When Sony announced the PlayStation 4 on Feb 20, it highlighted a bunch of ambitious new initiatives even though it didn't show off its main console. A new controller, new games, and new streaming abilities were all detailed, and Sony promised more information about them in the coming months.
That said, pretty much every new video game console arrives promising the world only to fall short in a number of departments. The PlayStation 4 isn't likely to be an exception.
So what should people look out for? There are already some features that are worth being concerned about; here's three of them.
Used Games
We covered this earlier in the week, but it's worth mentioning again. Sony made no mention of used games during its presentation, but comments from executive Shuhei Yoshida initially seemed to confirm that the PS4 could play used games. Since then, however, no representative has confirmed the feature, instead saying to wait until the company announces more details.
At this point, Sony would face some serious blowback if it were to decide to block the functionality of second-hand titles on its console, but the company might still set up some roadblocks. The PS4 might still play used games, but users may have to pay an activation fee of some kind in order to get the system to read the games. Until we know more, though, all we can do is look at Sony's inability to say "Yes" to used titles with skepticism.
Backwards Compatibility
We already know the PS4 isn't capable of playing physical PS3 discs. That's definitely a disappointment for all those who own PS3 games, but Sony did announce that it would offer streaming versions of PS3 titles and, in the future, PS2 and PS1 games. The question is: Are you going to be required to re-purchase games you already own?
If the way Sony is handling PSN transfers is any indication, PS3 owners might not be in for great news. Initially, it was speculated that since digital games downloaded via PSN would already be connected to Sony's network, users would be able to keep playing whatever they downloaded on PS3 with the PS4. Sony's already put the kibosh on that dream, saying that PSN games will not transfer to PS4. If you want to play Journey or Super Puzzle Fighter, you'll either have to keep your PS3 around or buy them again.
Needless to say, that doesn't bode well for physical PS3 discs. Sony might simply offer a subscription service granting access to any game in the library, including PS3, PS2, PS1, and PSN titles. Either way, if you want to play your old games on a PS4, it's probably going to cost extra.
Streaming Services
One of the most ambitious features that Sony talked about was the PS4's streaming abilities via Gaikai's Cloud services. The idea is that Sony will be able to stream PS3, PS2, and PS1 games not just to the PS4, but also the PS Vita and other devices. Users will also be able to start playing a game they purchase as it downloads. You'll be able to invite other people online to watch you play the game, watch other people play, take over someone else's game to help them get through a tough level, and even drop items in their game to help them out.
That all sounds pretty awesome. Will you actually be able to do it?
The thing is, Sony isn't even sure what will work on day one of the PS4's launch, much less the future. The company called the features "aspirational," so it might be a while before we see most of these capabilities.
None of this is to say the PlayStation 4 won't be a good system. There will undoubtedly be great games and features on the PS4, but with all the hype swirling around it, it's important to keep an eye on how far along these capabilities actually are.
