So, yay PS4! Obviously the reveal from a while back was more of a teaser than anything else. I bought my PS3 about 5 years after it came out and it was about that time when SONY’s catalog of games were well matured and value added services like PS+ were in place. I definitely won’t get one at launch, not because I’m underwhelmed — it’s more like the PS3 + Vita ecosystem is still so rich!
For those who don’t know, SONY is putting Microsoft to shame not just because their online play is completely free, but also because their USD $49.99 a year Playstation Plus subscription gives PS3 and Vita owners at least 4 new games a month. So yes, that’s roughly 48 games a year as long as you’re subscribed! And mind you these aren’t crap titles. In the past few weeks alone, PS+ members have had access to Vanquish, Resident Evil V, Infamous 2 (and more) for the PS3 and Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Gravity Rush, WipeOut and Mega Man Maverick Hunter (and more) for the Vita. All for free.
But a new console is still a new console and the new Playstation (coming holidays 2013) will sit together with the WiiU and whatever it is Microsoft will release as the bastions of next generation gaming for the next 7 or so years. We’ll be stuck with this. If you’re a new parent, this will be the console your kid will grow up with: bundled with touch-enabled Dual Shock 4 controllers and a bundled Playstation Eye.
SONY didn’t say anything about the rumored streaming service for games nor backward compatibility. They did confirm though that the PS4 will not block used games. PS+ however is here to stay and “isn’t going anywhere” according to the US Playstation blog so I’m definitely looking forward to how the Plus subscription will fan out to the PS4.
If you’re prepping for the PS4, get a Vita and a yearly PS+ subscription for the freebies. Those who have been deciding on the Vita for the longest time but still need a tipping point to go all in will see how the device ties into the PS4 as a second screen and a second controller. If that boggles you, here’s an example of how it works with Little Big Planet 2:
Also, if you need an immediate fix, you can buy a Vita now.
