PlayStation 4

The PlayStation 4. (9021900367)

DualShock 4

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PlayStation 4 (PS4) is a home video game console developed and marketed by Sony Computer Entertainment. Announced as the successor to the PlayStation 3 during a press conference on February 20, 2013, it was launched on November 15, 2013, in North America, November 29, 2013, in Europe, South America, and Australia, and on February 22, 2014, in Japan. It competes with Microsoft's Xbox One and Nintendo's Wii U and Switch as part of the eighth generation of video game consoles.

Development

The development of the PlayStation 4 began in 2008, led by lead architect Mark Cerny. The development team embraced the feedback from developers, focusing on enhancing the ease of development and the overall performance of the console. Sony aimed to unify the hardware's components to provide a streamlined gaming experience and to facilitate the development process for game developers.

Hardware

The PlayStation 4's hardware is a significant improvement over its predecessor, featuring a custom AMD processor, which combines an eight-core x86-64 CPU with a powerful GPU. It also includes 8 GB of GDDR5 memory, a significant upgrade that allows for faster data processing and game loading times. The console supports HDR10 High-dynamic-range video and playback of 4K resolution multimedia.

Software

The PS4's operating system, named Orbis OS, is a proprietary system. The interface is designed to be user-friendly, allowing for easy navigation and access to games, social features, and the PlayStation Store. The PS4 introduced several new features, including the ability to share gameplay clips and screenshots, stream gameplay online, and play games remotely via the PlayStation Vita, a feature known as Remote Play.

Controller

The PlayStation 4 comes with the DualShock 4 controller, which includes several new features compared to its predecessor, the DualShock 3. Notable improvements include a built-in touchpad, a share button to easily upload gameplay footage, and improved ergonomics. The DualShock 4 also introduces a light bar that can change colors to provide in-game cues to players.

Games

The PlayStation 4 has a vast library of games, ranging from independent games to blockbuster titles. Sony has emphasized support for independent developers, resulting in a diverse range of games available on the platform. Notable exclusives for the PS4 include titles such as Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, The Last of Us Part II, and God of War.

Reception

The PlayStation 4 has been highly successful, receiving positive reviews for its design, user interface, and game library. Critics have praised the console's focus on gamers and its improvements over the previous generation. The PS4 has become one of the best-selling consoles of all time, demonstrating Sony's strong presence in the video game industry.

See Also

• PlayStation 3
• PlayStation 5
• Xbox One
• Nintendo Switch