Sony PlayStation 4 (PS4)
Two years into its life cycle and the Sony PlayStation 4 has
definitely reached its stride. The eighth-generation game system packs
the same impressive power, excellent DualShock 4 controller, and nearly
identical interface it had when the system launched, and remains a
strong, compelling package. The PS4 now uses Sony's C-Chassis, a
slightly different case from the launch PS4 that retains nearly
identical dimensions and button/port/drive positions, but is lighter and
completely matte black. It's also less expensive, retailing for $xxx
for the 500GB model, compared with the launch price of $xxx, and certain
PS4 bundles include systems with 1TB hard drives for $xxx.
The PlayStation 4 still faces off against the Microsoft Xbox One, and once again the choice between the two boils down to a matter of taste. The
PS4's complete lack of backward compatibility (a lack the Xbox One
initially shared but is slowly addressing) will have most gamers
clinging to their old system, even if they buy a new one. As a modern,
dedicated game system with social networking and streaming media
features, though, the PlayStation 4 shines, earning our Editors' Choice.
Editors' Note: This review has been updated to reflect additional
features since the system's launch. The PS4 pictured in the slideshow
below is the original launch model.
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Design
The launch PS4 is still available, though Sony is
phasing it out for the new C-chassis in various bundles and packages.
The two versions have the same hardware and features, but the C-chassis
makes some changes to the finish of the case, the Power and Eject
buttons, and the overall system weight. This review focuses on the
launch system, which we tested.
The console's original design is clearly inspired more by the
PlayStation 2 than the PlayStation 3. It's black, mostly matte, and
angular. From the front, it cuts the same profile as the PS2: a perfect
rectangle. It's even closer to the (original) PS2 than the (original)
PS3 in size, measuring 2.2 by 10.8 by 12 inches (HWD) and weighing a
relatively svelte 6.1 pounds. The first PS3 weighed 11 pounds and
measured 4.5 inches tall (later, it shrunk to 4.6 pounds and 2.4
inches), while the first PS2 weighed 4 pounds and measured 3 inches tall
(and later became an ethereal 2 pounds and 1 inch tall).
Look at the PS4
from any angle other than head-on, though, and you'll see just how
different it is. The system is designed as a parallelogram, with a front
bottom and rear top that jut out at sharp angles. A prominent Death
Star trench-like cut-out runs along the edges of the case, and the top
side and top half of the front side of the system are split into glossy
and matte black finishes. A colored indicator light sits hidden on a
line between the two halves on top, glowing white, blue, or yellow to
show what the system is doing.
It certainly looks striking, but it's not the most user-friendly
physical design. The front panel holds two USB ports for charging
controllers or other devices and a slot-loading Blu-ray drive you have
to squint to see under the top lip of the system, in the trench. It's a
drive you'll learn to find by feel alone, locating just the right spot
to put your discs so the slot sucks them in. The back panel houses an
HDMI port, an Ethernet port, an optical audio port, and a modified USB
port for accessories like the optional $xx Xbox-Kinect-like PlayStation
Camera (which, like the Kinect, has been more or less completely
forgotten by developers). The overhang of the top side of the system
makes it difficult to see the ports, but a few cutouts around them make
them easy to identify by touch.
The Power buttons can be frustrating, but not Xbox 360 Slim
frustrating. The bad news is they're touch-sensitive with no physical
feedback. The good news is they're so small you won't accidentally turn
the console on or off or eject the disc (like I've done many times with
the Xbox 360 Slim). They're tiny rectangles on the front, positioned
just left of the center of the system. The Power button sits between the
glossy and matte black halves of the top, and the Eject button is
between the two matte black halves of the bottom.
Hardware
Like all game consoles, the PlayStation 4 can't
be judged purely by its hardware and how it looks on paper.
Architectures and operating systems differ so much between consoles and
generations that we can't evaluate them based on specs and benchmarking
like we do with computers. However, to be complete, these are the specs
of the PlayStation 4.
The console uses a 16-core, 64-bit AMD Jaguar CPU and 8GB of
GDDR5 RAM, and its GPU is an AMD Radeon-based engine. It has a 500GB
hard drive for storage, and uses a Blu-ray drive just like the
PlayStation 3. The 500GB drive is all you get (unless you get a bundle
with a 1TB drive installed), but you can connect external storage
through USB if you want.
What's Included
The PlayStation 4 comes with only a few
accessories, but they're enough to make the system completely
functional. Besides the console itself, you get a DualShock 4 controller
(which connects to the PS4 via Bluetooth), USB-to-micro-USB charging
cable, an HDMI cable, and an earpiece that plugs into the controller.
The included monaural headset is a simple earbud with an in-line
microphone. The box also includes an insert with codes for 30 days of
PlayStation Plus, 30 days of Sony Music Unlimited, and $xx on the PS
Store, so you can start playing on your PS4 even if you don't buy any
games with it. PlayStation Plus offers a rotating selection of free
games that remain available after you download them for as long as you
remain a member, and Sony Music Unlimited membership lets you stream any
music available in a Songza-like service.
DualShock 4
While the PS4's body was designed with style
in mind, its controller was clearly designed for comfort. It keeps the
same basic design and layout of previous Sony DualShock (and Sixaxis)
controllers, but makes many welcome changes that make it feel more
satisfying in your hands. The little fin grips used in the DualShock 3
have been replaced by larger, rounder grips that have an Xbox 360
controller feel. The analog sticks have been redesigned, each with a
convex center surrounded by a ring-shaped ridge that keeps the stick in
place under your thumb. The triggers are larger and not nearly as wiggly
as on the Sixaxis or DualShock 3 triggers, which will please shooter
fans.
Besides the welcome physical changes to make the controller more
comfortable, the DualShock 4 has a handful of new, useful features. The
gamepad has a rectangular touchpad placed between the direction pad and
face buttons (and between the Share and Option buttons that now replace
Start and Select), which can be used to perform gestures in certain
games. The touchpad clicks, so you won't accidentally register a button
by taking your finger off the pad for a second and putting it back on.
The gamepad also features a small speaker, like the Nintendo Wii Remote and Nintendo Wii U
gamepad. Finally, an accessory port on the bottom, between the grips,
lets you plug in the included monaural earpiece, like the Xbox 360
controller.
Then there's the lightbar, which faces outward from the front of the
controller. It's the most prominent aspect of the DualShock 4 because it
glows. It lights up different colors based on who is playing and what
game is being played, with blue as the default for the player in control
and in the system's interface. The lightbar is also used by the
PlayStation Camera for augmented reality and motion controls. As of
firmware update 1.70 you can dim the bar, but you still can't can't turn
it off completely. If you have a very glossy HDTV, you'll probably be
seeing its reflection in dark games, especially if you like to play in
low light.
Power and Graphics
Two years into the PS4's life cycle
have seen developers really get their footing in making games look and
play very well. The system is unquestionably more powerful than the PS3,
and titles like Bloodborne, Destiny, and even remastered versions of
The Last of Us and the first three Uncharted games show off what the
system can do. The PlayStation 3 is now securely last-gen, and the
PlayStation 4 is the console with the real graphical power.
Interface
The XrossMediaBar (XMB) interface that
dominated the PlayStation 3 and most Sony home entertainment products
for years has been rethought here. Instead, the PlayStation 4 uses the
PlayStation Dynamic Menu, an interface that shows shades of the PS
Store's most recent redesign and hints of Microsoft's Metro interface
(on the Xbox One). Dynamic is the right word, because the entire screen
changes based on what you have highlighted.
The main screen is populated by a row of large icons that expand when
you highlight them, starting with What's New on the left, your most
recent games to the right of it, and PlayStation 4 features like the Web
browser, Live from PlayStation, and Downloads. Each selection shows
additional information like your friends' activities in games, and if
any of them are currently broadcasting gameplay (explained below). It's
an attractive, information-rich interface that focuses on integrating
social network features into the mix on every level.
The top of the screen holds icons for the PS Store, Notifications,
Friends, Current User, Trophies, and Time. Pressing up on the left
analog stick or the direction pad brings those icons to the bottom of
the screen and hides the larger icons, freeing up the top third to
display notifications, friends lists, trophies, and other information.
The Settings menu is also accessed this way, along with a Parties voice
chat feature that lets you bring together friends online for voice chat
when doing different activities.
You can control the PlayStation 4 with your voice, either with the
included wired headset or the PlayStation Camera. This feature is much
more limited than the voice control features on the Xbox One, but it
lets you jump to games, take screenshots, and even turn off the system.
It worked well in our tests, though the noise of the lab sometimes made
it mix up commands.
Sony added some new social features with the 3.0 update of the
system's firmware. You can now join and organize communities on PSN,
bringing together various players who can communicate with a unified
message board on the system. The PS4 also displays events like official
broadcasts of new games and online contests.
Online and Media Service
PlayStation Network is the way
to get online with the PlayStation 4, serving as the access point to all
online services. The PlayStation 4 has both Wi-Fi and an Ethernet port,
so you can access your network however you want. PSN has undergone a
few changes with the PlayStation 4, especially with multiplayer gaming.
PSN on the PlayStation 3 didn't require users to subscribe to the
PlayStation Plus premium service, available for $xx per year, to play
online games. Unfortunately, PSN on the PlayStation 4 needs the
subscription to play online, with the exception of free-to-play games.
It puts the PS4's online requirements closer to the Xbox 360 and Xbox
One's requirements (both of which need the premium Xbox Live Gold
service to play online).
The PlayStation 4 is very functional as a media streamer,
just like the PlayStation 3. It works as a Blu-ray player and can
access online services like Amazon Instant Video, Crackle, CrunchyRoll,
Hulu Plus, and Netflix. It isn't nearly as ambitious as the Xbox One,
though, lacking any integration with your cable or satellite service
like the Xbox One's Watch TV feature. Functionally, it doesn't try to do
too much more than the PlayStation 3; it just does it all more smoothly
and comprehensively. Fortunately, you don't need to subscribe to PS
Plus to use these services, while the Xbox One and Xbox 360 both require
Xbox Live Gold subscriptions to watch Netflix, Hulu Plus, and nearly
everything else.
Multiple Users
The PlayStation 4 juggles multiple users
much better than in earlier iterations. Several players can sit on the
couch, with each holding a gamepad (up to four, while the Xbox One
supports eight simultaneous players). One user stays in control of the
interface, indicated by the name on the top of the screen. However, when
more than one user is logged in to the system, any user with a gamepad
can take control, and the main screen will reflect that by displaying
all of the pertinent game and social information of the active user.
A user can set the PlayStation 4 as their primary system, letting
every other user play games downloaded from his PSN account. A user can
only have one primary system, though, and if it's not the primary system
only the user with the rights to the game (through purchase or PS Plus
membership) can load it.
Sharing Button
The DualShock 4 features a new Share
button in place of a Select button, which lets users record video, take
screen shots, or stream gameplay online. The PlayStation 4 records the
last 15 minutes of any game you play, and the Share button saves those
15 minutes as a file you can upload to Facebook or post on PSN. It also
captures a screen shot (including shots of the main menu), which you can
post on Facebook or Twitter. You can transfer captured video to a
connected USB drive, so you can finally get footage you record on the
PS4 on your computer for editing and uploading under your own terms.
The PlayStation 4 can access Share Factory, a free video editing app
similar to the Xbox One's Upload Studio that lets you cut and edit your
recorded clips. It's more powerful and complicated than Upload Studio,
giving greater control over clip selection and placement of effects. It
still has a 15-minute limit for videos, just like gameplay clips.
If you don't want to record video with the PS4 itself, you can
disable HDCP to enable the use of a third party capture device. This
disables Blu-ray playback, and any other software that uses HDCP (so
expect it to disrupt any movie or TV-watching you want to do), but if
you want even greater control over capturing gameplay it's a useful
option and one that can be easily toggled on and off.
Live broadcasting in 720p through Twitch.tv and UStream are supported
and integrate seamlessly into the system. When you play a game and
press the Share button, you can choose between posting the most recently
recorded clip, posting a screen shot, or live streaming to either
service. I streamed some Resogun gameplay to my Twitch account, and it
showed up online within seconds. You can also upload your footage while
you broadcast.
These live feeds can be viewed on the PlayStation 4 without a Twitch
or Ustream account. The Live on PlayStation menu shows users currently
streaming, and if the stream is public you can jump in and watch at any
time. Viewers on the PlayStation 4 also get an Interact button when
watching streams, which Sony says can let viewers interact with the game
directly and serve as helpers.
Backward Game Compatibility
There is no backward
compatibility with PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, PlayStation,
PlayStation Vita, or PlayStation Portable games. Some older PlayStation
games can be played through Sony's PlayStation Now streaming
service, available on the PS4, but the selection is limited. Currently,
there is no way to play previous generation PlayStation games on the
PlayStation 4 in disc or download form, so you might want to keep your
PS3 around (especially if it's a first version with backward PS2
compatibility). The Xbox One, in contrast, has begun rolling out backward compatibility and disc support for over 100 Xbox 360 titles.
PlayStation Vita and Mobile Integration
If you have a
smartphone, tablet, or PlayStation Vita, you can interact with the
PlayStation 4 directly through a local network. The PlayStation app for
iOS and Android turns your mobile device into a simple interface and
remote control for your PlayStation 4. You can access your PSN
information on your mobile device's screen, or turn it into a
gesture-based controller to navigate through menus. This is particularly
useful if you want to use your PS4 to watch streaming media or Blu-ray
discs. Strangely, the app doesn't function as a touchpad to control the
on-screen Web browser, but it offers a keyboard to input text. The app
also lets your mobile device serve as a second screen for games that
support this feature, but it doesn't directly mirror what's on your
HDTV.
The PlayStation Vita works not just as a second screen, but also as a
controller and remote display. The Vita's Remote Play feature lets you
play PlayStation 4 games on your Vita, as long as you're within Wi-Fi
range (either on the same network or through a Wi-Fi Direct connection).
The Vita has fewer buttons than the DualShock 4, so the touchpad on the
back is used to activate the missing buttons. I found the Remote Play
feature to be smooth and responsive, but the lower resolution of the
Vita's screen made PlayStation 4 games, designed to be on HDTVs, harder
to see.
Conclusions
The Sony PlayStation 4 feels like a beefed-up
PlayStation 3, and that's just fine. It has several new and useful
features like sharing gameplay footage and handling multiple users at
once, and the DualShock 4 is a fantastic upgrade over the DualShock 3
and Sixaxis controllers. It's a game system at heart, and a very good
one at that, earning our Editors' Choice for the improvements it makes
over the previous generation.
So should you get a PS4 or an Xbox One? Which game system is right
for you boils down to the games you want to play and how much money you
can spend. The PlayStation 4 works very well as a dedicated game
console. However, it has fewer features, and if you subscribe to cable
or satellite TV, the Xbox One is a better all-in-one media hub. For a
console, though, it's all about the gaming experience, and on that
front, the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One are neck and neck.
