Sony Explains Why We Didn't See the PS4 Itself Last Night

News
By
published

Sony is being coy.

Yesterday's PS4 event was long, and with good reason. The company talked at great length about its new console, the features it would have, and the titles that would be launching with it. We even got a glimpse of the new DualShock 4 controller. What we didn't see was the PS4 itself, which is kind of weird for a console launch. In fact, for all the hype, we can't be the only ones a little bit disappointed that Sony was happy to talk specs but wouldn't show off the actual hardware.

 

Sony has since offered an explanation of the curious case of the invisible PS4. It's not because they haven't finalized the design, nor is it a case of the console not being finished. Instead, Sony was holding a little something back for later. Speaking to Kotaku, Shuhei Yoshida, president of Sony's Worldwide Studios, is quoted as saying the company didn't want to give everything away right off the bat.

"[...] When we planned for this event, obviously we discussed what we should show and talk about," he said. "As far as the DualShock 4 is concerned we wanted to do the live demo. And we were like, yeah, we have to show the controller, because it's awkward not to show the controller when someone is doing a demo. And also the feature that the DualShock 4 has, the share button, is a very key idea behind the design of the PS4..." Yoshida continued, adding, "We really wanted to explain what we've done with the DualShock 4."

However, the company didn't feel the same way about showing off the PS4. Speaking about the console, Yoshida said, "[...] We have to keep something new for later. Otherwise you'd get bored."

Considering that statement, we reckon we might see a big unveil of the PS4 console at E3, which is when Microsoft is rumored to be showing off the Xbox 720. Time will tell.

Check out the hardware of the PS4 here.

Read more about the games shown off here.

Contact Us for News Tips, Corrections and Feedback                 

Jane McEntegart
35 Comments Comment from the forums
  • noblerabbit
    we didn't see the main attraction, the PS4, but we had to see Diablo 3. again. Shame on you Sony, for not having Kazunori Yamauchi showcase next gen discussion about his upcoming GT6 game that has such a loyal following of dedicated fans with money to throw at their GT games, but, we had to see Diablo 3. again.

    Reply
  • leon2006
    AMD better be on time with the APU for this machine.
    Reply
  • DRosencraft
    Makes sense from a PR standpoint - there will always be rumors about surprise games and the like, but rumors about the design of the actual console are liable to keep more interest. The danger Sony always faced with doing the roll-out this early has been that the console would start to seem stale and unexciting by the time it actually hits retail. Not sure if keeping back the box everything is wrapped in will fix that problem entirely, but it's something I guess.
    Reply
  • jn77
    No, Sony did showcase the PS4 last night, it was invisible because they are using that light bending material the military uses to make things invisible..... you can even make shirts out of.... see right through you.
    Reply
  • noblerabbit
    leon2006AMD better be on time with the APU for this machine.
    AMD was the one that went running to Sony , begging them to take their two year old Bulldozer chips that were stocked full in their warehouses. No issues for any delays there.
    Reply
  • fulle
    When I saw the Blizzard logo, I was immediately annoyed. And WOW did Blizzard do a terrible presentation, that did NOTHING to help hype the PS4.

    Here's what I learned about Diablo 3 for consoles last night:

    1. It's multiplatform, and is confirmed for PS3, and PS4. Wording was given to strongly suggest that it would release on Microsoft's systems as well.

    2. The PS3 version looks really great they say. No advantages of the PS4 system were given. Nothing about extra features, or better graphics, or anything else. We got "The PS3 version looks great". Thanks Blizz.

    3. Graphics have been re-done vs the PC version, so characters are 3D models, not paper dolls, direct control of character, and dodge was added.

    4. Blizzard's "lifeblood is consoles" now, apparently.


    Hey Blizzard! Hey, yeah you! Your presentation was BORING for console gamers. You didn't show any cool gameplay or give any details they'll be excited about! You failed there. You didn't show off ANYTHING that promotes the PS4 at a PS4 launch event, which is just really really insulting to Sony! And guess what? You also managed to alienate your PC gamer fans, you are the actual lifeblood of your business.

    Could Blizzard have done a worse job?
    Reply
  • robochump
    Curious that PS4 patent design is not shown like other similar articles regarding pre-released devices and/or hardware? Is Japan more closed with its patents than US?
    Reply
  • Attention console gamers: Be very careful hitching your wagon to Blizzard's star.

    Less than a year ago Blizzard dropped one of the biggest disappointment-bombs in gaming history, and most certainly the biggest in PC gaming history: Diablo 3.

    I don't see how a console port will change the fact that this is a mediocre game, nor change that the Blizzard we know from back in the day is long gone, replaced by a team that has rights to their IP but is clearly Not Blizzard.

    And yes, PC gaming has been the lifeblood of Blizzards business, and by even suggesting otherwise they are exposing themselves once again as totally delusional.
    Reply
  • redeemer
    Lol AMD haters Sony and Microsoft made the decision to use AMD because it the best choice. Nvidia and Intel sucks for these kinds of applications so stop being butthurt!
    Reply
  • bustapr
    noblerabbitwe didn't see the main attraction, the PS4, but we had to see Diablo 3. again. Shame on you Sony, for not having Kazunori Yamauchi showcase next gen discussion about his upcoming GT6 game that has such a loyal following of dedicated fans with money to throw at their GT games, but, we had to see Diablo 3. again.I imagine that "Driveclub" game is like a replacement for the GT series. Its basically the same thing made by another dev. I didnt quite understand their concept of the game though, what I could make out of it was "Racing wth guilds" sort of thing. I hope Sony gets to making a new GT though.
    Reply