Sony today shipped its PlayStation 4 console to retailers throughout North America. If you can find a PS4 in the United States and Canada, it’ll have an MSRP of $399. On its launch today, the PlayStation 4 includes a lineup of more than 20 first- and third-party games, including first-party exclusives Knack and Killzone: Shadow Fall. By the end of 2013, the PlayStation 4 will have a library of more than 30 games.
The PS4 system has a supercharged PC architecture, including an enhanced Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) and 8GB of GDDR5 unified system memory. The PS4 also takes social connectivity into the next generation by enabling gamers to immediately share their best gameplay moments with friends. With a press of the “SHARE” button on the DualShock 4 wireless controller, images and videos can be shared with other players in the activity feed on their PS4 system’s Dynamic Menu, or on social networking services such as Facebook. Gameplay images can also be shared with friends through Twitter. In addition, players can broadcast their gameplay in real-time using live internet streaming services such as Ustream and Twitch.
During live broadcasts, friends can even make comments on the streamed gameplay. The PS4 system integrates second screens, including the PlayStation®Vita system (PS Vita), smartphones and tablets, to connect gamers to the PlayStation ecosystem wherever they are. Through Remote Play, gamers can play most PS4 titles on their PS Vita system via Wi-Fi on their home network, freeing up the television for other uses. The PlayStation App will further enhance the PS4 system experience by allowing iPhone, iPad, and Android™ based smartphones and tablets to become second screens. Once installed, users can, for example, see maps on their second screens when playing an adventure game on the PS4 system, purchase a PS4 game while away from home and download it directly to their system, or find and watch shared PS4 gameplay. PlayStation App is now available for free on the iOS App Store and Google Play.
The PlayStation Plus (PS Plus) membership service has been further enhanced on the PS4 system, helping gamers discover a world of extraordinary game experiences through access to a regularly refreshed collection of free games. At launch, PS Plus members will have access to Resogun from SCE Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS) and Contrast from Compulsion Games for free as part of Instant Game Collection, along with DRIVECLUB PS Plus Edition from SCE WWS anticipated in early 2014. PS Plus gives PS4 system users access to online multiplayer worthy of the next generation, one GB of online storage for game saves, automatic save data backup, and game patch automatic downloads.
With strong third-party developer support from day one, the PS4 system launches with blockbuster games like Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag from Ubisoft Entertainment, NBA 2K14 from 2K, Battlefield 4, FIFA 14, Madden NFL 25, Need for Speed Rivals and NBA LIVE 14 from Electronic Arts. PS4 also launches with a diverse list of indie games including Blacklight Retribution from Zombie Studios, Warframe from Digital Extremes, and Super Motherload from XGen Studios.