Technical Description of the Sony PlayStation 4

Sony Corporation is releasing its newest video game console called the PlayStation 4 (PS4). The console is scheduled for a November 2013 release in North America, Europe, and Australia. It is considered part of the next generation of video gaming trends, replacing the current generation’s system, the PlayStation 3.

As with most video game consoles, the PlayStation 4 is similar in design and function as a desktop computer, with the added functionality of a Blu-Ray player and Internet media device that also has media input capabilities. The PlayStation 4 features a single chip processor produced by manufacturer AMD capable of processing speeds up to 2.5 GHz (Santos). The processor combines the central processing unit (CPU) and graphic processing unit (GPU). Internal memory is 8GB, and the console also includes a hard disk drive, optical drive, and both wired and wireless connectivity through Ethernet, IEEE 802.11, and Bluetooth (Sony). All consoles are designed for some sort of audio and visual output. For the PlayStation 4, HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) outputs and optical digital output allow for connection to most current televisions or screens and new or advanced audio systems. In this regard, the PlayStation 4 is meant to be both a video game console and home entertainment device, capable of playing games, Blu-Ray DVDs, and streaming content from the Internet to a television, screen, or other home theater component.

The PlayStation 4 follows earlier models in terms of overall design. The theme for all PlayStation consoles beginning with the PlayStation 2 is to work off the motif of a black box. The PlayStation 4 (pictured below) is designed to look like a parallelogram, without some right angles in corners but still symmetrical. Like previous models it can be laid flat on its side or stood vertically with the use of an accompanying stand. The finish of the black plastic cover is a matte finish, giving the PlayStation 4 a shiny but not glossy look.

Accompanying the console are two accessories, the DualShock 4 controller and a motion-sensor camera. The DualShock 4 is similar to its predecessors in that it is a black controller with multiple inputs through a combination of buttons and analog control sticks present on both sides of the controller. The controller communicates with the console wirelessly, meaning it also uses Bluetooth technology. The controller is powered through an internal rechargeable battery and also features a vibration feature that corresponds with choices made in the menu selection process or during game play (Sony). The camera is meant to capture user motion, faces, and images during gameplay. It can record up to 240 frames per second with an 85-degree field of vision. It includes a 4-channel microphone array to capture sound and connects to the console and is powered by a 6-foot cable (Sony).

The PlayStation 4 by Sony is both cutting-edge in its graphic processing and computational power, and a continuation of the PlayStation signature style in the design of the console and controller. Sony uses current technology to produce one of the most advanced video game systems ever.

Works Cited

Santos, Alexis. "Sony PlayStation 4 Waltzes Past the FCC." Engadget. AOL Tech, 22 Jul. 2013. https://www.engadget.com/2013/07/22/sony-playstation-4-fcc/

U.S. PlayStation Web Site. PlayStation 4, 2013. https://www.playstation.com/en-us/