Sony's PlayStation 4 (PS4) hits shelves in North America Friday, Nov. 15 and for those who may be reluctant to let go of current console in favor of a new one, here are some reviews to help you make your decision.
The PlayStation 3 (PS3) was released seven years ago and enjoyed a run of longevity and critical and commercial success. Now, Sony is ready to move on with the PS4, a game console that hopes to keep what gamers love about the PS3 and improve wherever it can.
First most obvious, Game Informer noted Sony was keen to design a sleeker and more portable model. Even the PS3's redesign was on the bulky side.
The PS4 can lie on its belly or stand upright, helping its user fit it into a number of different spaces. It also reportedly will get to hot after hours of continuous play. Still, its reliability will be put to the test when gamers take it home and binge watch Blu-Ray movies and play video game marathons on the console all weekend.
Kotaku's review was classified by the author as being "in progress" for the same reason.
"These days, many game reviews aren't really done when they first run," Stephen Totilo wrote. "They can explain parts of the game accurately at launch, but online communities shape these games. That's true, too, for the surprisingly online-centric PlayStation 4. We update game reviews to factor in how a game's multiplayer stands up. And I'll be updating this one, significantly, as we test more of the system's offline and online features. Still, there is a lot I can share now."
Polygon noted Sony was keen to include a Blu-Ray disc player to the PS3, but now that the technology is well established, the console was seen primarily as a video game system.
"The PS4 isn't built to sell 3D TVs, or Blu-ray discs or any other corporate mandate. It's a gaming console, a clear message that Sony has been quick to repeat," read the review.
CLICK HERE to WATCH GameSpot's live stream of their PS4 launch event.
Controllers also got a makeover for the PS4 and IGN.com noted they are often the first additional accessory anyone buys after purchasing the system. Standard PS4 bundles come with one controller and additional ones will cost $59.96.
Polygon noted the Dualshock 4 controller solves many issues with the previous model like the triggers, the size, weight and comfortability.
The PS4 is still an impressive device when not connected to the Internet. Take away access to Netflix, the PlayStation Store and other online features and you still have a video game console capable of playing beautifully designed games and high-def Blu-Ray movies, for $400.
Totilo noted it will be hard to review the online aspect of the console until more people join in and take part. Still, he wrote that the system is not designed to need the Internet, but could benefit greatly from it.
"Maybe you don't have to be always online with this unit, but it's designed to make you want to be. See, Sony's turning PlayStation gaming into an incredibly social experience. Turn the machine on and the main menu screen will be full of a cascade of updates from whatever PS4-related stuff your friends have been doing: playing games, uploading clips, broadcasting livestreams," he wrote. "I'm not talking about some small feed of info tucked on the side. Below the system's row of main navigation icons tumbles a waterfall of updates. It is the element designed to catch your eye."
