Please support Game Informer. Print magazine subscriptions are less than $2 per issue
PlayStation 4 Slim Exists, Even If Sony Won't Announce It
Yes, the PlayStation 4 Slim exists. Yes, there is video evidence. No, Sony still won't confirm it's real.
Last week, we covered the emergence of the new hardware. The evidence included pictures and even a video taken by Eurogamer proving the console works (though legal issues forced the site to remove the footage).
Today, Laura Kate Dale of Let's Play Video Games got her hands on one of the unannounced, disavowed, but clearly real consoles. In a complete unboxing video (here), she shows the console's features, the new controller with a top-facing light bar, and more. There's also a review, though the site is currently being hit with heavy traffic.
One of the surprising things about the PlayStation 4 Slim is the absence of any new nomenclature. Simply called the PlayStation 4, it appears Sony will be replacing the original form factor entirely.
Further, the console lacks an optical port. That means that any headset that relies on one will be non-functional with the new model. This includes most wireless headsets from manufacturers requiring audio via TOSLINK, including Astro, Turtle Beach, LucidSound, and more.
We've (again) reached out to Sony, which has not responded to our emails. The company is holding an event in New York City on September 7, presumably to show off this new hardware and the upcoming PlayStation Neo.
[Source: LetsPlayVideoGames.com, LPVG on YouTube]
Our Take
At this point, Sony looks a bit silly. The console is clearly real. It doesn't appear to offer any earthshattering changes from the original model. Pretending it doesn't exist at this point doesn't make much sense.
I’d like to ask you to support Game Informer’s continued coverage of games with a subscription. For less than two dollars per issue, we mail you a full year of 10 print magazines, each with cover stories and preview features filled with exclusive details about the most exciting upcoming games. We profile and interview game creators. We look back on the rich history of gaming, and we celebrate what’s next.
Here on the website, we offer much of our content for free, including game reviews, daily news, videos, event coverage, and more – all with minimal ads.
We do so with a small editorial team, alongside contributing paid writers from around the world – over 65 individuals from 9 countries around the world, just in the last couple of years.
It’s not possible without support.
In a time when game makers and games coverage have faced hard struggles and layoffs, the future of this 30+ year magazine and community is at risk. Our new standalone magazine subscription is the number one way you can keep us alive – and we believe you’ll get a pretty fantastic gaming magazine in your mailbox every few weeks for your trouble.
Thank you.
