In the last week, speculation as to whether Sony will launch a new games console next year has been rife. We have had several indicators this week that could suggest we will see a PS4 or maybe even something like a PS3.5, who knows? Now that Sony has fully restored the PlayStation Network around the world, the latest news is that they are working on a huge overhaul of their online store which could prove another clue as to whether we will see the PS4 in 2012.
It has been suggested that a next generation PlayStation would have a completely different online network to the existing one. So if it is true that Sony are totally redesigning their PSN it could be that it is going to be introduced with the PS4, opposed to being given as an upgrade to the PS3. International Business Times also states that another reason for the supposed overhaul is because of what happened to the previous system which was hacked.
The new PSN will reportedly shy away from the classic blue user interface, with a more image-driven layout apparently being used to compete more with Microsoft’s Xbox. The improved PSN will also reportedly sport a host of new features including a new live search function, a new film section including an internet movie database styled theme as well as a newly organised games section within the PlayStation Store. According to T3, gamers are saying that the PS4 is the best sounding upcoming console, ahead of the Xbox 720 and Wii U.
We spoke a few days back about how rumours were leaking from the component manufacturers Foxconn and Pegatron Technology. Both firms supplied Sony with parts for the PS3 and they are reportedly confirmed as the suppliers for the PS4′s components. If manufacturers are reportedly talking about supplying one of their clients with parts, it must be because they have something ready to build? It has been widely suggested that production will begin this year, with a launch next year.
Sony could choose to hold off though, a games console we do have confirmed for a 2012 launch is Nintendo’s Wii U. The motion based console introduces a unique type of tablet as the controller and if it proves a big success, it is likely Sony could implement that into the PS4. When launching a console so big, they will not want to be stuck with old technology, so it makes perfect sense to watch the reaction to the Wii U and take it from there.
That being said, Sony could unveil the PS4 in 2012 but sit back and instead launch it in 2013. By this time we expect Microsoft’s Xbox 720 to start making plenty of noises so the competition in the gaming industry will be insane. It has also been suggested that the PS4 could have something like a Kinect built in to it, allowing gamers to use their body movement to control the game. It will be interesting to see if the classic controller will be used again or a tablet styled one will be introduced, why not just have both? These big discussions on games consoles are very exciting so let us know what you think about the potential PS4 and what you would like to see from it in the comments section below.