The PS4 release date has been confirmed with Sony formally unveiling its next-gen console alongside the promise of a ‘holiday 2013’ arrival.
Despite the lack of a finalised PS4 release date, a selection of UK retailers have already started offering PS4 pre-orders, allowing eager gamers to secure their console months ahead of launch.
With the PS4 now a thing of reality, Sony has announced that a PS4 release date will coincide with the pre-Christmas shopping rush as the Japanese manufacturer looks to capitalise on the lucrative launch window with its long awaited PS3 follow-on.
Whilst the company has failed to offer any detailed PS4 release date expectations, at the very end of the two hour PS4 launch event, an event which although confirming the PS4’s existence failed to show off how the console’s hardware will look, Sony revealed that the expected Xbox 720 rival is “coming holiday 2013.”
Fitting with recent PS4 release date rumours that suggested the next-gen gamer would touch down in November, Sony has failed to report whether the touted ‘holiday 2013’ launch window will see the console hit global markets or, as some pre-release reports suggested, land in the US and Sony’s native Japan only with a PS4 UK release date to follow in early 2014.
According to recent rumours, “development sources with working knowledge of both next-generation consoles,” have revealed that due to “complexities involved in European distribution,” the PS4 release date will be a somewhat staggered affair with key territories missing out on the first launch period.
The insider sources reportedly added: “We’re told that PlayStation 4 will launch in Japan and the US by Christmas with a Euro rollout following in early 2014.”
Having ended much of the speculation around its next-gen device, Sony has confirmed that the PS4 will play host to a bevy of high-end specs with the console featuring 8GB of RAM alongside PC architecture based high-power processor and graphics cards. What’s more, in a bid to offer more immersive gaming, Sony has announced that the console will launch alongside the new DualShock 4 PS4 controller which is set to host a touchpanel interface, ‘Share’ button and Move-esque motion capabilities when paired with the new stereo camera.
Far more than a mere hardware overhaul, the PS4 is set to bring a raft of new software and entertainment update to Sony’s leading home entertainment device. Whilst Gaikai integration means a bevy of content and social services are set to be at gamer’s disposals, Sony has revealed that the PS4 will feature cross platform Vita compatibility as well as improved online and group gaming options.
Sony has yet to offer any indication of the PS4 price tag with those eager to snap up the device expected to have to wait until E3 2013 June for more details on the Nintendo Wii U rival.
Although Sony has remained quiet on the PS4 release date and pricing front, a selection of retailers, including UK high street giant GAME, are already taking PS4 pre-orders with those eager to snap up Sony’s next-gen gamer able to make deposits to ensure a console is waiting for them at launch.
Proving gamers an opportunity to “get in line for the PlayStation 4 here,” GAME is letting avid PlayStation fans make a £20 deposit to secure they are amongst the first to snap up the Xbox rival. “Place your deposit here and be part of the Future of PlayStation by reserving the PlayStation 4,” a listing on the company’s website said.
“The PS4 is looking like a truly revolutionary console,” Martyn Gibbs, GAME’s CEO said. “We look forward to bringing the PS4 to the gaming communities of the UK.”
He added: “Many console launches have seen demand significantly outstrip supply so we would urge anyone wishing to get their hands on a PS4 from launch to register their interest with our store teams or online as soon as possible.”
Will you be saving the pennies in order to snap up the PS4 at launch or have you been left largely unimpressed by the announcement of Sony’s next-gen gamer? Let us know via the TrustedReviews Twitter and Facebook feeds or through the comment boxes below.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
