Despite the console's emphasis on streaming and sharing, the PS4 will technically work without a constant internet connection, Sony Worldwide president Shuhei Yoshida told Eurogamer today.
Rumors in recent months had suggested that both the PS4 and the yet-to-be-announced next-gen Xbox could potentially force users to keep their console on at all times. With the PS4 announced, it seems that console-maker was out to debunk all the potentially damaging things you might've heard about the console: Yoshida also debunked rumors that the PS4 would not allow consumers to play used games.
"You can play offline, but you may want to keep it connected," said Yoshida. "The system has the low-power mode - I don't know the official term - that the main system is shut down but the subsystem is awake. Downloading or updating or you can wake it up using either the tablet, smartphone or PS Vita."
Many of the features that make the PS4 stand out compared to current console require an internet connection. The PS4 controller will feature a share button allowing users to upload gameplay footage and streaming video to the internet at any time. The console also emphasizes game streaming services: Rather than support "native" backwards compatiblity, the console will be able to play PS1, PS2, and PS3-era games via Sony's Gaikai-powered streaming service. The service will also players to control the console and, in some cases, play games with the PS Vita, tablets, and smartphones.
"Oh yes, yes, you can go offline totally. Social is big for us, but we understand there are some people who are anti-social! So if you don't want to connect to anyone else, you can do that."
The PlayStation 4 will launch this holiday season.
