Following its presentation at the crowd-pleasing E3 entertainment expo, Sony revealed the full specifications of its next-generation PlayStation 4 gaming console. Poised to go head-to-head with Microsoft’s Xbox One, these details bring us one step closer to understanding the full capabilities of this new machine.
The first part of this article looked at the main and graphics processors, internal storage, RAM, and the integrated Blu-ray optical drive. Here we cover video and sound output, connectivity specs, the DualShock 4 controller, and the included and optional accessories that will be available.
Video and audio output
When the PS3 and Xbox 360 were released, analog connections were the most common ways to connect your console to your TV. Display technology has progressed at an alarming rate in recent years, and as a result the PS4 only has digital outputs. For video, an HDMI port with HDCP encryption is the only option, while for sound there is, in addition to audio via the HDMI output, an optical Toslink SPDIF connection.
Wired and wireless connectivity
Wireless options on the PlayStation 4 will be in the form of integrated 802.11 b/g/n wireless network connectivity and integrated Bluetooth 2.1. Wired connections come in the form of a Gigabit Ethernet port (also backward compatible with 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX), two USB 3.0 ports, and a custom auxiliary port used for connection to the PlayStation Camera motion-sensing device.
The controller (see below for details) uses Bluetooth 2.1+EDR technology to achieve a wireless connection, although the USB port can be used for charging and playing games at low battery level. USB ports maintain a power supply even when the console is turned off.
Controller
The DualShock 4 is the new standard PS4 controller and contains several new features over its predecessor, the DualShock 3. The first is a clickable capacitive touchpad on the front of the controller. Another new feature is a light bar on the front of the device that can display different colors and can be used for things like identifying players in multiplayer games or indicating a low battery level. The light bar is also used by the external camera to measure movement and depth. They also feature improved motion detection using a 3-axis gyroscope and 3-axis accelerometer along with an improved vibration function.
Some of the buttons have been revised. The HOME and SELECT buttons have been removed and replaced with a single OPTIONS button, while a SHARE button has been introduced, presumably to allow uploading of images, videos, or stats from your games. The joysticks and triggers have also been redesigned.
The controller features a 3.5mm stereo jack and a micro USB port for charging and connecting the console when there is not enough charge on the controller to continue gaming wirelessly.
Regarding backwards compatibility of controllers, PlayStation Move controllers will be compatible with the new console, however, DualShock 3 will not be compatible with PS4. Sony will include a free PS4 controller with the console, with additional units available for $59 USD or £44 GBP.
Accessories
In addition to the DualShock 4 wireless controller (see above), the Sony PS4 will come with a free mono headset that can be attached to the controller. Despite the fact that the free headphones are mono, the connection jack on the controller is capable of outputting a stereo signal.
An HDMI cable will also be included with the PS4 package, although due to the omission of analog ports on the console no other video cables are included, although the user could purchase some sort of digital to analog converter if this is the only option for open connection. to them
The PlayStation 4 Eye Camera will not be included with the standard retail package, but will be available as an accessory for $59 USD or £54 GBP.
That concludes our look at the technical specifications of the Sony PlayStation 4. Keep an eye out for other articles that compare the new consoles with that of its main rival, the Xbox One.