Playstation 4 to be announced Feb 20th?

[andrew8798]

Is the next next-generation console almost here? Wired just received an invitation to “PlayStation Meeting 2013,” a press briefing to be held in New York City on Feb. 20, beginning at 6 p.m. Eastern time. It was accompanied by the cryptic video above and contained no further information.

With Sony heavily rumored to be announcing (and possibly releasing) its next-generation game machine this year, and with absolutely no details being offered on this out-of-the-ordinary press conference, it seems quite likely that Sony is about to debut PlayStation 4. But of course, we won’t know for sure until the day of the show.

“Sony is inviting investors and media to the Feb 20 event; that means console announcement,” wrote Wedbush game industry analyst Michael Pachter on Twitter immediately following the news.

In March of last year, Kotaku reported that Sony’s next console had the development name “Orbis,” which has been repeatedly confirmed by additional reports over the past year. At the time, it reported that Orbis was on track for a holiday 2013 release. Rival Microsoft is also said to be close to announcing and releasing its next Xbox game machine, codenamed “Durango.”

There have been many purported leaks of the design and specification of Orbis, including one recent story from January 28. But it’s not likely that the raw processing power of the next PlayStation will be what truly defines it as a product. In an app-driven age, software — the interface and functionality of the device — is key. So that’s what Sony is likely to spend a lot of time discussing on February 20: What can PS4 do for you?

www.wired.com/gamelife/2013/01/playstation-meeting-2013/

[Toxik916]

It says it might run apps? This gives me hope it's android based and if it is I'm buying one on launch date.

[Brother Nero....Wolfe]

If it's android based and relatively open, I might buy one at launch if only for indie game stuff.

[xCompackx]

I really just hope that XMB is done. I would take back everything I said about PS4 if they either support themes that do more than just change some icons or have a REALLY good UI this time around.

[Koda, Master Crunchyroller]

Feb 1, 2013 0:59:27 GMT -5 xCompackx said:

I really just hope that XMB is done. I would take back everything I said about PS4 if they either support themes that do more than just change some icons or have a REALLY good UI this time around.

You clearly haven't seen some of the best themes on the PS3. Not all of them just change the icons, mate.

[andrew8798]

The PlayStation 4 rumor floodgates are spilling over. A new report at Edge states the PS4 controller's rumored "Share" button will allow gamers to publish screenshots and video across the Internet. According to sources, the PS4 hardware will constantly record the most recent 15 minutes of gameplay (at no processing cost), which gamers can then edit and share.

As was previously rumored, the sources also suggest the PS4's new controller--a total redesign--will feature a rear touchpad based on the PS Vita's existing technology. It is said to be similarly responsive.

Concerning launch timing, the PS4 will release in Japan and in the United States before the holiday season, according to the sources. A European launch will follow in early 2014, these people said, citing "distribution complexities" as a reason for the delay.

A new version and the PlayStation Eye peripheral will also be released with the PS4, the sources said, noting it will be compatible with existing PlayStation Move controllers.

As for the PS4 technical capabilities, the sources said the console will be much more developer-friendly than the PS3, due in part to the system being more PC-like. The console will boast 4GB of RAM (possibly 8GB in a final configuration), the sources said, noting it will be capable of moving data at 176GB per second.

One source reportedly familiar with both the Xbox 720 and PS4 told Edge that Sony's console will be "slightly more powerful" and "very simple to work with," though the differences between the two will be as negligible as the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Sony is expected to announce the PS4 at a New York City event on February 20.

[CH Punk]

The announcement video:

[fw91]

meh might wait a year or two. still pretty satisfied with my PS3 and hoenstly unlike PS1, and PS2, i think there is still a lot of miles left on this generation well at least PS3, what else do you want? Web browser, netflix, free online play........

[amaron]

I have a really bad feeling the moneyhatting will get out of control when these are released.

[MGH]

Yeah, it'll be a ways down the line before the thought even crosses my mind to buy one of these, but it's cool that they're already this close.

[CM Dazz]

Feb 1, 2013 17:04:30 GMT -5 MGH said:

Yeah, it'll be a ways down the line before the thought even crosses my mind to buy one of these, but it's cool that they're already this close.

I'm the same way. I've only had 3 for a year and a half or so. Definitely not even considering anything new for at least a few years.

Edit: I bought my PS2 well after 3 was on shelves...

[BayleyTiffyCodyCenaJudyHopps]

Apps or no apps, I'll wait until it gets some must-have titles before I consider buying one. Hopefully its browser will be even more PC like than 3's.

[G✇JI☈A]

Yeah, like the PS2 and PS3 it will be released at some ungodly high price (for the time)... and I probably won't get it until a year after release after a massive price drop and when the range of games pick up.

But if Rockstar make Read Dead Redemption 2 a PS4 exclusive to be released on the day of the console launch... then I have a 97 Mazda 323 for sale

[andrew8798]

With two weeks left until a Sony event that is being widely tipped as the official announcement of a new PlayStation console, more rumours have today emerged on the estimated launch window and price of the company’s next home device. Citing Japanese-language newspaper Asahi Shimbun, The Verge reported that the PlayStation 4 will release in the US and Japan during 2013, and will cost more than 40,000 yen ($428).

The estimated price is a third cheaper than the PlayStation 3's 2006 launch, which debuted at around 60,000 yen in Japan, $599 in North America, £425 in the UK, and $999 in Australia. No specific information was provided on the launch availability for the PS4 in Europe or Australia, leading to speculation that the silence regarding the device in the latter markets may indicate a later 2014 release.

Other details in the paper's report lend further credibility to earlier rumours that the next PlayStation's controller will include biometric support in the form of a rear touchpad (like that found on the PlayStation Vita), and will be a similar size to the current DualShock 3.

A second report by The Nikkei Business Daily said that the PS4 will include integration of Gaikai's cloud streaming service. Sony acquired the firm for $380 million in mid 2012.

GameSpot contacted Sony for clarification on the two reports, but the company declined, saying that it does not comment on rumour or speculation.

-GS

If true Not a bad price