Online network issues, difficult to develop for architecture and an extremely high price at launch held back the PlayStation 3, despite the console featuring technical marvels, including its Blu-ray drive and ultra powerful Cell processor. When Sony made the late February announcement of the Playstation 4, it was clear the company was trying to make amends for past mistakes. And it did. Sort of.
Sony's Playstation 4 features a processing architecture more in line with a PC thanks to its 8-core Jaguar AMD processor, Radeon GPU and 8GB GDDR5 of memory. The online user interface sees improvement thanks to social features like video sharing and live broadcasting. Most importantly, Sony's next-gen console undercuts Microsoft's upcoming Xbox One by $100, at a $399 price point.
As the console launched Friday, reviewers of the console have lavished praises on its new features, including the improved Dualshock controller, its low price point, and online improvements. However, they also voiced their disappointment by the shortage of true next-gen games.
CNET
CNET writer Jeff Bakalar criticized the lack of exclusive and innovative titles, yet appreciated the much needed improvements on Sony's Dualshock 4 controller, along with visual quality.
"The PlayStation 4's beautiful graphics, blazing interface, and near-perfect controller make it a worthy successor to the PS3, but it would be wise to wait for more titles and features before you buy," said Jeff Bakalar.
Washington Post
Hayley Tsukayama of The Washington Post felt that PS4's greatest weakness - lackluster software - could be enough to justify paying $100 extra for Microsoft's Xbox One.
"The Playstation 4's makeover brings with it new processors, software and even a total overhauling of its controller. The result is a stellar new system that takes the Playstation brand in a good direction, but the PS4 platform still needs some time to mature before we can declare a winner in this generation of console wars," Tsukayama said.
USA Today
Delivering one of the mainly positive reviews of the console, USA Today's Brett Molina was satisfied by Sony's attempt to rectify the past mistakes of its Playstation 3.
"For Sony, the message it sends to competitors through the power PS4 is simple: Game on," Molina said.
NBC News
NBC News writer Yannick LeJacq said that while the console has potential, it's hard to recommend as of yet.
"Without anything to show for from its top talent yet, all Sony can really do is ask gamers for their trust with the PS4 right now," LeJacq said.
What is your take on the PlayStation 4?
