As Sony is set to announce the PlayStation 4 at its February 20th event, the price per unit is being reported by a Japanese newspaper as ¥40,000, or approximately $430. Sony seems to be toeing the line at around the $400 mark, much as Nintendo has done with its $350 price drop.
The cost being reported shows a very different marketplace to the one Sony launched the PlayStation 3 into back in 2006, for $499 and $599 respectively for the two SKUs. The price reduction is likely to have been driven by use of cheaper, standardized PC hardware in conjunction with the rise of mobile and tablet gaming, which has been eating into the console game market. The console is also reported to be using Gaikai game streaming technology, practically a given since Sony’s purchase of the company last year.
Changing Market Dynamics
The gaming industry has seen significant shifts since the launch of the PlayStation 3. Back in 2006, the high price points of $499 and $599 were justified by the cutting-edge technology and the Blu-ray player that the PS3 offered. However, the landscape has changed dramatically over the past few years. The rise of mobile and tablet gaming has introduced a new level of competition, forcing traditional console manufacturers to rethink their pricing strategies.
Moreover, the use of standardized PC hardware in the PlayStation 4 is a strategic move by Sony. This not only helps in reducing manufacturing costs but also makes it easier for game developers to create and port games across different platforms. The decision to integrate Gaikai game streaming technology is another forward-thinking approach. This technology allows for cloud-based gaming, which could potentially revolutionize how games are played and distributed in the future.
Technological Advancements
The PlayStation 4 is expected to come with a host of new features and technological advancements. One of the most talked-about features is the improved graphics and processing power. The PS4 is rumored to be equipped with an AMD x86-64 Accelerated Processing Unit (APU), which combines both the CPU and GPU on a single chip. This is expected to deliver a significant boost in performance, allowing for more complex and visually stunning games.
Another exciting feature is the new DualShock 4 controller, which is expected to come with a touchpad, a built-in speaker, and a headphone jack. These additions aim to enhance the gaming experience by providing more interactive and immersive gameplay. The controller is also expected to have improved ergonomics, making it more comfortable to use for extended periods.
The integration of Gaikai game streaming technology is another game-changer. This technology allows players to stream games directly from the cloud, eliminating the need for physical discs or large downloads. This could potentially make gaming more accessible, as players would be able to play high-quality games on lower-end hardware.
In addition to these features, the PlayStation 4 is also expected to have improved social features. Sony has hinted at the inclusion of a “Share” button on the DualShock 4 controller, which would allow players to easily share gameplay footage and screenshots with their friends. This is in line with the growing trend of social gaming, where players not only play games but also share their experiences with others.
Via Games Industry International
Source Ashai Shimbun
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