Sony PlayStation 4 was nearly download-only
Sony's PlayStation 4 could have been a download-only console – but the Japanese electronics manufacturer has decided to stick with discs for the time being.
According to the Wall Street Journal, "people familiar with the matter" revealed that the PS4 will come packing an optical drive (presumably a Blu-ray drive like that found in the PS3).
The Wall Street Journal's source also revealed that the PlayStation 4 will be launching in 2013. Sony declined to comment, but it makes sense given that the PS4's next-gen rival, the Microsoft Xbox 720 (codenamed Durango) is set for a release in November 2013.
The format of choice for the next-gen consoles is the subject of much debate, with earlier rumours suggesting that the Xbox 720 would be ditching discs in favour of download-only. Like the PS4, though, it looks like Redmond's next-gen console will feature an optical drive – the main concern being that internet speeds won't be up to scratch for download-only games.
[via GamesIndustry.biz]
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Comments
Rectifier
50 weeks ago
A download-only system would be damaging to so many parties financially, the only winners would be the console manufacturers and the companies producing the content.
Retailers would be out of the market entirely and the re-sale market would cease to exist. How many of us try a game we've borrowed or rented before buying into a franchise? Most of us, I'd say, and only those mentioned above and staunch environmentalists would be happy.
This is good news on so many levels.
Dare99
50 weeks ago
And why would Sony care about the resalers and retailers? They only care about their own bottom line.
I'm sure if the internet infrastructure were there in all their markets, they'd jump at the chance of becoming sole distributer.