It’ll cost $399 in the U.S, €399 in Europe and £349 in the U.K. The official design of the console was shown off during Sony’s E3 press conference which took place last night. The console will be ready for hands-on display at Sony’s PlayStation booth in the conference.

PS4 peripherals include the stand-alone Wireless Controller for PlayStation 4 (DualShock 4) and PlayStation Camera, which will be available at launch for RRP of US$ 59, Canada$ 59, € 59 and £ 54, and US$ 59, Canada$ 59, € 49 and £ 44 respectively. Both accessories will come in “Jet Black” color

You can view the official specifications of the console over here.

It is noted that Cerny has been faced with the challenge of designing the architecture of a console that has to serve for several years. The design and architecture of the PlayStation 4 is built to last. ”We’ve done a great job of matching the GPU that we believe will allow the system to grow over the years,” he says.

The trajectory of the versatile Mark Cerny will soon be rewarded in Spain with the Legend Award 2013 in Barcelona GameLab, an award established two years ago, which has already received Peter Molyneux and Hironobu Sakaguchi.

Below, you can read Mark Cerny’s Elmundo interview about his work and the PS4.

Were you involved in the development of PS4 in 2008?

I guess I’ve worked in secret ever since.

How did you start the project? I’d like to get a brief description of your role.

In the summer of 2007, after shipment of the launch titles, began a series of ‘postmortem analysis’ for the PlayStation 3. By that I mean we inspected in great detail how the ‘hardware’ and the ‘software’ of system and development environment meet the needs of developers. I was a participant in these conversations and they were fascinating. I started thinking about possible strategies for the next generation console, an issue even more interesting to me.

In late 2007, I took a chance and asked the direction of Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) to let me play a leading role in the project of the next generation and, to my surprise, they said yes. As a result, I worked in the architecture of the ‘hardware’ since 2008 but also was involved in many conversations about our strategy in relation to the ‘software’ of the system and the services it could provide to facilitate the development of games and better meet the needs players.

In a recent interview, Shuhei Yoshida said that one of the main patterns of SCE was that the PS4 console would facilitate the work of developers. How have you managed to achieve this?

A strategy based on developers stems from our desire to be dedicated to the consumer. We understand that by providing developers with a set of attractive tools to support the creation accounts of the desired titles by players.

As a result, at the beginning of the development work kept many conversations with internal and third-party developers about seeking a tool set on a next generation console. They assumed that any system we create would have high performance, so your comments focused primarily on the ease of creating games.

The consensus among developers was not the rejection of a design “blank sheet” for PlayStation 4, but rather wanted us to use some kind of conventional technology for computing and graphics. Using this technology, the developers would be able to start working directly in games without the need for a long period of study.

Finally, and for the above reasons, we opted for an x86 processor and PC GPU, although we ended up refining the GPU in many respects. Over time we think developers will find the time to use these advances and the result will be higher quality graphics, better physics simulation, etc.

SCE insists that the PS4 will approach the user experience. I would like a more detailed explanation of this strategy. Can you reveal any item that you have made or intend to integrate ye to help improve the user experience?

There are several design principles behind PlayStation 4. One of them is ‘instant’ we minimize waiting time experienced by the user. For example, if you buy a game digitally, you will not need to wait for the whole game to load before you start playing. PS4 titles are designed to allow you to play once you’ve downloaded only a small part of the data of the game, and the rest of the game is downloading while you play.

Another design principle is ‘social’. We have added a button to the controller named ‘SHARE’, which takes you quickly to an interface to upload screenshots and gameplay videos. Whenever we record the video of your game in the background, so it is very easy and convenient to share these videos on PlayStation 4.

There are other social functions, such as our commitment to friendship networks based on real names and profile pictures. This does not mean that we remove the aliases and icons used in the current multiplayer sessions, are very useful when anonymity is important. However, we want to add a new social dimension in which it can interact with real-world friends.

Other principles are ‘integrated, simple and personalized’. In short, it is too far to explain in a few paragraphs. We want to explain more about the set of functions over the coming months.

The computers are in a constant process of evolution and continuously hurtle new architectures, processors and more powerful GPU, etc.

How do you tackle the risk that this console is obsolete in a few years? For example, how does it affect the product life of Moore’s Law?

In some ways, the rapid evolution of computers plays in favor of consoles. Many of the teams take about five years to develop a game. As a result, they need a stable specification during that period and that is what provides a console, ie about one hundred million devices that share the same basic specification.

The consoles also tend to have higher performance than would be expected by the cost, due to lightweight operating systems and the fact that developers enjoy many years to study the specific architecture.

Regarding the performance issue in the context of Moore’s Law, our strategy has been to create a console with a number of features for the short term and others for the long term. We have a family basic feature set that allows a wide range of games at launch and have done a great job of matching the GPU that we believe will allow the system to grow over the years. To give just one example, we have adapted the ‘hardware’ to allow the ‘shaders’ computing are used in traditional graphics interface. This is the kind of technique that we believe will be used within three or four years of the life cycle of the console to increase the graphical quality of the games.

I would like to know your experience working with developers in the design of this new console. What does that have requested the creators?

The number one request was unified memory architecture, because programmers spend much time in managing multiple memory banks. They also asked us to create a very wide unified memory to support the trend toward more detail and variety in the game world. We finally found a way to satisfy these two requests.

The hard drive of each PlayStation 4 also is the result of contributions from developers. Much of the rationale was to support the currently popular model of launching a bigger game and then provide little additional content digitally through the online store. But there is also another justification, based on the desire of many developers to create what can be called ‘live software’, for example a game in which, each time you come back to play every day or week, the world itself evolves and new open gaming opportunities. The result is a huge amount of data that must be stored locally, making a hard drive is almost essential.

Will the PS4 need to be connected all the time? And if so, how will this affect plans for PSN?

PlayStation 4 is not a permanent connection system in that sense, but the experience is much richer if you are connected. You will have access to digital content and updates your games, along with a wide range of social functions: upload videos and screenshots, see your friends play and interact with them in various ways within the games.

You are an expert in all fields of game development: you’re a developer, programmer, and an animator. Which of these roles suits you more?

During these years I worked mainly as a designer, programmer and producer. Right now, in my title for PS4, first occupy the post of creative director, and I have to say that I find it incredibly rewarding, designing the game world, writing the script for the game’s narrative and so on. I am very excited to return to the position of creative director in future projects.

Although the full details have not been revealed about the PS4, we can undertake a speculative comparison with the Xbox One.

Hardware

The first area of comparison that comes under discussion is the hardware. The silicon used in the two consoles is almost the same but has a few key differences. The main difference is the RAM that has been used. The PlayStation 4 uses 8GB GDDR5 RAM whereas the Xbox One uses 8GB DDR3 RAM. The PlayStation 4 scores in this aspect as the RAM used is of the same type that is used by most PC video cards. The PS4 is said to have at least 50 percent more raw graphic processing power than the Xbox One. However, treat this as a speculation as of now as no one has a hands on experience with new games on the recently revealed next gen consoles. So, we will have to wait for E3 to know for certain.

Here is a complete list of specs of both the consoles.

Games and exclusives

Let’s throw light on the games and exclusives that are to be released for both the consoles. Not much was said about the games in the Xbox One reveal event which focused more on the hardware aspects of the console. In contrast, the PS4 reveal event was more software centric. It goes without saying that each of the consoles’ first party games will be exclusive. Here we can take the example of new Halo, Gears of War, or Fable titles which will remain exclusive to the Xbox One whereas new Uncharted, Killzone, or Ratchet and Clank games will remain as PS4 exclusives.

Microsoft revealed that there will be at least 15 first party games for the Xbox One this year, 8 of which will be new franchises. Also it was announced that all DLC for Activision’s Call of Duty: Ghosts would debut first on the Xbox One.

Right now it’s not possible to get a clear picture of what is in store for both the consoles and what will be the difference between the two in terms of games. E3, hopefully will provide more details.

Controllers

Now we come to the controllers. The controllers have not undergone much change in their fundamental design. The overall feel is the same with few differences. They are basically evolutionary descendants of previous controllers of both the platforms. A clickable touchpad on the front differentiates the Sony DualShock 4 from the DualShock 3. This added feature will facilitate the designing of games as it will provide developers with an additional option.

A ‘light bar’ is added to the body of the DualShock 4 which combines with the PS4’s Eye camera to enhance motion control functionality. The console can track where the controller is and if need be, can adjust the screen orientation with respect to the player.  The same will be accomplished by the Xbox One with the help of Kinect. Also included in the DualShock 4 is a Share button, a built-in speaker and a headphone jack.

The DualShock 4 is connected to the console via Bluetooth 2.1+EDR whereas the Xbox One uses Wi-Fi Direct. The use of Wi-Fi Direct provides 250Mbps theoretical throughput in contrast to a mere 3Mbps maximum speed that is achieved by the use of Bluetooth 2.1+EDR. The difference that this speed variation will foster remains to be seen when the consoles will be available in the market.

Motion Gaming and Voice Control

Sony’s Move controller and a new stereo camera will be compatible with the PS4; no plans have been announced as yet to bundle them with the system. On the other hand, the Xbox One will come bundled with a second generation Kinect. The second generation Kinect will be an upgrade from previous version as it will enhance everything from the field of view to the tracking of individuals. It will also be able to determine your current heart rate!!

The first generation Kinect was not successful enough because it did not resonate itself with the core gamers. However, Microsoft has made a well thought out move by deciding to bundle the second generation Kinect with the console itself. As it will be available to all Xbox One users, Microsoft predicts an increase in functionality.

The voice control feature is the reigning feature as the entire interface can be navigated by voice commands. The Xbox One can be powered on by simply stating “Xbox on”. In addition, to log in, facial recognition is used. Sony is also not lacking in this aspect as facial recognition has also been announced for the PS4.

Non Gaming Entertainment

It is in this aspect that the Xbox One scores over the PS4, as per the details released till now. During the Xbox One reveal, Microsoft demonstrated how the console will integrate with the television to be more than simply a gaming console. Voice commands will enable the switch to TV shows, the web, Skype, a movie seamlessly. Multitasking will also be enabled; background applications will run even while playing games.

The Xbox One will allow you to plug your cable box into the console, in essence giving the control of Live TV to the user. Personalized channels can also be created with shows of your choice. Though concrete details have not yet been revealed, NFL will be integrated with the Xbox One. Also, most likely to make a return from the Xbox 360 are Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, and other streaming services.

Live TV integration is not on the cards for PS4. It is too early to say anything more in this regard because Sony has not released any further details.

Community and social media

With the addition of the Share button in the DualShock 4 controller, Sony has taken a big step in the integration of social media in its services. Facebook and live video chat will see a native integration in the PS4. Via the Share button on the controller, gamers will be able to broadcast live gameplay, take screenshots, or share videos of their latest gaming triumphs. If a player is stuck in a particularly difficult section of the game, he can seek help of other players online who can help him out by literally taking over the controls.

Also as an added feature is the ability to stream games to the PlayStation Vita via Remote Play.

The pioneer in the integration of social features, Microsoft is not to be belittled at all in this aspect. Xbox One users will be able to share the last few minutes of gameplay via Xbox Live and other social networks. The Xbox Live friends list limit has been increased from 100 to 1,000. As announced in the Xbox One site, the new achievement system, which is getting a massive overhaul,  will have “richer detail and span across your games and experiences.” Other social features in the Xbox One include built-in Skype, the ability to track Xbox Live trends, and see what your friends are playing or watching most. Smart Match and Smart Glass will be more properly integrated with the Xbox One.

Pricing

Rumor has it that the Xbox One is to be priced at $499 for the base model with a subsidized rate of $299 if you sign up for Xbox Live. The pricing seems a little steep and predictably will be less than what has been rumored.

Our sources cite that PlayStation 4 is to be priced around $400 in all leading international markets.

There are many unanswered questions regarding the two consoles and their associated services. What will be the pricing structure for Xbox Live and PSN? Will Microsoft do away with the points currency system? How much will new games cost? How essential is internet connectivity?

We sincerely hope that these type of questions will be answered at E3.

Another issue that bugs both Microsoft and Sony is the problem posed by the used games market. Game publishers are crying foul over how the used games market diminishes their overall profit margin. Sony is yet to answer queries regarding the handling of this problem with the PS4. Microsoft however said in a statement, “Xbox One will support the reselling and used game market for Xbox One games. We have not announced details about exactly how it’s going to work, or how licenses are going to be exchanged.”

“What we have announced is that a used game ecosystem will be supported, so people can breathe easy. They will be able to get used games.”

The next-gen cycle is about to begin and this year’s E3 is going to be the biggest in recent history. With a host of exclusives, new IPs and various other interesting announcements on the cards by both console makers, gamers will be watching closely. It remains to be seen who’ll walk out as the initial winner and score big with its presentation during the event. The cards have been placed on the table and gamers world over are eagerly waiting to see who’ll make the first big move.

“You’ll know the success of this meeting in a year,” he said on Twitter today, “when you are / are not playing it on your PS4.”

He also got to explore the DualShock 4. “Can’t say much more about [it],” he teased, “it was only a prototype, but it feels tight, suits my hands, and is rather snazzy.”

“They’ve also done something aesthetically that I’m not sure I’ve seen in images online, which I really love,” he added.

A lot of people have been saying there must be something we have not seen beneath the controller (like a number code of some sort). Aesthetic means beautiful and pleasing, so unlike what people are saying about the feature not working, the feature could very well work instead of just being another shiny detail to the controller. Perhaps there are some awesome grips on the controller we don’t know about or even a slot for a flashdrive to pop in and upload your files to the PS4.

What do you think? Comment down below, and let us know your thoughts!

He also said ”it looks like they did an extremely good job of the engineering” and “the CPU and the GPU are on the same chip, which solves a lot of the problems.”

With that being said, Gustafson feels the PS4 console will rank best against all others, including the Xbox 720, even though AMD chips are now being placed in the next-box.

He also thinks the PS4 ranks best on everything outside of gaming as well since it is very close to a high-end PC.

The specs can give any high-end PC a run for its money.

Below is the official word by Sony:

PS4 is equipped with 8 GB of unified system memory, easing game creation and increasing the richness of content achievable on the platform. GDDR5 is used for this memory, giving the system 176 GB/second of bandwidth and providing a further boost to graphics performance. The end result for gamers is new games with rich, high-fidelity graphics and deeply immersive experiences that shatter expectations.

The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) has been enhanced in a number of ways, principally to allow for easier use of the GPU for general purpose computing (GPGPU) such as physics simulation. The GPU contains a unified array of 18 compute units, which collectively generate 1.84 Teraflops of processing power that can freely be applied to graphics, simulation tasks, or some mixture of the two.

Below you can find what is inside Sony’s shiny new next-gen console -

Main Processor
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

Hard Disk Drive
Built-in

Optical Drive
(read only)
BD 6xCAV
DVD 8xCAV
I/O
Super-Speed USB (USB 3.0) 、AUX

Communication
Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T)
IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth® 2.1 (EDR)

AV output
HDMI
Analog-AV out
Digital Output (optical)

Overall, the specifications seem pretty impressive. Are you impressed? Let us know below.

Development  source  with knowledge  who acquire the permission to witness something that is unprecedented  put a test on both next generation consoles, the Xbox 720 and the PlayStation 4. They believe the  PlayStation 4  will be  far superior  than the next Xbox and it will have higher power.

The PS4 will launch with a new controller design by the end of the year in Japan and in the US.  while the  European  territories will have it in early 2014. Sony is gearing up to reveal its next powerful machine PlayStation on Wednesday February the 20th as  they release a trailer tease that will held ‘see the future’ last night.

Down Below you will see what to expect about the  PlayStation 4.

The controller

A report confirmed the  PS4  will have a  redesigned LCD controller. It will be the  same size as  DualShock 3. The controller will feature  a small touchpad in place the Select, Start and PS buttons.

There will be a new Share button on the controller that will let you launch a new feature that allow screenshots and video to let you diverge online.The PS4 hardware  will allow you  to record the first 15 minutes of onscreen  footage which will give the users the ability to edit and broadcast via the Internet.

The PS4 launch

As we stated above, the  PlayStation 4 will launch in Japan and the US in Christmas holiday  while the  Euro  will have  in early 2014 launch.  Sony will also introduce a new improved iteration of its PlayStation Eye peripheral,  which will be compatible with the Move controller.

The specification

With all these details flowing by, and Sony looking set to throw a few surprises during their February 20 event, all eyes will be set on what their move will be. We’ll be there to bring all the latest news to our PlayStation fans, be sure to bookmark our PS4 category for all the latest news and updates.

It also claims that gamers will be able to record-edit-share the footage with their friends and on social media websites. Another interesting thing to come out of that report is that it mentions a ‘small touchpad’ which’ll be featured on the new PlayStation Controller. The tech is somewhat similar to the PS Vita.

Here are the console’s rumoured specs -

• 4GB of DDR3 Ram  and that its GDDR5 is
• “capable of moving data at 176 Gigabye per second”
• The Ram “matches up” to Durango’s rumored 8GB.
• It will contain 4-Core AMD CPUs
• 1.6 Ghz clockspeed of AMDs ‘R10XX’ architecture

Sony will hold a conference on Feb 20 where it’s rumoured to announce its next home console.