It’s been reported this week that the new PlayStation 4 gaming console, which is currently under development by Sony, is codenamed Orbis. This highly anticipated console may come with an anti-pre-owned system installed once it’s officially launched during late 2013, just in time for the holiday season.
Sources close to the development of the new PlayStation 4 have contacted the Kotaku gaming website to reveal a few details, including the codename and expected launch date.
Anti-Used Games Technology
In addition to these details, the source has also revealed that Sony is planning to install some sort of anti-used games technology into the console. Kotaku reports:
“New games for the system will be available one of two ways, either on a Blu-Ray disc or as a PSN download (yes, even full retail titles). If you buy the disc, it must be locked to a single PSN account, after which you can play the game, save the whole thing to your HDD, or peg it as ‘downloaded’ in your account history and be free to download it at a later date.”
This move by Sony could significantly impact the pre-owned games market, which has been a substantial part of the gaming industry for years. By locking games to a single PSN account, Sony aims to ensure that each game purchase is tied to an individual user, potentially reducing the resale of used games. This could be seen as a double-edged sword; while it might increase revenue for game developers and publishers, it could also alienate gamers who rely on the affordability of pre-owned games.
Backward Compatibility and Other Features
Other leaked information also points to the new Orbis PlayStation 4 console not being backward compatible with PS2 or PS3 games. This decision might disappoint long-time PlayStation fans who have built up extensive libraries of games from previous generations. However, it aligns with a broader industry trend where new consoles focus on future-proofing technology rather than maintaining compatibility with older systems.
The Orbis is expected to feature advanced hardware capabilities, including a powerful processor and enhanced graphics, to support the next generation of gaming experiences. Rumors suggest that the console will support 4K resolution, providing gamers with incredibly detailed and immersive visuals. Additionally, the PlayStation Network (PSN) is likely to see significant upgrades, offering faster download speeds and more robust online multiplayer experiences.
Sony’s decision to offer games both on Blu-Ray discs and as digital downloads reflects the growing trend towards digital distribution in the gaming industry. This dual approach allows gamers to choose their preferred method of obtaining games, catering to both traditionalists who enjoy physical media and modern gamers who prefer the convenience of digital downloads.
For more information on the report, jump over to the Kotaku website.
Source: Kotaku
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