The lights are on
As we previously mentioned, Sony has posted a new document pertaining to the capabilities of the PlayStation 4 at launch. We outlined the list of release titles, and the surprising news that the console won’t allow for USB devices to expand system storage. Here are some of the more minor details.
If you’re hoping to borrow a game from a friend before a digital license purchase to cut short download time, you’re out of luck. The PlayStation 4 requires that you delete the disc data before you can install a digital copy.
Music fans will be disappointed to learn that the PS4 does not support audio CDs or MP3s. It also doesn’t have a visualizer.
In addition to the features that will be activated by update 1.5 (like Blu-Ray playback and online play), the PlayStation 4 will be missing a couple of other things. You won’t be able to share your controller over the internet to get help from a friend right away. You also won’t be able to use wireless stereo headsets (even Sony branded ones) as we previously detailed.
If you are currently using the PlayStation 3 as a media server, you might want to hang onto that console. The PS4 won’t be able to serve that role.
At launch, the PS4 will have full parental controls for sub-accounts, and you will be able to download updates while the console is in standby mode. This is different than suspend/resume mode, which also won’t be featured at launch.
Sony has stated that day-and-date digital releases are a goal, but that it’s up to publishers. Be warned that if you are hoping to go exclusively digital this generation, Sony isn’t guaranteeing that all titles will fit your plan.
There is some good news for importers. The PS4’s games aren’t region locked. This includes digital purchases. Sony does recommend you stick to your own region for those to ensure the best experience, though.
PS3 and PS4 users can technically play together (as they likely will when DC Universe Online arrives). They wont be able to voice or video chat with each other, though.
Finally, there is no more waiting for patches to download. You’ll be able to play your game while that happens. You will need to restart your game to implement the new content, though.
The full blog is extremely detailed, and we expect that it will be updated many times over the coming days. There are titles we were surprised to see absent from the list of release day games, and there may be some clarification about other elements.
[Source: PlayStation Blog]
Our TakeSome of these facts were known previously, but some are still a surprise. I expect that we’ll see most games available digitally when they arrive at retail, but I’m surprised that Sony is leaving that up to publishers. I’m also surprised at the little things missing like audio CD playing and a media server. I think the absence of the suspend/resume feature is also interesting, even though it’s something we’ve known about. Here’s hoping that the gaps are filled in quickly so early adopters can make the most of their new systems.
I've never bought a console right at launch and all this news about Day-One patches being needed for both systems for promised core functions doesn't change my stance. Best of luck to those that preordered their system of choice.
I think the reason for the lack of CD and MP3 playback on the PS4 was done with the PS3 in mind, I don't think they saw peopl replacing the PS3 with the PS4 but rather that it would be in addition to the PlayStation family, they probably see the PS4 being your main Gaming Center while your PS3 remained as your main Media Center. Another reason could be that they envisioned a more Cloud Streaming oriented device, I know a lot of people would think that Sony is trying to sway people into buying into their Music Unlimited App, but right now you can download the TuneIn Radio App, and perhaps they see more music streaming apps like Spotify or Rdio and Pandora making their way into the PS4. And as for DLNA, I think they also see people turning more towards Netflix and Hulu or Redbox Instant.
wooooooo i dont like it
Some of this is surprising, but I don't think any of this necessarily hurts the system in a major way. We just expect it to be there so we want it to be there, but when was the last time someone placed a cd in their PS3 just to listen to music?
That's it, no CD or MP3 playback! I'm done with next-gen! How do they call themselves next-gen and not include this new technology!
Well this is slightly annoying. The PS4 marketed a bunch of these things as focal points for the console. Now, some of them will require a day one update in order to work and others still need more time. Well both these companies have royally screwed up the marketing if you ask me.
Just to give you guys a heads-up, if you have not seen Shuhei Yoshida response on twitter here it is:
twitter.com/.../395661158205501440
MP3 and DLNA support is probably in the pipeline, which is what I was thinking would have been the case all along.
They have updated the FAQ to indicate that they will consider DLNA & MP3 support, but it's pretty silly not to have such basic things at launch.
It had never occurred to me that I might be able to put .mp3s on my PS4, but now that I know I can't I feel strangely disappointed.
Can't do any media server stuff? Weak sauce.
Perfect examples of why I wait awhile to switch to new systems.
I'd rather purchase a full product when I pay for something.
Got enough great games still to play on current gen.
:)