PS4 was almost download only, targeting 2013 release

by Ben Salter Featured 12 Comments 26 Votes 713 Views 31/05/2012 Back to News

The successor to the PlayStation 3 was almost going to be a download-only device without an optical drive.

People close to the matter told The Wallstreet Journal that Sony canned the idea when it released it wasn't feasible on a global scale.

Internet connections across the world are too inconsistent to rely on the PlayStation Network for distribution. Those in countries with lesser infrastructure would turn away from the console.

It also learnt its lesson with the ill-fated PSP GO. The download only PSP didn't come close to overtaking the physical media-based option.

Instead, it is likely to employ a similar method to that on the PS Vita, where games can be purchased at retail or digitally through the PS Store.

The sources also mentioned that Sony is targeting a late 2013 launch for the next PlayStation.

By Ben Salter - Bio

Link to us http://PS3.mmgn.com/News/PS4-was-almost-download-only-targeting-2

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Kudos: 14,450

MyFragian

This is good, i always get ridiculously fail speeds on their network, the same size file on Xbox live or via steam can be downloaded in a quarter of the time :P

31/05/2012

NSW!!

Kudos: 210,893

M@ndyz

Steam is sooooo quick for me.. And Xbox isn't too bad either.. Games like rage which are 25gb might take a full day of downloading..

31/05/2012

Add me on steam........... bootie [mmgn] Or raptr.......... bootie101 3024-5457-6221 Japanese 3DS friendcode for Animal crossing

Kudos: 84,548

renagadez

I doubt a 2013 release for the next Playstation. I think there's still plenty of life left in the PS3.

31/05/2012

Sydney, New South Wales

Kudos: 287,033

Gryllis

renagadez said: I doubt a 2013 release for the next Playstation. I think there's still plenty of life left in the PS3.

Sounds about right for me. I think they'll do a similar thing they did with the PS2. It lasted 10 years, but was succeeded by the PS3 after 6 years, but was still supported after that.

Late 2013 would make the PS3 the longest lasting PS before it's replaced.

Plus Microsoft will be looking to make a move. Sony doesn't want to get off to a slow start again.

31/05/2012

The member formerly formerly known as ICC_06, formerly known as Ben.

Kudos: 31,145

IAMColonel

Well if they're going to charge a grand again, the slow start is inevitable.

31/05/2012

Melbourne

Kudos: 300,119

Tano

Not feasible on a global sale, or didn't sit well with retailers that sell the hardware? Bit of both.

31/05/2012

"Niko! Cousin!"

Kudos: 358,862

Guyver

Internet is not good enough in all areas yet to abandon physical media.

31/05/2012

right meow?

Kudos: 51,826

Milky

I've always been against downloading games, but I'm starting to embrace... mainly because I'm running out of space.

The only issue I currently have with downloading games is competitive pricing. Yes Steam destroys all, but PSN and Xbox Live all charge more for games than they sell for at JB Hi-Fi. They'll never have an incentive to reduce their prices if retailers can't sell.

31/05/2012

come on, i only want a cuddle!

Kudos: 21,038

Mike2DMaxx4

I'll be on the fence for this. 1 because any game I buy instantly goes into my collection. They are my bragging rights ;) Downloads just aren't the same. 2 I have horrid Internet. Until all of Australia has NBN I'll sit out for the mean time plus like Milky said its sooo much more expensive than buying from a store. BUT I can see it being really successful. Getting games on demand and such

31/05/2012

Sic . Parvis . Magna

Kudos: 10,518

LMA0

I like physical media because I like the covers which I like collecting to show off my friends n guest of my games and they be saying 'wow u have a nice collection' but probably in their mind they be saying 'wow he must have no life'. Also I like physical media games because of the instruction manual which I like to read when I'm doing my number 2s and some games like GTA have maps which I like putting them up in my room.

31/05/2012

Outer West Sydney aka The Ghetto