently available media center with the best game selection (ok xbox is really close) and second best online features. If they give me the same thing with enough power to run something like crysis3 in 1080p60 they have my money.

 

[68K]

After taking my Linux away, Sony gets not no more passes

Yeah, you and the other 10 people that actually installed another OS on their PS3 must really be making Sony quake in their boots. It wasn't like it even ran well - it was dog slow and plagued with nowhere near enough useable RAM. And remember that it was GeoHot who was responsible for Sony removing OtherOS capability. Blame the hackers.

(Disclaimer. I installed Linux on my 60GB Phat. I did nothing with it when I realised any of the other machines in my house would run Linux better. I was not sad to see it go.)

 

[mogbert]

Just having the rumor of publisher centric feature like used game blocking is enough for me to hold off on these until after it has been out for a while.

If they haven't been able to legally block the sales of used games before due to the first sale doctrine, then how is having the capability to do it going to change anything. Isn't it still illegal to stop them from doing this? Or is everything now going to be 'licensed software'?

 

[Bad Monkey!]

In Japan, Sony already sells "torne," a digital TV tuner/DVR software for the PS3, and "nasne," a NAS media server/DVR that interfaces with the PS3. Granted, this is partly because DVR as a category is more popular in Japan than in many other countries, but why shouldn't Sony start the program in other geographies?

Because they've had years and years to do it, and they haven't bothered. Also, DVR functionality is a patent, licensing, and copyright minefield in the US, I doubt they have any desire to put the PS4 to that kind of risk.

 

[Sailor of Fortune]

I wonder if they'll even call it a PS4 and adopt some new naming convention. PS4 at this point seems more like a placeholder used by the media and gamers until Sony makes their announcement. The Playstation name carries a lot of weight so it'll be used in some way though numbering things seem to be avoided as it goes higher. I remember reading somewhere that the number "four" sounds like the Japanese word for "death" so they may have a marketing incentive to avoid it.

 

[salamanderjuice]

Just having the rumor of publisher centric feature like used game blocking is enough for me to hold off on these until after it has been out for a while.

If they haven't been able to legally block the sales of used games before due to the first sale doctrine, then how is having the capability to do it going to change anything. Isn't it still illegal to stop them from doing this? Or is everything now going to be 'licensed software'?

Software is licensed. Even PS3 games, even PS2 games, etc. They'll be able to do it the same way Steam does it if they wanted.

 

[Jurrasic]

I'm perfectly happy with my PS3, but will eventually pick up a PS4: but only if it's backwards compatible. They're not getting another pass on that, this time.

My PS3 red-screened about a month after it went out of warranty, and I will not be getting a PS4. After taking my Linux away, Sony gets not no more passes, but no chance at all for my money.

I doubt we will see ps3 compatability in the PS4, sticking a cell in there is a bit too heavy duty. But I do not see why PS1-2 emulation should not be available, the PS1 chip costs about $2 now, and honestly an EE and GS combo should not add more then $5-10 at MOST to the cost of the unit.

They would be being penny-wise and pound-foolish if they skip it.

And yes, that -WILL- be a dealbreaker for me. Used games, not so much. I never sell what I buy anyway, but I do like the option of paying a few bux less for a game that is otherwise without wear and tear.

 

[willcapellaro]

Excited. I'm on board for whatever Sony does with the Playstation products, it's just a matter of prioritizing when it fits in with the budget.

 

[zogus]

I doubt we will see ps3 compatability in the PS4, sticking a cell in there is a bit too heavy duty. But I do not see why PS1-2 emulation should not be available, the PS1 chip costs about $2 now, and honestly an EE and GS combo should not add more then $5-10 at MOST to the cost of the unit.

Even if they don't put in any hardware support, they should be able to emulate the PS1 in software. PS2--well, let's see. I haven't touched any of the PS2 emulators for the PC myself, but I hear they're playable these days, which means Sony should also have a pretty good chance of getting software emulation to work properly this time.

 

[Donte]

I'm perfectly happy with my PS3, but will eventually pick up a PS4: but only if it's backwards compatible. They're not getting another pass on that, this time.

My PS3 red-screened about a month after it went out of warranty, and I will not be getting a PS4. After taking my Linux away, Sony gets not no more passes, but no chance at all for my money.

I doubt we will see ps3 compatability in the PS4, sticking a cell in there is a bit too heavy duty. But I do not see why PS1-2 emulation should not be available, the PS1 chip costs about $2 now, and honestly an EE and GS combo should not add more then $5-10 at MOST to the cost of the unit.

They would be being penny-wise and pound-foolish if they skip it.

And yes, that -WILL- be a dealbreaker for me. Used games, not so much. I never sell what I buy anyway, but I do like the option of paying a few bux less for a game that is otherwise without wear and tear.

If you have seen the current state of PS2 emulation on PC, it's not likely to be doable in software on the PS4 anytime soon, since the major problems come down to incompatibilities between how PS2 and conventional PC hardware are designed, it's a nightmare in terms of compatibility and efficiency.

PS3 hardware is not as obscure, but still a challenge that's easier to handle with streaming. Hopefully they could develop a robust software emulation sometime in its lifespan, Canadian data caps are pretty harsh.

As for no used games, you might want to consider how Steam works, its benefits including cheaper games, massive discounts and a persistent library, and how they weigh against buying used, assuming the rumor has any basis in truth, of course, whether it's true and how it would all work is something we can only guess at until tomorrow.

 

[salamanderjuice]

I'm perfectly happy with my PS3, but will eventually pick up a PS4: but only if it's backwards compatible. They're not getting another pass on that, this time.

My PS3 red-screened about a month after it went out of warranty, and I will not be getting a PS4. After taking my Linux away, Sony gets not no more passes, but no chance at all for my money.

I doubt we will see ps3 compatability in the PS4, sticking a cell in there is a bit too heavy duty. But I do not see why PS1-2 emulation should not be available, the PS1 chip costs about $2 now, and honestly an EE and GS combo should not add more then $5-10 at MOST to the cost of the unit.

They would be being penny-wise and pound-foolish if they skip it.

And yes, that -WILL- be a dealbreaker for me. Used games, not so much. I never sell what I buy anyway, but I do like the option of paying a few bux less for a game that is otherwise without wear and tear.

If you have seen the current state of PS2 emulation on PC, it's not likely to be doable in software on the PS4 anytime soon, since the major problems come down to incompatibilities between how PS2 and conventional PC hardware are designed, it's a nightmare in terms of compatibility and efficiency.

PS3 hardware is not as obscure, but still a challenge that's easier to handle with streaming. Hopefully they could develop a robust software emulation sometime in its lifespan, Canadian data caps are pretty harsh.

As for no used games, you might want to consider how Steam works, its benefits including cheaper games, massive discounts and a persistent library, and how they weigh against buying used, assuming the rumor has any basis in truth, of course, whether it's true and how it would all work is something we can only guess at until tomorrow.

PS2 emulation is already done on the PS3. All the PS2 classics you buy off PSN are emulated. The only problem is the PS3 is too weak for some games. I'm sure the PS4 will be plenty powerful to do it.

PS1 emulation is a given. Unless they are jerks. The current PS3s run PS1 games via software already and so do the PSP and the Vita. It's essentially perfect so it'd be a surprise if it was not on there.

 

[Matt Wallis]

The PS4 will continue the tradition of abusing console owners with non-skippable OS updates, multi-hundred megabyte game updates that come from a single server on the back of a 14.4k modem, expensive game release prices, expensive DLC and all the rest of the crap that people seem willing to put up with, just so they don't have to play games on their PC.

Meanwhile, I'll just keep using an XBox controller with Steam games on my PC/Mac/Linux box.

 

[Demondeluxe]

I don't care for the used game market, and have a very strong dislike of Gamestop, but for them to lock your games on tot he console, or go to nothing but digital delivery is something they are going to have to do right or not at all.

I am a big fan of steam despite the fact that I cannot loan out or borrow games, but they more than make up for it with stellar sales. I have more than gotten my money's worth from steam, even accounting for the less than spectacular games I bought because I saved so much on the gems that I am still way ahead of where I'd have been if I'd shelled out full price for them all. Unless Sony and MS are planning on attempting to emulate Steam's outstanding sales and prices then this is a no sale for me. Honestly unless they are going to be rocking some outstanding exclusives it is probably a no sale anyway.

I may be biased however, I am largely a PC gamer these days despite owning all the other systems. But looking at the likely cost of buying a new PS4, and a New XBOX 720 (or whatever), I can build my own fairly robust rig for just as much, and the only thing I miss out on is the exclusives.