Sony may highlight "new playing options" as one of the primary features of the PlayStation 4.
According to a report from Japan's Nikkei news service, Sony intends to posture their next-gen console as a new home entertainment hub, rather than a dedicated gaming platform. In doing so, they are expected to unveil and emphasize the console's feature's and "new playing options" instead of relying on specs.
Those new features, it seems, may be connected to the console's enhanced smartphone and tablet integration. According to the report, that connectivity will not be limited to Sony devices, despite Sony's penchant for Meanwhile, the PS4 controller may feature a small touchscreen, similar to the one on the back of the PS Vita, as well as a "share" button allowing players to easily record and post both screenshots and gameplay video.
Rumors suugesting Sony would drop the PlayStation's traditional Dualshock controller in favor of an experimental biometric interface seem to have been greatly exaggerated, based on this report.
In gaming, Sony has a history of pushing hardware with superior components and specs to get fans interested in their hardware. It's a strategy that, frankly speaking, hasn't been terribly successful given the historically slow sales for the PS3, PSP, and PS Vita. According to Edge, Sony has eschewed that strategy, leaving an extremely narrow gap between the specs of the PS4 and the next Xbox, codenamed "Durango."
Sony is expected to unveil the PS4 and its new features during their recently announced press conference in New York on February 20th.
