PS4 About "New Play Options" Rather Than Futuristic Specs?
See Full ImageOne rumor stated that Sony's new PlayStation console would focus more on "social features" and the general "user experience," instead of pushing big-time specs.
Now, another piece of information seems to support that somewhat unsettling theory. According to Engadget citing an "unnamed Sony official" speaking to Japanese newspaper Nikkei, the PS4's main selling point will be how it "introduces new play options."
The source says Sony intends to promote the new system as a home entertainment "nerve center," and the machine will connect and share with mobile devices. The latter's gaming portfolio has expanded drastically over the past generation, what with the advent of smartphones and tablets, and many analysts see that market as a potential threat to traditional consoles. So it seems the PS4 might try to be one of those all-in-one systems that everyone will want; i.e., it won't appeal to only hardcore gamers.
Of course, this also implies that the specs won't be so through-the-roof crazy...which is a little worrisome, depending on how you view the situation.
Tags: ps4, playstation 4, orbis, new playstation, sony
2/8/2013 11:22:15 AM Ben Dutka
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Comments (58 posts)
Temjin001
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 2:59:43 PM
And quite frankly, I think if Sony tried to position the next playstation as another 'powerful, yet expensive' piece of hardware they'd probably suffer for it, and in the end we'd suffer for it as well.
I like the idea of trying to communicate it's offering well beyond the predictable, bigger badder, better style approach. Besides, isnt the PS3 already a living room hub as it is for all things media? That's been a staple of sony's since PS2, not certain why people are acting so dismayed about it now. A whole ton of us got stuck paying for a blu-ray media standard.... and don't anyone say it made the games better for it. Because, in fact, MANY ps3 games, like 97+ percent of them couldve fit comfortably on a dual layered DVD. Only the larger, BIG games, like the RPG's (bigger than Skyrim rpgs) would've necessitated as much. Otherwise all we really netted was FMV(few who really use that a lot anymore) at a higher bit-rate.
Last edited by Temjin001 on 2/8/2013 3:01:05 PM
6 up, 1 down
raptureassassin
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 11:41:44 AM
Reply
I'll keep my Ps3 & 360 for as long as I can. Then I will retire from gaming. I might get the Wii-U if I am looking for something different other wise IM DONE.
5 up, 3 down
matt99
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 11:52:55 AM
8 up, 2 down
raptureassassin
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 1:14:22 PM
the only reason I am setting my self up for a disappointment is. I was let down by the hype of the Wii-U I'm sure the Ps4 wont be like that but we will see.
Last edited by raptureassassin on 2/8/2013 1:16:43 PM
4 up, 4 down
matt99
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 1:39:19 PM
5 up, 1 down
Geobaldi
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 1:45:08 PM
6 up, 1 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 3:57:41 PM
Bullsh**. No, it doesn't cost thousands of dollars to BUILD a gaming PC. But then again, not everyone has the knowledge or inclination to get involved in that kind of project, nor is everyone interested in going to such extreme amounts of effort and research just to play a video game.
While consoles are more like PCs than ever, and the days of just switching a machine on and playing are disappearing, there is still no more complex platform than a PC. You still have to know what piece does what, you still have to replace and upgrade individual pieces, you still have to fiddle with settings, etc, etc, etc.
And even for those who know exactly what they're doing, to say a PC is as cheap is a console is still a gross fallacy. Build the most cost-effective PC you want...no chance in hell it'll only cost you $300 or $400. None. And even if the PS4 costs $500, it'll last someone at least six or seven years, if not ten. A gaming PC for $500? Lasting a decade? No.
If you're interested in computers and you enjoy the nuts and bolts of that technology, and you have TIME to waste researching and buying and putting together, then by all means. Go for it. I have nothing against that. It's just that not everyone is equipped for the endeavor, nor do they WANT to be equipped for the endeavor.
8 up, 5 down
Temjin001
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 4:17:34 PM
I absolutely agree with you about the long term value of console hardware. There's absolutely no competing with that.
But one definite thing I can attest to about PC gaming is that buying new games is almost always less money and great deals are a lot easier to come by. It may be a lot of money out of the gate at first to get a quality gaming rig going, but much of the savings comes in the form of software. Also, services like Cloud saves and auto-patches for games come free for PC gamers and are not an extraneous service one must pay additional for to have.
As for the building of hardware. I definitely agree being a PC gamer isn't for everyone and advocating as if PC gaming is the ambrosia console gamers should come to really isn't for everyone. But even then, while it does help a lot to have some tech knowledge, it really isn't absolutely necessary.
Though, the flip side is that people do have fun building PC's, and can learn to have fun with them and they don't view it as a 'waste of their time'
I'd say a big interest of mine going for the degree I'm going for began by being exposed to computer hardware very early on in my life. It created a fun hobby for myself outside of games, even though it was inspired by pc games, and it also is a market, where in this location I live has a 3 to 1 job-to-graduate ratio of employment opportunities in the CS field of work.
Last edited by Temjin001 on 2/8/2013 4:21:25 PM
5 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 4:36:32 PM
As you say, you were introduced to it at a young age. Imagine learning all that afresh now, or just wandering into the world of building gaming PCs with the standard, everyday knowledge of a regular person...no chance it'll be as interesting or as appealing. Furthermore, I don't care if you're a tech genius; a PC is simply never as cheap as a console, whether you build it or not.
6 up, 4 down
Temjin001
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 5:17:40 PM
(like, really rich, so dont get your hopes up ;)
Last edited by Temjin001 on 2/8/2013 5:18:07 PM
2 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 6:21:52 PM
4 up, 3 down
Beamboom
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 3:04:12 AM
The claim that PC hardware can't be used for gaming a few months after you bought it, is something I wish we could just stop saying.
It's nonsense, and really quite frustrating to read! It's like hearing that a console is only for casual gamers (there are those who claim so too).
Ben is right in what he says about building and maintaining a PC, and PC gaming is in that respect like other hobbies that require some insight to enjoy (that means pretty much any hobby out there, doesn't it). To some that is a chore, to others that is pure joy.
And in the long run, if you take into account the fact that games typically *are* cheaper on PC, well then things will start to even out for those who buy a lot of games. But is PC the most costly platform of the two? Sure, it probably is. But it's not a thousands of dollars difference.
Last edited by Beamboom on 2/9/2013 3:37:59 AM
2 up, 0 down
bigrailer19
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 11:42:54 AM
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I might be holding out on the PS4 if anything like this is true. Im just not interested in a social media console. I want my games to run at 60fps at 1080P.
2 up, 1 down
Xombito
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 11:44:29 AM
Reply
14 up, 0 down
matt99
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 11:57:26 AM
I really don't see a reason to worry.
Last edited by matt99 on 2/8/2013 11:58:26 AM
7 up, 0 down
Lord carlos
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 11:48:43 AM
Reply
and ten GAHGILLION petra bytes of ram
and a hologram disc reader
and a little gizmo that puts me in the game
AHAHAHAHAAAA
Last edited by Lord carlos on 2/8/2013 11:49:44 AM
4 up, 2 down
Lord carlos
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 2:22:14 PM
A guy i knew went to rekall and got himself labotomized
5 up, 0 down
Beamboom
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 11:50:37 AM
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I think it is smart of them to try to be the "nerve centre" of living room entertainment. It's what it has the potential of being. Using the machines power also for other things doesn't take anything away from the gaming power at all.
It only makes it more attractive, easier to spend cash on.
It doesn't hurt anyone if this machine appeals also to those who want a good movie player in their living room, media stream client, music jukebox, mobile media playback, and so forth. They are only additional arguments to get one.
Last edited by Beamboom on 2/8/2013 11:53:40 AM
5 up, 0 down
Natalisrubbish
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 12:44:09 PM
Reply
2 up, 0 down
bebestorm
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 12:58:16 PM
Reply
4 up, 0 down
ryu
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 1:14:57 PM
Reply
2 up, 0 down
matt99
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 5:11:10 PM
1 up, 0 down
Lord carlos
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 7:15:01 PM
1 up, 1 down
PSTan
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 1:15:07 PM
Reply
4 up, 1 down
clockwyzebkny
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 1:32:28 PM
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On the other hsnd, i could understand why Sony would want to expand their user base more with social features.
I'm optimistically hoping that the tech is greatly improved but Sony just wants some of the public to be aware of some social gaming implementations.
btw off topic...where's jawknee? I remember he use to be real active and very opinionated
2 up, 0 down
JROD0823
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 2:35:50 PM
I enjoy their commentary, even if I don't always agree.
4 up, 0 down
wackazoa
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 1:35:56 PM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
JROD0823
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 1:41:03 PM
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I guess what I'm saying is that I don't see why there has to be a "one or the other" mentality on the capabilities of the PS4.
I would like to think that Sony will give us a monster of a console performance-wise to please the hardcore gamers, and still offer its consumers with more or new play options to draw in the casual crowd.
7 up, 0 down
Snaaaake
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 1:41:55 PM
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0 up, 0 down
amonte64
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 1:51:44 PM
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0 up, 0 down
Highlander
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 2:04:54 PM
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"So it seems the PS4 might try to be one of those all-in-one systems that everyone will want; i.e., it won't appeal to only hardcore gamers." - In fact, if the technical specs are so-so, it may not appear to hardcore gamers or early adopters because it lacks that special cache of being the latest and greatest.
2 up, 0 down
Temjin001
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 4:00:09 PM
But considering Sony's dire financial situation could we really have expected them to delve deep to bring us another home-grown processing unit?
I would've been up for a more approachable Cell BE upgrade, but it seems to me doing so would've burned more of a hole in Sony's small pocket of cash.
0 up, 0 down
Beamboom
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 3:48:10 AM
What I believe is that the next PS only needs to be as good or better than the competing consoles. If *that* is in place, then I believe the Orbis will be considered to be the "latest and greatest CONSOLE" cause, well, fact is that it is.
What would be horrible, is if Microsoft came with a new console that were obviously better on some key areas. That would be a disaster.
Last edited by Beamboom on 2/9/2013 4:47:07 AM
0 up, 0 down
Ultimadream
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 2:15:36 PM
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0 up, 0 down
Alejandro562
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 2:16:56 PM
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0 up, 0 down
DrRockso87
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 2:21:04 PM
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The cell processor was expensive by itself and unfortunately most third-party developers didn't make much use of it so Sony took a hard hit with the manufacturing costs for years before seeing profit.
However, with said, the LAST thing I want to see happen is the PlayStation 4 be Sony's alternative Wii-U. If you want to market to families then fine but don't forget gamers.
Uncharted, inFAMOUS, Killzone, Resistance, God of War, The Last of Us, LittleBigPlanet, Ratchet & Clank, Jak and Daxter (please?) Sly Cooper, etc. I'd love to see all these games making new homes for themselves on PS4 while seeing new, fresh IPs join their family as well. Much better than something like "PlayStation Fit". Blegh.
3 up, 1 down
daus26
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 3:26:25 PM
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To be fair, it said "main selling point." I don't see how that would automatically translate to "weak" console" focusing on "social features." Again, social features can be done along side a powerful machine, and focusing your marketing on social features is a smart thing. Hardcore gamers can understand the power of the system without the need of much marketing or explanation of the system's specs.
I'm pretty sure Microsoft will be aggressive on their social marketing as well, especially with their known mission of making the Xbox into an absolute living room entertainment console. Does that mean they're going weak for the hardcore gamers? Absolutely not.
1 up, 0 down
Darwin1967
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 4:10:42 PM
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1 up, 0 down
Highlander
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 4:23:28 PM
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It seems certain that the next PlayStation for home use - whether PS4, Orbis, or whatever - will not be capable of playing PS3 games. In that case, if the new system is essentially a closed box PC, would you be willing to purchase an optional add on module that you plug into the PS4, that provides PS3 compatibility?
I mean, let's say that Sony puts out a low cost PC technology based box and calls it the next Playstation 4. To keep costs down, they're certainly not going to put the PS3 chipset inside it for compatibility. However a standard PCIe3 slot would be more than capable of playing host to a PS3 on a card expansion module.
Would you be interested in such an accessory? Would you pay $100 for it? Would you pay $150? I just remember some of the patents that Sony has been granted over the last few years included one for something that sounds exactly like a console on a card expansion for another system. There other patents that kind of indicate similar things, so it's not so outlandish to suggest this is possible. I don't know if it's even close to being on their agenda, but I'd buy one if they made one.
2 up, 0 down
Temjin001
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 6:11:29 PM
100 bucks for ps3 and 50 extra for ps2
(typed from my shiney new Vita ;)
1 up, 1 down
Lord carlos
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 7:10:27 PM
1 up, 1 down
Beamboom
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 3:42:22 AM
0 up, 0 down
Highlander
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 5:05:04 AM
0 up, 0 down
jugheadjones
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 4:24:24 PM
Reply
2 up, 0 down
jugheadjones
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 11:08:39 PM
1 up, 1 down
Beamboom
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 4:49:18 AM
Live like you preach!
Last edited by Beamboom on 2/9/2013 4:49:45 AM
0 up, 0 down
GamerKid123
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 5:15:35 AM
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But look at the social networking area, it's at a boom.. facebook for example. You can't hold it against Sony for wanting to crack into that metaphorical pie with these 'social features'.
0 up, 0 down
___________
Saturday, February 09, 2013 @ 6:56:06 AM
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what is $onys obsession lately with becoming nintendo!?
i can see allot of developers going PC exclusive next gen, simply because there going to have to if they want to put out something truly innovative and amazing!
$onys suppose to be going back to their premium days, look at the xperia Z such a beautiful looking phone!
worlds first with a full HD screen, a quad core processor, its THE daddy of mobile phones!
so wheres the daddy of gaming consoles?
$ony fell into the sh*thole their in now because they lost so much money with the ps3 and started cutting costs, and thus quality plummeted.
bravias, especially XBR use to be THE daddy of TVs!
now there like astons, overpriced overrated outdated PoS!
come on $ony, come back to the old ways.......
please???????
3 up, 1 down
Ultima
Wednesday, February 13, 2013 @ 11:50:15 AM
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Going out on a limb here, but I would say "Nintendo makes money (profit) while Sony bleeds money".
COncerning the hardware, the features, the price, and "threat" of "Playstation-U", etc. If Sony does everything it does to please but goes into bankruptcy to do so, would it be worth it?
While I don't give a rat's ass about "social" features, being a staunchly antisocial person myself, I don't fault Sony for trying to do things that would ensure their longterm survival. Cause if they continue on the same path that the PS3 (and, to a lesser extent, the Vita) has led them, they will destroy themselves. I don't need "premium", I just need "good enough not to be outdone by the competition". I didn't buy a PS3 at launch cause US$600 was insane, and the gimped US$500 model was definitely not worth it. I got mine at a much more reasonable US$400, and even though I know about inflation, etc. the MOST I would consider this rounds would be $450, and that better be the ceiling, not the basement.
Outside of elitists, who the hell is going to buy a $500 system in this lousy economy? No one outside of a tiny minority and online dickwavers is going to care what the specs are - they'll care about the games primarily, but first and foremost will be the COST. Or to be more accurate, they'll care if the PS4 costs too much more than the competition for (apparently) no real reason. If the PS4 is $500 at start, $150 more than the delux Wii-U (BTW, you guys greatly exaggerate the divide between "casual" and "hardcore" when the majority of "people who play games" don't even think along those lines; while Sony and Microsoft may claim that Nintendo is not their comeptition, that is entirely untrue), it's going to have a rough start just like the PS3 did if not outright tank since the economy is a lot worse now than in 2006. It'll be even worse if they announce their price before Microsoft and MS is able to reduce their price to below Sony's (not guaranteed to happen but it's certainly a possibility, especially when Sony themselves did it to Sega with the PSX) - that'll be an instant ticket to third place again.
For the premium nothuggers, Sony is not Apple. Get over it. Maybe when the world economy recovers sufficiently they can try selling needlessly expensive hardware again. Until then, their "cheaper" (both in terms of manufacturing and in cost) competitors will rule them (again).
Last edited by Ultima on 2/13/2013 11:50:53 AM
0 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Reply
Friday, February 08, 2013 @ 11:36:56 AM
But hey, it's Sony, I don't think gamers have anything to be worried about on the gaming side of things. There will still be plenty of big studios at Sony so other divisions can work on this social and technical interconnectivity crap that is so popular now. I think of it as a necessary evil.