The release of The PlayStation 4

PS4, free from technological barriers: A console by game creators for game creators – Mark Cerny (lead system architect)

Playstation 4 or PS4 has finally launched last November 15, 2013 in North America. It competes with Nintendo’s Wii U and Microsoft’s soon to follow Xbox One, as one of the eighth generation of video game consoles.

The PS4 is Sony’s latest video game console; it is the successor to the PS3/ Playstation 3 that was released 7 years ago. Included in the price of the console will be a DualShock 4 controller, 500GB hard drive, Mono-headset for voicechat, USB connection cable (to charge DualShock 4), a power cable for the console, and one HDMI cable. PS4 has no used game restrictions or restrictions on lending and renting games. The PlayStation App can be downloaded to your smartphones and tablets to access online info, and can also be used as second screens for the PS4, as can the PlayStation Vita.

Just days after its launch, Sony received reports of hardware issues in which they took immediate action. Speaking to Gamelnformer, a SCEA representative said, “We understand the frustration of consumers that have had a problem and are working with them and our retail partners to help troubleshoot issues and ensure affected units are exchanged. SCEA is exchanging units with new replacements for those who call our support line. The exchanges are immediate with expedited shipping.”

Sony reports that less than 1% of consoles have been experiencing problems, rising from the 0.4% they cited last week. They also believe that there is no single consistent glitch in the device, and the cause of the issues are blamed on a range of problems and damage during transport. There’s also an upgrade rolling in just a week after its release in the US and Canada. It will be a mandatory download once you connect to PlayStation Network. The 1.51 update will fix a few minor bugs and refine the interface, making it clearer when you’re downloading both a game and a patch at the same time. “With this minor required update, stability of system software has been improved,” Sony’s Eric Lempel explained.

Reception of the new console has been positive so far, from developers and journalists.

Eurogamer called the graphics technology in PS4 “impressive”

Mark Rein of Epic Games describes the system as “a phenomenal piece of hardware”

PS3 has sold 80 million units as of today worldwide, PS4 has already sold 1 million units since its released.