 By Sam Richardson
Sony held their PlayStation 4 event earlier this month and although we didn't get a look at the actual console, we found out a lot about the specifications of the console, and had a look at the redesigned controller.
With both the PS3 and the PS2 Sony held an event early in the year, then another in annual gaming conference E3 in June to provide more details and get a first look at the console. With this early year announcement it seems that we can expect similar.
Sony are aiming for a 'Holiday 2013' release. Apart from the obvious reason of being on everybody's Christmas wish-list, Sony must meet this deadline as the rumours are rife that Microsoft will release their own next gen gaming console in November.
The new controller that was on display showed quite a difference. Not in shape or size but in features. The new Dual Shock 4 features improved rumble, a touchpad, headphone socket, a light bar for personalised motion controls and re-designed triggers and analogue sticks.
A large improvement has come in the shape of sharing and convenience. When downloading games, they are instantly playable from the moment the first bit is downloaded. A second processor dedicated to downloads has also been added. This means there will be no more waiting for half an hour to download an update before you can start playing a game.
The sharing aspect is interesting but I'm not fully convinced it will be used a lot. The feature effectively means you can share your in game footage with others. The main way I think it could be used is for if I was to get stuck on a game and needed to ask a friend for help. Not that I ever get stuck of course.
One of the huge talking points in the lead up to this announcement was that Sony were going to limit games to one console. This has turned out not to be true so the pre-owned market will still thrive.
The only game confirmed for launch day is Killzone: Shadow Fall. Driveclub could be there too, but the developers say it's an aim rather than a definite. Infamous: Second Son looked like its predecessor with more explosions. Capcom showed off a new game called Deep Down which looked good. Hundreds of developers and publishers have signed up to create games (although EA was notable by its absence).
Essentially this event was just a huge teaser for what's to come. We've been given a brief overview of the PS4's capabilities. We knew it was going to be a social machine, one that adapts and is smart to your preferences.
Sony seems to want to dominate your life by adding connectivity with smartphones and tablets. We'll more than likely have role player games that you can alter while away from your console. Remote play through the PlayStation Vita is a certainty. Allowing you to play games when the television has been wrestled from you.
It'll be at E3 in June that'll we'll likely get the design, price and release date. We should also see the PlayStation 4 in action for the first time. I for one can't wait.
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