Yesterday, we learned and reported that Microsoft's upcoming next-gen Xbox One would support a total of eight controllers. At the time, it was unknown how many Microsoft's competitor, Sony's PlayStation 4 would support. But Sony has since come forward to confirm the number.
In response to a fan's question via Twitter, SCE Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida confirmed the PlayStation 4 supports four control pads at once.
Now, this may seem like a step backwards, as the PlayStation 3 could support up to 7, but let's be frank, when was the last time you had 6 or 7 other friends over at the same time to play a game that supported that many players? For the majority of gamers, most of the time they play multiplayer games, it's done online, not off.
Actually, I don't think me and three other friends played one game together since long before playing online was so easy, way back in the hay day of the Nintendo 64, a console which was known for some excellent multiplayer titles (curse you if you pick Oddjob and crouch walk everywhere).
So there you have it, Microsoft's Xbox One? 8. Sony's PlayStation 4? 4. Nintendo's Wii U? 5, but only one can work as the Wii U Pad.
Interestingly, no company seems to be pushing the number of controllers its console can support as a prime feature, probably because most gamers today playing multiplayer opt for online. Blissfully gone are the days of a four-way split screen on a 13" tube television. Ah, memories...
Under the hood, the PS4 boasts Supercharged PC architecture, X86 CPU, Enhanced PC GPU, 8GB Unified Memory, Local HDD. It will support the same PlayStation Plus service as the Vita and PS3. However, a Plus subscription will be required for online multiplayer games, but not for additional media services like Netflix. Sony has also updated the Dual Shock controllers with a touch screen and improved shoulder triggers.
The PS4 is set to release on November 15th in North America and on November 29th in Europe for $399. The Xbox One releases a week later, and will retail for $499.
