Jun 13, 2013
The Brand New Sony PS4 DRM, controller, price, release date & specs news
So the big guns have fired their salvos at E3 and it looks like Sony is making the early running. A lower price, more powerful hardware and a popular stance against DRM put it ahead of its main rival after the first hurdle.
Here we’ll go through everything we know about the PS4 and also highlight everything we still don’t know. We’ll compare it to the competition and look at where a PS4-dominated future might take console gaming.
Below is the full E3 press conference, though there’s a lot of pre-amble so skip ahead to 33min in to get the start of the presentation, and right up to 54mins if you want to skip all the PS3 and Vita stuff and get straight on with the PS4 content.
If you missed out on the initial PS4 announcement event, which contains a lot more hardware information, you can watch a condensed version below.
There’s quite a lot to get through so we’ve broken it down into key sections.
PS4 DRM AND USED GAMES
Video games are often presented as being cutting-edge entertainment, but at E3 Sony struck a massive blow against its main rival by simply standing still. DRM, digital licensing and mandatory internet connections have become big topics in this fledgling console war. Microsoft’s plan was to join the likes of Apple, Amazon and Steam - with content that lives in the cloud and is attached to your user account rather than physical media - with all the restrictions and advantages that entails.
Sony subtly presents its point to Microsoft
It wasn’t a popular move though, or at least not popular with those on gaming websites, forums and twitter. And so Sony scored an open goal by announcing that disc-based games would work the same as ever, yours to play, yours to sell and yours to lend. This sounds simple compared to the Xbox One’s DRM system which you can read about in our Xbox One article, but at least Microsoft has detailed exactly how its system will work.
Sony have taken the moral high ground in the DRM battle, but we want more details
Interviews soon after the event made it clear that although Sony was certainly in the lead in this department, its statement wasn’t as all encompassing as first thought. It only applies to first-party Sony games, with third-party publishers free to implement whatever DRM restrictions they can invent. That leaves PS4 gamers in the same position as they are today, with constant incremental implementation of DRM by publishers. Microsoft’s system may be unpopular, but it looks to be all-encompassing, so you wouldn’t have a myriad of different DRM systems, and user accounts, from different publishers.
We hope we’re wrong and that DRM issues will not be a big issue on the PS4, but gaming is swimming against the tide here and we’re pessimistic. Many are picturing Microsoft as the big bad and Sony as a knight in shining armour, but until we get some clear answers to our questions (Sony hasn't been able to comment so far) we’ll be wary.
We're interested in such things as:
1. Has Sony made any commitment to getting all games on sale through PSN on the day of disc release? (first party and/or third party)
2. Will Sony be allowing gamers to share PSN purchases with friends/family on other consoles
3. Will PSN purchases be locked to a user account or to the console, or both in some way?
4. Will others on your PS4 be able to play multi-player online under their own ‘Truenames’ or will it only be the PS Plus subscriber?
1. Has Sony made any commitment to getting all games on sale through PSN on the day of disc release? (first party and/or third party)
2. Will Sony be allowing gamers to share PSN purchases with friends/family on other consoles
3. Will PSN purchases be locked to a user account or to the console, or both in some way?
4. Will others on your PS4 be able to play multi-player online under their own ‘Truenames’ or will it only be the PS Plus subscriber?
Primarily, we want to know whether or not third-party publishers will be limited by Sony in their implementation of DRM through user accounts, with regards to gamers using cloud features, multiplayer, patches and other online components. The way gaming is moving, it’s all well and good to argue that you want to play single-player games alone and offline, but that is increasingly becoming sidelined, with single-player, multi-player and co-op all being blended together - such as in Bungie’s Destiny.
Who will have the final say on DRM, Sony or third-party publishers, our guess is the latter
CONSOLE DESIGN
After months of waiting, Sony has finally revealed its hardware. The console looks great, with a split design, both around the middle and across the top. The raked front looks cool and it’s fairly compact too - measuring just 305x53x275mm, less than an estimated 343x80x263mm for the Xbox One.
It has a built-in power supply, so there’s no external power brick to deal with and the ports on the rear are kept to necessities: HDMI, optical S/PDIF, two USB3 and a mysterious AUX port. The original spec we saw listed an AV output, but there’s no sign of that on the device shown in up-to-date press shots.
Our only concern is that the design is fairly slender, with air vents on the rear, which suggests the use of one or more small fans, this could make the device louder and whinier than the Xbox One, especially given its more powerful GPU and the extra heat it will generate.
The new console is hardly groundbreaking but it’s compact and has a built-in power supply, so it’s a big thumbs up from us
You can read a full specs sheet here: full press release PDF from Sony. And the console is reportedly region free, so you’ll be able to play games bought anywhere in the world - presuming you can read Japanese of course.
PS4 PRICE
The PS4 will cost £349 in the UK, EUR399 in mainland europe and $399 dollars in the US. We were hoping for a price closer to £300 over here, but even considering the lack of a bundled camera peripheral, the price is far easier to swallow thatn the £429 for the Xbox One.
It does seem that we’ve been we’ve got the short end of the stick again when it comes to exchange rates, with the PS4 costing approximately £42 more here than it should. For more details on this read our PS4 Price - We lose out in exchange rate calculation.
PS4 RELEASE DATE
The official PS4 release date is currently pencilled in for 'Holiday 2013', which most-likely means in time for Thanksgiving in the US, so a mid-November PS4 launch date. The launch has now been confirmed as being worldwide, with the US, Japan and numerous European countries all getting the console during that period. There’s no precise date as yet, but we’ll update this article as soon as we hear anymore
PS4 SPECS
Here's the official listing of the PS4 specification as it stands
Main Processor:
Single-chip custom processor
CPU: x86-64 AMD 'Jaguar' 8 cores
GPU: 1.84 TFLOPS, AMD next-generation Radeon™ based graphics engine
Single-chip custom processor
CPU: x86-64 AMD 'Jaguar' 8 cores
GPU: 1.84 TFLOPS, AMD next-generation Radeon™ based graphics engine
Memory:
GDDR5 8GB
GDDR5 8GB
Hard Disk Drive:
Built-in 500GB
Built-in 500GB
Size and weight:
305x53x275mm and 2.8kg
305x53x275mm and 2.8kg
Optical Drive (read only):
BD 6xCAV
DVD 8xCAV
BD 6xCAV
DVD 8xCAV
I/O and communication:
Super-Speed USB (USB 3.0)
AUX
Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T)
IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth® 2.1 (EDR)
Super-Speed USB (USB 3.0)
AUX
Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T)
IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth® 2.1 (EDR)
AV output:
HDMI
Digital Output (optical)
HDMI
Digital Output (optical)
PS4 PROCESSOR AND GRAPHICS
It's been widely-known for some time that the PS4 would use AMD technology, both for its CPU and GPU elements – as is the remarkably similar Xbox One. It turns out that the PS4 looks to be significantly more powerful than the Xbox One two areas, Memory and GPU, the reasons for which we’ll explore here.
Hardware details were thin on the ground at the launch
MEMORY
Even what proved to be the most reliable leaks said that the PS4 would have 4GB of system memory. It was theorised that use of a single pool of fast GDDR5 memory would more than make up for the 8GB of slower memory in the Xbox One . However, when the reveal came, we were pleasantly surprised to find that the PS4 will have a whopping 8GB of superfast memory.
The change was due thanks to tumbling memory prices of the once very expensive GDDR5 memory, combined with a simple architecture on the PS4 that allowed the single lump of memory could be easily increased in size without affecting other components.
This fast and unified memory system is seen by Sony as its main advantage against the Xbox One, and looked at historical precedents, the console with the most simple and streamlined architecture has usually gained the upper hand. Sony’s lead system architect is certainly in a bullish mode though, describing the system as ‘Supercharged’ here: PS4 lead architect describes its "supercharged PC" design
GPU
The PS4 and Xbox One GPUs look to use practically identical hardware designs, both from AMD and both very similar to the recently released AMD Radeon 7790. However, the PS4 GPU looks to have 50 per cent more compute units than the Xbox One. This has been long known from detailed technical leaks that appeared on VG Leaks and then further confirmed in briefings after the XBox One launch, where a Microsoft engineer stated the Xbox One had 768 compute units - 50% less than the PS4’s 1,152 units.
That disparity alone should mean that the PS4 will run third-party games smoother and with more graphical details. However, as confirmed in the initial PS4 reveal, these can be used for more than just graphics, with Sony showing off an impressive Havok physics demo, with thousands of objects bouncing about – largely managed by the GPU.
Console comparisons aside, the bottom line for a next-gen console is fairly obvious. It should be able to run graphically detailed games at 1080p and 60fps, and preferably also cope with the processing overheads of 3D as well. The PS4 looks well equipped to do this.
Quantic Dream shows what’s possible with the PS4 hardware
PS4 PORTS
When it comes ports, connectivity and video output there was very little space for manoeuvre, and the PS4 is equipped as expected. A HDMI output, built-in Wi-Fi and an Ethernet port are all most people need, there's also an S/PDIF output for older surround sound hardware. Bluetooth remains of course – and continues to be used for all controllers.
It wasn't mentioned during the announcement, but after the event Sony Worldwide Studios President Shuhei Yoshida confirmed that the PS4 would support 4K resolutions - but only for video playback. This isn't a surprise, as playing 4K video isn't taxing for a next-gen console and HDMI 1.4 supports the resolution required – up to 4,096×2,160p at 24 Hz - the same as in digital cinemas. The big question is then how such content would be supplied?
Sony has kept the ports to a sensible minimum
HDMI 1.4 will also bring support for Ethernet channel, so it would be possible for your PS4 get a network connection from your AV Receiver, cutting down on cabling - presuming of course you have the right kit.
STANDBY, UPDATES AND CONTROLLER CHARGING
One of our biggest complaints about the PS3 was the size and regularity of its system updates. We'd often turn on the console for a quick game of something, only to have to wait for ages for a massive update to download and install. With the PS4, Sony claims to have solved these problems, with downloads and updates occurring in the background, even when the console is in its 'Standby Mode' so it should always be ready to go.
The Standby Mode has other uses too, the console will now be able to charge the new DualShock 4 controller (via Micro USB) while powered-down - and will probably be able to charge your phone or tablet too, which is handy.
More playing and less waiting, sounds great
The PS4 will also be capable of going into a Suspend Mode mid-game, which means that tedious boot-up and game loading times should be a thing of the past. Simply go into standby when you want a break, and be able to resume from where you left off at a push of a button when you're ready. This is fantastic news, cutting down on waiting time and increasing playing time.
You'll also be able to start playing demos and downloaded games before they fully download. Essentially, the PS4 will download the core game code and the first level, and then download the rest as you play. Again, less waiting, more playing.
We don't have any cold boot times, boot from Standby times, or power usage figures for the PS4 as of yet. But we'll keep you updated as we get more information.
PS4 STORAGE AND BLU-RAY
The specification of the PS4 includes a 500GB traditional hard disk. We'd have loved to have a super-fast SSD drive in our PS4, but that was unrealistic at launch. Thankfully, Sony continue to provide the option to swap drives as you wish, with compatibility for standard 2.5in models, so we should be able to add our own SSD in the future.
Blu-ray is a must for PS4, the PS3 came a little too early for Sony to comfortably include the hardware, but it still pushed ahead with it at great cost. These days, Blu-ray is one of the defining parts of the PlayStation brand and essential for delivering huge amounts of data for top-end games.
Blu-ray wasn't mentioned at all at the event, we're guessing that was just to keep things centred on games; it is in the specification though and the good news is that read speeds have risen from a measly 2x to a more respectable 6x. This will hugely speed up game installation times.
PS4 CLOUD GAMING AND SHARING
With its purchase of Gaikai last year, Sony was always likely to be pushing cloud gaming on the PS4. Still we're impressed how much the company has achieved on PS4 in just seven months, since its acquisition in July 2012. It goes well beyond just being able to play demos without downloading them too, with the PS4 able to connect with other devices, and your friends, in ingenious ways.
SHARED PLAY
For starters, the PS4 has built-in video compression hardware, which constantly records your gaming as you play. Using the new Share button on the PS4 controller, you can instantly grab a section of gameplay using simple edit controls and post it to say your PSN profile or Facebook. Live streaming is also possible through the popular Ustream sevice – so you'll be able to stream constant footage to you fans – presuming you're some kind of pro gamer.
It goes one step further though, allowing others to join in your gaming session, from which they can talk you through difficult parts or even (with your permission) take over the controls to help you out directly when you get stuck. We're not sure how popular this will be, but games developers might be able to spin it into something far more intriguing – possibly even central to a clever indie game – where you have to help out other players by taking temporary control of their characters.
The cloud gaming system looks impressive, with the ability to instantly share and stream video, as well as allow a friend to take over the controls to help out
The PS4 can also stream video to a Sony PlayStation Vita, in much the same way as the Wii U can stream video to its tablet-like controller. This will allow gamers to play when the TV is being used for other purposes. It wasn't stated what range such a feature will have, but you might be able to play games remotely (presuming a quick enough broadband connection) when away from home. This would of course mean you'd need to be able to turn the PS4 on-and-off remotely. Dave Perry of Gaikai said it was an aim of there's to have every PS4 game playable on the Vita, though we think the number supported will depend on Vita sales and developer support.
Other devices will be supported, but we don't know to what extent you'll be able to play PS4 games on them
STREAMING GAMES
Gaikai's tech also allows you to do more traditional streaming from Sony's servers. As expected, you'll be able to play demos from the PlayStation Store without having to download them first. Beyond this, the store will have a TiVo-style style system that will automatically download demos and games in the background based on your gaming preferences (such as trophies won in other titles).
Streaming of full games via Gaikia has now been confirmed for an early 2014 launch in the US, with other countries coming later.
TRUE NAME
THe PS4 will include a function that will allow you to use your real name online. This will be optional, so you can get your anonymous moniker if you prefer. You'll also be able to add friends from other social networks (Facebook essentially), and then be able to see each other's real names when playing, while others will only see your anonymous name. It's a brilliant idea and one that will help you keep an eye on your friends online without having to remember what ridiculous moniker they go by on that particular service.
PS4 INTERFACE
The new PS4 interface looks to modelled after the latest update to the current PlayStation Store on PS3
The interface on the PS4 will be about much more than launching games, playing Blu-ray and having game-based social experiences with your friends. Sony is keen to also provide a wide range of content - as its Head of Worldwide Studios stated recently: PS4 will continue battle for living room says Sony's Shuhei Yoshida. Yoshida noted that they hadn’t wanted to distract attention from its games playing potential at the initial unveiling but that there was a lot more to the PS4 than that.
More content to be added after the E3 unveiling when we should be able to see the full interface in action
PS4 CONTROLLER - DUALSHOCK 4
After seeing many leaked pictures of the new controller, it was hardly a surprise when we saw it onstage. The final controller, though, is a far more refined version than the prototype that's knocking about with development kits. It's nicely sculpted, has what appears to be a grippy underside, and every facet is redesigned, while still keeping the iconic layout largely intact.
The new PS4 DualShock 4 being officially unveiled
It has a small touchpad above the analogue sticks and a coloured light on the front. In this respect it includes functionality we've seen on both the Vita (which has a rear touchpad) and in Sony's motion-based Move controllers. A speaker is also built-in, allowing for local audio effects and a headphone socket too - probably for headset use, but we're also hoping for Bluetooth audio for easier headphone use while playing - very handy for split-screen gaming.
The button layout has been rejigged, with a new 'Share' button added for quick access to social media. Check out our Cloud Gaming section for more details. For further details see PS4 controller revealed as the DualShock 4
There's also a new Eye device with two 1,280x800 resolution cameras – 4x the previous camera's resolution. This gives increased accuracy to pick up the existing Move controllers or the new DualShock 4. You can read more about this at PS Eye revealed for PS4.
The eye will be an optional extra for the PS4, with an RRP of £44, so don’t expect it to be as fully integrated into games as with the Xbox One’s bundled Kinect device.
It's not much to look at, but it sees all
PS4 GAMES
We’re working on a best PS4 games article at present, once we’ve had time to digest everything from E3.
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