Sony announces winter release for PlayStation 4

Sony announced in a worldwide press conference the emergence of their next-generation console, unsurprisingly named the PlayStation 4 (PS4).

The system will be powered by a single-chip processor with an eight-core 64-bit x86 central processing unit (CPU) code-named "Jaguar," which has nothing to do with the Atari console released in the early ’90s.

The system will also not have any dedicated RAM, which will be shared between processing and graphics capabilities, similar to what is found in the current-generation Microsoft console, the Xbox 360.

The PS4 is expected to be capable of reading both Blu-rays and DVDs and include Ethernet connectivity, USB 3.0 and Bluetooth 2.1, as well as a headset that can be plugged into the new DualShock 4 controller.

The DualShock 4 is similar in design to previous PlayStation controllers with the notable addition of a miniature touch screen built into the center, where traditionally the "select" and "start" buttons were placed.

Sony also announced the PS Vita, its current-generation handheld gaming device, can be used to show whatever the PS4 is playing at that moment, and Sony has announced plans for the Vita to be used to play the games, similar to Nintendo’s Wii U tablet controller.

However, not everything announced by Sony is sunshine and rainbows.

PlayStation Network purchases made on the PlayStation 3 will not transfer to the new system, meaning any digitally downloaded games may have to be paid for again.

Backward compatibility (the ability to play PS3, PS2 and PS1 games) will also not be available — at least at launch.

Sony did announce they will release a cloud-based streaming service via Gaikai, a company Sony recently acquired, that will allow players to play games from every generation of PlayStation, but whether this means they will have to be purchased again is still unclear.

The games coming to the system definitely warrant it a look.

Jonathan Blow, creator of popular indie game "Braid," announced his next title, "Witness," will be released on the PS4 before other systems, so those who wish to play it early will have to invest in Sony’s next product.

Sucker Punch Productions, creator of the popular "Sly Cooper" and "Infamous" games, announced the next chapter of the "Infamous" series with "Infamous: Second Son," a PS4 exclusive.

Another exclusive title will be "Killzone: Shadow Fall," the next game from Guerrilla Games.

While this isn’t unexpected, considering games from these series were PS3 exclusives, it does give fans something to look forward to.

Square Enix also announced a unique "Final Fantasy" game coming to the system that will be shown at this summer’s Electronics Entertainment Expo, or E3, although overall details for the game are scarce.

Perhaps the biggest victory for Sony against competitor Microsoft came in the form of Bungie, creators of the Xbox exclusive "Halo" series, who announced their new game, "Destiny," will have content created solely for Sony consoles.

Blizzard also announced they will be transferring "Diablo III" to Sony’s new console, although considering the game’s lukewarm reception, this may be either a pro or a con.

Overall, Sony did an amazing job with releasing this information – much better than its previous showings at E3.

That said, there is a lot here that can make current owners of the PS3 afraid to make the switch — especially since many of these games will be released for both consoles.

I’d wait until the system actually releases, but Sony’s future is looking bright, especially considering in this console generation their system was basically the GameCube.

That is not a compliment.